Finding Me

chapter ten

"Oh look at you," Sahara says as Quamar steps out in a white collared shirt and aqua bow tie. He does a spin on his heels, grinning, with a tug on his bow tie.

"Yeah, I know I look good," he says leaning on one of the tables.

"Where's Adrianna," she asks biting into her ham and cheese sandwich.

"She's gonna be staying at her friends' house. Y'know until mom and pops meets her," he says, and Sahara nods. Their mother enters into the staff room wearing a grey toned pantsuit, holding a black, leather briefcase.

"Mi glad unu still here," she says pulling her small twists into a small bun, then taking off her blazer, that showed off her floral printed cotton blouse. "Lawd have mercy. Mi hot. Yawd nuh su hot. Mi need the two of you for tonight's shift," she says fanning herself with a menu. Sahara giggled at the fact that after 29 years of living in Canada, her mom still couldn't help but slip into her native tongue.

"No can do mom. I have plans tonight," replies Quamar. But when he saw the look on their mother's face, he knew then that he would need to cancel his plans. Sahara holds onto her stomach, giggling at how much of a wimp her older brother is when it comes to their mom.

"Yeah. I can cover tonight's shift," Sahara says getting up to throw away her garbage. Mrs Caballarios' dark brown eyes darted around the room.

"Where's Castor," she asks.

"Either the kitchen or his office ma," replies Quamar. Their mother exited the room leaving behind the faint sound of her click clacking heels.

&&&&

A man in his late forties with a darken caramel skin tone, that's prickled with brown and grey facial hair enters the staff room. He climbs onto a bench for the full attention of his employees. He isn't wearing his normal attire due to that today, was the night he wanted make a great and special impression. His attire was brand new. A white, cotton long sleeved chef jacket that carried the most vibrant of greens, knotted buttons. As he stood on the stool, his lips parted into one of the most sincerest grin as he tried to make eye contact with each and every individual in the room.

"As many of you should know, tonight is a special night. We introduced a whole, entire new menu, but also there would be a highly respected and important company CEO coming tonight. If all goes well, Dushi Var will be expanded," he says, clasping his hands tighter. Everyone applauded and cheered. Sahara leaned over to Mrs. Caballarios.

"Oh my gosh! Ma that's incredible news. Congratulations," she says cheerfully, giving her mom a one arm hug.

"Yes if all goes well," she replies, letting out a anxious breath. Quamar towers over Mrs Caballarios resting his hands on her shoulders.

"Don't worry ma, all will go well. Wanna know why," he asks, but before his mother could reply, he started speaking again. "Because I'm gonna make sure it does. Dushi Var is gonna be the most turnt restaurant in Toronto," he says clapping his hands together, as he back away from his mom and sister.

"Is he even human," asks Sahara, as they both watch him puts a young , skinny male employee, David, into a headlock. Mrs Caballarios laughs, shaking her head and then proceeds to leave the room.

&&&&

"Honey, you will be the star for tonight," says Mr. Caballarios. Sahara almost drops her tray. She places it back onto the counter, turning wide eyed at her father.

"What do you mean by that," she asks, as she rubs the side of her tray, her dark eyebrows arching. Mr. Caballarios grabs ahold of his daughter's shoulders, smiling down at her brown doe-eyeds. My little girl.

"You'll be serving our important client, tonight," he replies, giving her shoulders a tight squeeze. She releases the tray, hugging herself now.

"Dad. Daddy. I am honour that you chose me, but maybe Mar would be a better choice," she says with pleading eyes. Mr. Caballarios crosses his arms, laughing at Sahara's attempt at getting out of hosting.

"Honey. You'll do just fine. Just breathe and smile," he says, cupping her full cheeks. After her father returned to the kitchen, she begins to take deep breaths. Just breathe and smile. Every little thing is gonna be alright. She looks up, making eye contact with her dad, who in return, gives her a thumbs-up. She gives him a weak smile, matching the way her stomach felt at that moment. As if she is on a roller coaster; but frozen at the top of the first drop. Nervously awaiting for that scary momentum where her middle drops abruptly. Suddenly she feels a pair of hands on her shoulders, that releases a yelp within her.

"Whoa. Relax. It's just me," Quamar says, raising his hands in defense. "Are you good," he asks. Sahara shook her head.

"Okay. Mom said you're needed at the front. He is here." he says godly, to add an effect. Sahara nodded, swallowing the nerves that was jolting in her body. Here goes nothing. Sahara picks up her note pad and walks over to Spanish looking couple. The man stood up at least six foot, appearing very intimidating with his formal attire. His, what Sahara would presume was his wife, appeared very opposite of him. She had on an elegant navy dress that stopped just under her knees, accompanied with a sincere smile.

"Hi. I am Sahara Caballarios and I will be your hostess for tonight. Thank you for choosing Dushi Varoulko as your dining outing. Allow me to show you, to your seats," she says in a calming tone, ensuring to make an equal amount of eye contact with both diners. She started towards the dining area, looking behind to make sure the couple was following her. Once the couple was seated, she realize that there was two empty seats.

"Would you like me to wait for your other guests to arrive before I take your beverage orders," she asks, placing her pen behind her ear.

"If you don't mind coming back twice to take our beverages. I am quite parched," the women replies, laying her hand on her chest.

"Of course. What would you like," Sahara replied. As the women began giving her order, Sahara couldn't help but look at the man as he spoke roughly into his cellphone.

"And for you sir," asks Sahara. The man places his cell down, smiling absent-mindedly.

"I will also have the Retsina," he says clasping his hands together. Sahara nods and smiles, making a note.

"Your drinks are coming right up,"she replies, returning to the counter.

&&&&

Mrs. Caballarios approaches Sahara, as Sahara is placing her drinks onto the tray.

"How is it going," her mother asks nervously.

"I don't know. The man is speaking Spanish and angrily into his phone. They order their drinks but I still have to wait for two other guests," Sahara replies rapidly.

"Honey, take a breath. You're doing fine then," she replies smiling. Sahara nods and begins to walk back to her guests. She sees that a young male and female had join them. The young female looked similar to the older woman, just a lighter complexion. She couldn't see the young male's feature, only the back of his head.

"Glad for you to join us. I have your drinks," Sahara says placing down the drinks in front of the older couple. " Now what-" Sahara stops, her eyes widening but then she remembers where she is, which calms her body a bit. "And what would you two like to order as beverages," she asks her voice almost fluttering.

"Water would be just fine," the girl replies, returning back to her cell phone. Sahara gives a quick okay and notes it down. "And for you sir," she asks making eye contact with the teenage boy. He gives her a mischievous grin.

"Surprise me," he says placing his hands under his chin. Just super, Sahara thinks.