Annihilation - h.s.

Chapter Four.

It's been another hour and Katie now knows how to take orders and serve appetizers. She's even had her first lesson on how to react when a heinous old man tries to grab at her. I have since then slightly persuaded her to flirt again, though.

I watch as she serves the man in the grey suit - whom I've learned is Mr. Coulter of the Coulter Law Firm- his main course.

"Sirloin steak, medium rare?" She puts his plate in front of him, smiling. Her arm is unsteady as is the arm of any new waitress, but that will change within the month.

"Thank you." He says, lifting his watch-constricted hand to grab his fork.

"My pleasure." She's got the smoothness in her voice mastered since my demonstration. Her eyes meet mine, slightly unsure.

I send her a smile and an overdramatic thumbs up before I spin around and pace back to the kitchen, pleased with her progress.

I pick up the dinners of the other two men sitting with Mr. Coulter - a salmon fillet and lamb. I cringe slightly at the second dish. I can't stand the thought of killing a baby sheep before it even has a chance to live, just because it 'tastes better.' I have managed to remain an omnivore in the past nineteen years of living with my vegan mother, but I still have boundaries. I repent that some of her beliefs have actually rubbed off on me.

Quickly pushing the thoughts of the lamb from my mind, I exit the kitchen once more to deliver the food. I reach the table and gently place the meals in front of two men who stuff their faces immediately.

"Have you enjoyed your night so far, Gentlemen?"

The two men mumble in content, while Mr. Coulter seems to be the only one who is poised enough to swallow before he speaks.

"It's been alright," he grins at me after wiping his mouth with a cloth napkin.

"Only alright, Mr. Coulter?" I challenge after a brief gasp of mock disappointment.

"It's been lovely. Only I haven't seen much of you, Darling." He corrects. His smile doesn't waver. "Will I have the delight of your company in serving me dessert tonight?"

"I'm sure you've seen plenty of me." I laugh. "And you said you've been here before. If that is true, then you must know that my shift ends before dessert is served."

"This is true, but you can't blame a man for hoping." He retorts confidently with the tragically over used line.

"That wasn't hope, sir. That was poor gameplay." I wink at him and revel as his confidence clouds over. The forks of the other two men sat at the table stop scraping; their faces hold shock and humour as they stare at me. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, Gentlemen."

I turn around, and allow Mr. Coulter the company of my backside, swaying in control as I leave the dining room.

I walk back to the kitchen, relieved to find a spare moment that I don't hesitate to use - relaxing while the other snobby businessmen finish their dinners. I glance at the analog clock on the wall for what must be the hundredth time tonight. It verifies that this century-long of a shift will soon come to an end.

A few minutes later, I hear the quiet squeak of sneakers approaching me. I have come to learn that that sound could only come from Katie; everybody else wears high heels. I look up to see her walking toward me.

"So that's it? We're done for the night?" Her eyes are hopeful and her pitch has gone up almost an octave, she seems as eager as I am to be finished.

"Not quite," I laugh. "We still have to go out to tables twenty-one and twenty-seven once more to fill wine and water glasses, and assure everyone is enjoying their food." I raise my hand, motioning through the small window to a group of men sitting in the corner of the dining room.

We both grab water pitchers and I push through the double doors standing tall with Katie strolling quietly behind me.

As expected, as soon as the doors open, my ears are bombarded with a deep buzz. The room is cluttered with multiple conversations being had at every table. Having done this many times throughout the night, Katie and I separate without a word, circling the tables and refilling glasses.

"How is everything so far?" I ask while reaching to the cabinet behind me to grab a bottle and pouring some white wine into one woman's glass when she nods.

"Just splendid!" A chubby man from across the table answers me between mouthfuls of his dinner. His cheeks are rosy and his bald head has collected a slight sheen, it is clear that he won't be driving home.

"Great! I'm afraid this is the last I'll see of you tonight, but if you have any other concerns, Jessica would love to help you out." I say to the table with a gesture toward the bartender across the room with my free hand.

I move along, stopping to talk to a few more lawyers before Katie and I meet again to walk back to the kitchen. I check the clock for the last time, knowing beforehand, but still smiling when I see that it is finally time for me to pack up and leave after this dreadfully long shift.

I say goodbye to Katie, telling her I'll sign her out when I go upstairs. I give her my number, too, in case she has any questions and I'm not working with her. I speak to a few other employees as I make my way towards my locker.

After shoving my apron in, and grabbing my bag, I lock my locker and head up the steep stairs, only now beginning to notice the deep ache in my feet. When I enter the office, I see Dan sitting at the computer.

"Are you finished? I need to sign out." I hadn't prepared myself to deal with him before I came up here.

His eyes shift toward me as he grasps the desk to aid him in standing up. He is moving agonizingly slow for someone who has barely just reached the age of thirty.

"Ms. Harrow," He nods as he passes me on his way out the door.

I don't respond to his greeting, instead I sign on the computer and begin filling out the 'time in' and 'time out' columns for both Katie and myself.

The phone rings to my left, but I ignore it. After the second ring, though, I hear Dan's fingers tapping on the doorframe, telling me that he's expecting me to answer.

With an exaggerated sigh, I reach for the phone, picking it up to stop the unforgiving siren.

"Hi. Chicago Illuminating Company. August speaking, how may I help you?" I greet with my most respectful tone, eying Dan as he finally leaves the room.

"Yes, hi. This is Christine Lewis," Her voice is full of air, almost rushed. "I have a booking next week that I would like to cancel."

****

Author's Note:

She'll get out of the restaurant eventually, I promise. Sorry it's dragging on so long! We actually planned for everything that has happened in the last four chapters and more to be in the first chapter haha.

Also, it would be amazing for you to comment or vote because if i'm honest, it's kindof discouraging when you spend so much time on something and get zero feedback.  

Anyway, thanks for reading, loves!

- Meg and Steph.