Gray Skies

The Rooftop

I couldn't wait to leave my Aunt Beth's place, because in some ways it made my skin crawl. But this place... The Rooftop. It was chill and relaxed. I loved it here. It was a backpacker/bar that I worked at. The Boss was nice enough to offer me the room up stairs whenever I was working late nights. It was a safe place to be. I waited on tables most nights but on the rare occasion I would be working the cooking line.

ADAM: Chuck your stuff upstairs. Your waiting on zone 4 tonight. You start in 10.

ME : Okay. On my way.

I rushed up and through the garden of the rooftop. Till I reached the spare room upstairs. It wasn't anything special. It was mainly just a double bed with a desk. They used to rent it out to students but they kept doing stupid shit. So now it's one of many places I can escape to, but this one had a natural value to it. I changed into my work uniform and did my make up. I opted for a subtle brown toned lipstick... I never like make up as much these days but I needed to make the tips.

I pulled my hair back and cracked out my apron. I did a once over in the mirror and then walked out the door. Since the rooftop was a booming restaurant and bar. So I was rushing around everywhere. That was until I saw a tables in my section I hoped was never there. I had to bite the bullet, I needed to afford expenses. I had Adam tapping my shoulder and he said "you want me to take that table?", I glanced behind me and saw that he was balancing trays of drinks in both arms. I waved him on and he knew better now. Not to question me on this.

I took in a breath and starting walking towards the newly seated table. Lord help me control myself. "Good Evening. What can I get you all tonight?" I ask plastering the most realistic looking smile that I could over my face. Don't crack. Don't crack. Keep smiling. Keep smiling. Then I saw rouge. "We'll have your most expensive labeled wine please" my Aunt says smiling at me clearly knowing that everyone at the dinner table knows who I am. My Aunt's colleague looked at me and said "Gray. I didn't know that you worked at The Rooftop..." Keep smiling. Keep smiling. Be polite. "I need to learn how to earn my own money. What better job?" I say clearly waiting for the rest of them to order their food. As the orders came in I could hear them whispering asking about me. My Aunt snickered as Adam bought a $10,000 bottle of wine.

I took the food order over to the kitchen to double check everything. I still had another table to do. I walked over and got Ipad ready to take orders. "Welcome to The Rooftop. What can I get for you all tonight?" I ask selecting the correct table for any proceeding orders. I heard a couple of huffed breaths and a slightly irritating gasp. I put on my glasses and just plastered on a smile. A lady who clearly had the beauty of a model said "We'll have large jug of water and a beer". "Would you like more time to debate over your meals?" "Non. We'll have the chef's specials" a man said with a thick European accent. I knew he was there. I just tried not to look at him. "Of course Mr. Drake, Chef Dion always has a unique menu in mind for you sir" I say waiting for a short time to ensure there was nothing else needed.

Before I walked away I caught Rebel looking at me. His sister wasn't there. I had to continue with my job. I grabbed the first few plates of food to my Aunts table. I kept the smile plastered on my face. I served them the rest of the night but my Aunt insisted on staying with a man that remained at her table. Which irritated me more, since I played along with her little act. "Anora! The chef wants you!" someone yelled from the kitchen, I quickly turned on my heel and headed into the kitchen, it was mayhem at best. But hell I loved it, I learnt so many languages by just hanging around in here.

Then there he was, Chef Dion. "Ah Anora. Here are the dishes for the Drake table. I will personally help you deliver these meals" he says handing me two beautifully contrasted dishes. I followed him to the table setting it down in front of Rebel. When I set my hand down to my side I felt Rebel slip a piece of paper into my hand. "So Miss....?" I heard Mr Drake ask, I focus on him and I reply "Anora. Anora Blake" he nodded before saying "How would you explain the meal?". I could tell Chef Dion was nervous I rolled my lips before I heard a stifled laugh from Mr. Drake. "Doux, Savoureux et a juste la bonne combinaison de saveurs..." he was obviously impressed. "Quel est le problème? Tu as donné ta langue au chat? Chef Dion sait la nourriture. Vous êtes entre de bonnes mains. Bonsoir" I say before I left to cater to my many tables.