just call [e.d.]

one: santa monica pier

"dude, i should have never taken this job," greta declared to her mother, who was sitting on greta's bed as greta put on her apron. 

"watch me. watch me see someone from school or see a fucking celebrity there and watch me embarrass myself beyond any capacity that i can handle," greta continued. 

greta was working a private party tonight, serving food  with her stepdad's catering company for a little extra cash. he had said that they were a younger group, which meant it was probably a rich classmate of greta's having some sort of 18th birthday bash or something. despite the embarrassment of not being invited, she was going to show up in an apron, carrying plates of crab cakes and chocolate covered strawberries and most likely picking up after everyone at the end of the night. 

"i mean, if it's not someone i know, it will be someone important. did jack tell you how much they're paying us?" 

"baby you need to relax, you're giving yourself unneeded stress," greta's mother replied, helping greta tie her apron behind her back. greta had knotted it in an attempt to tie it while pacing. 

"honestly, i don't even care anymore, i just want tonight to be over with so i can retreat quickly back to my cozy little cocoon of blankets and hulu," greta sighed, putting her head in her hands. 

greta's mother tied a bow and then turned greta around. her hands were on greta's waist, rubbing her thumbs in calming circles. "greta, you've been in your room for, like, the past two weeks, it'll be good to get out. and hey, at least you'll be on an expensive boat. there are pluses and minuses here," she said with a smile. 

greta wrapped her arms around her mother, and they embraced. greta was always able to calm down when her mother held her. her arms were warm and soft, and she smelled like home. sometimes greta just needed to remember that she was home. 

with one final squeeze, greta pulled away. "alright, here i go," she smiled. her mother kissed her on the cheek, and with that, greta was off.