Falling for Diana Clarisse

1

NINE YEARS LATER

If it was up to me, I would drop this job faster than you could blink. But no. I need this job because I can't get much decency with my Master's in English. Don't get me wrong, it's good for being a journalist or working in a publishing house, or something else. I don't like being a journalist. Or writing for a paper. Call me a creative writer.

Being a host at a five star restaurant by the nicer beach area is helping me, but it's a drag. I should be grateful that I had this job. If not, then how could I cover for my baby's school expenses? I took a part time job as a swim instructor at the pool over the weekend mornings, and these cover enough to get her through the year. My dad worked at the school, as the ecstatic history teacher for fifth graders. Since he worked there, they the school offered a more affordable price for tuition. He helped with the tuition even though I insisted I could cover it.

 Today dragged. It was a Saturday and someone had reserved the night for a friend's wedding rehearsal dinner. People were arguing, someone was close to get drinks tossed on them, it was bad. The people were bad. The nearly-wedded couple was looking around in despair as people were fighting. It looked like the disputes were going to happen at some time. That time is now. The groom looked at me, and I gave him a lopsided smile and shrugged. I made way over to him and his bride. At least I haven't been covered in food or anything yet.

"I'm sorry that they're causing a havoc. This is probably the worst dinner or anything you've seen, I assume? We're terribly sorry." He was upset and worried. 

"It's okay," I said. I see the boss coming. "We'll probably ask for someone to cover the expenses for any damage that is done. Hopefully, there's not a lot."  

 Carson came over. "Hello, I take it that you're all trying to get this resolved?" They couple nods and he looks at me. "Anything you can do? Have you tried all the tactics?"

 I nod. "Yes, sir. No one has tossed anything so it's still somewhat fine."

Carson took me aside. "Should we just do the 'charge the persons who started' and let the couple leave without a hassle?"

"I was actually going to suggest that, but didn't know how to leave here without worrying about everything. Is that what you want to do?"

"Yes. I'll talk to you in a bit." Carson smiles to the coupe and heads back to his room.

I get back with the couple. "Alright, so for expenses, we'll have the persons that are causing the commotion cover them. You two will be able to leave without worrying about anything besides the momentary argument. If you could just point me to the main disputes, you can head out by the front and wait for everyone to leave."

______________ 

I helped sort out the area after the wedding group left. The bride's cousin was catcalling the groom's sister. But everything was settled after I brought in the expenses. There wasn't much damage except for from plates and glasses broken on the ground. Along with some things out of place. It could've been much worse, so it wasn't much to worry about. It was alright cleaning up, the balcony doors were open, letting in the noise of the crashing waves and the smell of the sea breeze.

After cleaning up, I went to Carson's office. He said he wanted to talk. Long story short, he was giving me the choice of leaving. It was here, or the new branch about three hours away. He didn't want an answer now. He said "you have until Sunday, when your shift ends." He wants me to go. Well, I don't plan on going. My dad and baby girl live here. We all live under one roof. I'm not going anywhere. I got my stuff and headed out the front, only to be stopped by a regular coming in.

His name was Nick, short for Nicolas. He's your average guy working at some suit and tie office, coming in from a long day of work. He went to his usual table and sat with his head resting on the table. I let the chef know Nick came in, since he already knew what to prepare for him. One of the table waiters came up to me. "Todd."

Right, no one calls me by my first name. Just call me by my middle name. "Yeah, what's up Al?"

"You got a minute? Nick asked me to call you over to his table."

I've never talked to him but alright. I head over, not sure what to expect. Nick looks to me and points to the chair across from him, motioning me to sit. I sat. "I heard some stuff about you."

I cleared my throat. "Well, what have you heard, sir?"

He chuckled. "There's no need for calling me 'sir'. It's just Nick. I heard from Carson that you have a degree in English?"

Why would Carson mention this? "I do, what about it?” Wait. “Hold on, when did you talk to him?"

"Earlier. I know he's planning on having you relocate. If you say no, he's going to fire you. Do you want to be fired, Todd?" He calls me Todd, too.

"One, how are you sure? Two, why are you telling me this?"

"My boss-one of my closest friends- just lost a secretary. The secretary complained and did her work poorly and she quit herself. No joke. I don't see why she complained. She had a good job. Now, my friend slash boss needs a secretary on Monday." Nick takes a sip of his drink. "So I've been asking around through connections, looking for someone that might be interested. Carson brought you up once. So I was wondering if you would be interested."

Maybe. "So, what does your boss manage? Couldn't you just have someone get a promotion and work for her?"

"She and her older sister run a publishing house." Wow.

"As secretary, or maybe assistant is more accurate, you would help out in projects and scheduling works. Along with that, you also help her in getting a say in if something should get published or not." This is what I've been looking for.

"As long as you can manage a smartphone, work with a computer for researching, scheduling, and emailing along with communicating via anything with wifi, and get everyone to work together sometimes, you should be okay. As for, why not promote someone? I've had meetings everyone. People are happy with their positions."

Well then. "Oh and, if salary is a something you want to talk about, you'll make almost double or even triple what you may make here."

I am almost up for it. One thing matters. "Where's the building location?"

"Ten minutes away from here, down towards Manhattan Beach." I'm calculating this in my head. This is all really good. The house is in manhattan beach, so it's closer and the pool is there. I might not have to go the pool. This is all great!

I nod, smiling. "Sorry, Nick, one more question. How often do I work the weekends? I have a part time job over the weekends."

 He shrugged. "It depends. It can be crazy and busy, sometimes just completely free. What do you think?" 

I sigh. "I think I'm up for it. I just need to talk to Carson first." He smiled.

Life is getting better. Not just for me, but for the whole family.