Nothing's Fine

Chapter 6

I walked back towards the kitchen before being stopped by Mrs. Shay.

“What the hell was that all about?”

“I’m sorry. What?”

“Don’t play dumb with me! The number one rule, do not make relationships with the guests!”

“But you told me to forget everything ordered from you if one of them asks me to do something!”

I held my breath as I waited for my answer. Usually, when I spoke back like this to my mom, it was a back hand and possible kick in my groin. Mrs. Shay, however, went for the more subtle, cold shoulder. She stuck her nose up in the air and walked in the opposite direction. I wasn’t fired and I didn’t get hit. Good start.

“Your list is on the counter. Get started. You’re helping serve dinner tonight.”

I turned to ask what she meant, but she was already gone. I was supposed to be the maid, not one of servers. I didn’t know how to waitress. I had zero balance what-so-ever.

I scurried to the kitchen, looking at the clock on the way in. It was already five. I’ve been here since nine this morning. How did this day go by so fast?

I found the list on the counter just like she said it would be. At the top, written in clean, crisp letters, were Dining Room Duty. Underneath it were the words:

Memorize these. They are you’re chores for now on and you will not be remind of what they are.

-Set Silver: Two spoons, Two Forks, Butter Knife and Cutting Knife

-Set Napkins: Thick folded on chair, Thin underneath Silver

-Set Plates: One for each chair, Silver Plates on end

-Center piece

-Wine glass on right side of plate, water glass on left

-Salad bowl on top of plates, behind plates on the ends

I looked over the list one more time before deciding that this was crazy. They weren’t this kind of family. This is for snobs that go to country clubs every day, then come home expecting dinner. Sure, they were famous now, but this? This was outrageous.

I knew better than to rebel against it though. I walked through the kitchen, finally finding the silver when I heard the door slam behind me.

“Good Lord Carter, Do you not have anything else to do?” I slammed the drawer shut.

“Panties in a twist much?”

“Who says that?”

“I say it! What’s wrong with you?” He questioned, snatching the list from my hands.

“Stop it! I have to finish this!”

“Damn. Precise enough?”

“Yes, now give it back so that I can finish.”

“Want help?”

“No. I want to finish!”

“Well, I can help you finish…”

“Are you a child? What part of no do you not understand?” I snarled. He was becoming annoying.

“Fine. I get it. I’ll leave you alone. Bye.”

I sighed as the door slammed behind him. I just ruined my one chance of actual fun this summer. I slid against the wall, opening the nearest cabinet that contained the plates. I went to grab a stack as Carter popped back in.

“By the way, I hope your attitude changes by tonight. I don’t think Liam will like the_”

I threw a towel at him. Of course he wasn’t truly mad at me. I was slowly learning that this kid didn’t get his feelings hurt easily. I grabbed the plates, smiling to myself. At least my ugly, shitty attitude self didn’t scare off one person. However, there is one person I’m hoping to scare off.

I finished the dining room. I checked the list over and over again making sure I didn’t miss any steps. Once I was satisfied, I walked out of the dining room straight into Liam and Niall.

“I’m sorry.”

“Me too.”

“It was my fault. I should’ve walked more slowly.” I protested.

“That’s not what I’m sorry for.”

I looked up at him. Surely to God we weren’t about to have this conversation in front of Niall.

“I’m sorry that you feel like you have to apologize for everything you do.” He rolled his eyes.

It wasn’t the conversation that I had expected, but it still had the same affect. The only difference was the fact that I wasn’t exactly obligated to respond, so I quickly went around him.

“You know, I’m expecting you tonight.” I heard him call out before I heard Niall’s snickers.

“Yes sir.” I nodded, hoping to get the point across that I was only doing this because he was technically my employer and I had to do as he said. The look on his face told me I did.

Once I made it safely back to the kitchen, I looked at the clock again. It was five thirty. It took thirty damn minutes to set a table. Wow. That’s just great.

The room was filled with people I didn’t know, let alone people that worked here. They were all dressed in black with white aprons. I assumed these were the waiters. I looked to see if I could spot Carter. He was in a corner, slipping on a black t-shirt. I excused myself through the crowd over to him. His eyes met mine as I reached his corner.

“Why are there so many?”

“You really are new aren’t you?”

“Last I checked, yeah. I am.”

“Half of these people are the cooks, the other half will be servers. The ones in the white aprons are servers. They each get assigned to one guest. That’s what were gunna be. We don’t handle the food or drinks; we just relay what they want. I assume you don’t really care about the others.” He smirked.

“Maybe I do! Maybe I want a promotion!”

“Oh, I bet.” He rolled his eyes before continuing. “Your uniform is over there. I can help you change if you like…” He smiled.

“I bet you’d like that.”

“Oh, you have no idea.” I could hear his smile as I walked over to get my uniform.

“I’m changing in the closet. You know, just in case anybody asks.” I said to him as I closed the door.