Playing with Fire

Chapter 5

Lillian

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Waking up the next morning, it was nice to just wake up on my own without having an alarm wake me up. The sun coming through the window is what made my eyes flutter open. It was still an adjustment to wake up in this amazing apartment in this city. After a few more minutes of lying in bed I threw the covers off of me and rolled out of bed. Making my way into the bathroom I went to the toilet and then threw my clothes into the hamper and jumped into the shower. Feeling the hot water roll down my body with a sense of relaxation. The water took away all the tension I had in my shoulders. I was trying not to think about the dinner shift tonight, with me still being nervous about having to do this on my own at some point. I believed I would be working with Sara again which would make for a good night.

After I was all done getting ready for the day I walked out of my apartment. I figured I would walk around the city getting to know where more places are. It was close to nine o'clock by the time I started walking and knew my shift would begin at three o'clock. It gave me a few hours to grab some food and do more sight-seeing. I didn't need breakfast I was never really a breakfast person and could go with just eating lunch and dinner. Living near Armory Square was nice because there were little shops that you could stop in and see what they offered. After going in and out of the little stores I noticed it was around lunch time and I should head back to my place to make something to eat and relax at my apartment before changing and heading into work.

--------------------------------Later that Day-------------------------------------------------------------

I made my way into work after some time resting at home. I walked into the back room and locked my purse up and made my way up to the hostess stand to see what the plan was for me today.

"Good Evening Amy."

"Hey Lily you ready for work today?"

"Yes I am just seeing where I am today."

"The boss has you with Sara again shadowing her. She isn't here just yet."

"Okay thank you."

I went back to the breakroom and sat down on one of the couches that was along the wall and waited until Sara came in. I knew I was a few minutes early. I was hoping that because Sara would be working today that the group of firefighters would show up. I still wasn't able to get that one guy out of my head.

"Hey sorry I am late, I missed the exit and had to go around."

Sara came rushing in and threw her purse into her locker. She grabbed her apron out of her locker and then finally took a breath.

"It's fine I got here early, not knowing what I would be doing."

"Well let's get this day started."

Sara walked out of the breakroom and I got up to follow her. She went up to Amy and was talking to her about which section she was in today. I remember her telling me last time that some sections were better for tips than others. When she was walking back to me it didn't seem like she was upset or happy.

"We are in an okay section today. We get a lot of college students or younger generation that is placed in this section which means not big tips."

"That's okay. I still want to do it like we did the other day. You get all the tips I don't deserve anything with you doing all the work."

"Are you sure, it is usually part of training to have to share?"

"Yes, do you think the group of firefighters will be in today?"

She gave me a look after I asked her the question. I didn't want to make is too obvious I was asking because of one person. I still don't know how this guy was able to get under my skin but I wanted to find out more about him before I judged him again.

"I'm not sure. It depends on who is on shift and what they are doing. I know they didn't come in yesterday so there is a possibility."

"I was just thinking how the last time we worked together they were the most of our customer base that night."

"True but I don't believe they will be placed in our section tonight. They usually come in a big group and our area is the smaller part of the restaurant."

"Well we can hope that tonight will go along just as the other night."

We were standing in the gallery next to the drink fountain as we waited for customers to start arriving for the dinner. It was still early and between standing around we would clean up different areas of the restaurant. It was slow going and I hoped that most nights wouldn't be like this.

"Don't worry when college gets back into session in a couple months this place will be packed most nights. SU students love to come down from the hill and get different food than what is prepared at the school."

"That's good, hopefully I will be able to get a few good nights. I still don't know what my schedule will be so I don't know what I will be able to work when I am in school."

"I wouldn't worry too much the boss is really flexible with our hours and works with us for the most part."

A few people walked in through the door but they were placed into a different section then the one we were assigned. I knew what Sara was talking about now. As it got closer to five o'clock more people started to come in. We got a few people into our section but it wasn't like it was the other night. I was grabbing some refills for the table with the two guys sitting at it when Sara stopped me on my way back to the table.

"We got some new people into our section. Can you grab their drinks?"

"Yes no problem. Let me drop this off first."

She nodded and I headed in the direction to drop the drinks off. I placed each drink in front of the person and smiled and walked to the new table.

"Welcome to Empire Brewing Company, can I grab you something to drink?"

I looked up to the group siting at the table to find out who would want what to drink. That is when I saw a few of the firefighters from the other night. The one I was hoping to see was sitting right in front of me.

"Yes we will all take a bottle of bud light and a glass of water."

"Will I need to ID sir?"

"You tell me miss; Do I look like I am under the age of 21?"

"I will be right back with those for you gentlemen."

I smiled and turned around and walked to the PO system to punch in the drink order. The bar would prepare the beers and I had to go get the waters for the table. I put the four waters on the tray and brought them back to the table. I dropped the waters off and made my way back to the bar. I didn't want to get caught up with the guys at the table.