Before You

Chapter 13

          I wake up before my alarm goes off. It's 5:45 AM. I have to be up in fifteen minutes. Today is my first shift at the country club. I pick up my cell phone and turn the alarm setting off. I'll lay here for a few minutes. There's no reason to rush. I made sure I would have plenty of time to get dressed and arrive early before my shift starts.

          I lie on my back and look up at the ceiling. Friday night when I left the Mystic Tavern I immediately called Boston. It was so good to hear her voice. I told her all about the guy from that night. She, of course, was on my side and couldn't believe he was such a jerk. However, she was more than proud when I told her I tried to jump on him. That's definitely something I picked up from her. I would have never done that before meeting and becoming friends with Boston.

          We talked for hours that night. She told me how things were going back home. She's been working at the local movie theater and is still hanging out with Zane and Mason. She also said that Gage and Liz stopped seeing each other not long after I left. I didn't ask about Gage, but she felt the need to bring it up. I changed the subject after that. She said that she missed me and would love for her, Zane and Mason to come see me for a weekend. She knows my twenty-first birthday is coming up and thought that it would be a perfect time for them to come. I, of course, agreed to everything. I miss not having friends closer to me.

          I spent all day Saturday doing homework, studying, cleaning my apartment, and getting my weekly grocery run in. My mother called around dinner. We talked for about thirty minutes, until Brad arrived at her house, and then she had to go. The conversation wasn't bad. She seemed to be in a decent mood and there were no arguments, which I'm always thankful for. I went to bed early and caught up on rest. It was a day well spent.

          I get out of bed and get dressed. My uniform consists of black pants, a white button up long sleeve shirt, black dress shoes, and a gold nametag. It's the first day and I already hate this uniform. I would much rather being wearing denim jeans and a tank top. I go to the bathroom and apply all of my makeup while keeping it lighter than usual. I grab a hair tie and pull my hair down low into a ponytail. Walking to the front door, I grab my usual blueberry pop tart from the kitchen and a bottle of water. It's time for work.

          I arrive to work with fifteen minutes to spare. I meet Layla at the front desk and she shows me where the employee lounge is, along with the restroom and lockers. She's very nice. I'm given my apron and escorted to Susan's office.

          "Ah, good morning Evy" Susan says.

          "Good morning, Susan" I reply.

          "Here, come with me. I'll introduce you to Peyton" she says while standing up.

          We walk down a wide hallway and into the main lounge area. It's huge. There's large tables covered in white linens and about ten chairs to each table. There are also a few smaller tables that seat four throughout the room. Floral centerpieces are seen on each table. It's beautiful. Susan guides me into the kitchen area and stops before a young woman. She's short with blue eyes and light brown hair that reaches her shoulders, and her makeup is similar to mine on a normal day. She has a very thin frame making me think that she may be half of my body size. She appears to be in her twenties as well.

          "Evy, this is Peyton. She's a server here and will be your trainer over the next two weeks. If you have any questions, please direct them to Peyton. I'll be checking in with her to see how you're doing. This is your shot; you've got two weeks to get it right. Have a wonderful day ladies" Susan says, then proceeds to turn away and leave us.

          "Hey Evy. I'm Peyton. You'll be with me at all my tables today. Just follow my lead. I'll teach you exactly what you need to do and say to get the best tips from these jerks".