Fate

Tom

I followed Carloyn over to one of the tables that were by the window.  No one else was seated near by so I guess she was doing this to keep it private.  I would of assumed she would of taken me to an office but im guessing as she didn't actually know that she was supposed to be interviewing me this was then next best.  I was still wondering why Zac had done this?  Maybe he knew that once she had met me they was no chance I was getting the job, I mean she had said that it wouldn't be long.  Remembering interviews id had back home they had always seemed to go on for ages, trying to ask as many awkward questions as possible to catch you out...well that is what it felt  like.  Carolyn took one of the seats at the table gesturing for me to take one of the ones opposite.

"So before we start anything I dont suppose my son managed to remember to ask for a CV did he?" I was surprised she was saying this in a jokingly way.  Her smile seemed genuine but a little voice at the back of my head couldn't shrug some past feelings I had gotten off of Zac and maybe just maybe this was all a bit set up.

"Yeah of course. I had a few in one of my folders" I replied reaching into my bag pulling out a CV I had printed off once I realised I was going to need to get some money behind me.  "I'm afraid its from when I was back in the UK.  Im still pretty new over here so I cant even get any character references.  Hhmm infact the only ones I could give here are my parents and they aren't actually here either.  Maybe I could ask some of my teachers but they don't really know me" I stopped my rambling as the voice at the back of me head was screaming 'way to go moron' . I looked too see Carloyn still smiling.

"Its not a problem. Relax.  Why dont you tell me a bit about yourself why i read over this?" 

"Ok.  Well Im obvioulsy originally from the UK.  From a place called Birmingham.  We have recently moved over here as my Mum is American.  My parents met through there job in the army so as you can guess they have been away a lot.  My Mum moved to the UK to have me and well they decided as now im older we would move over here..." I paused as when actually saying it out loud I realised it sounded like I was an abandoned child. 

"Was it hard leaving your family and friends behind?" she asked even though still reading my CV

"I'd be lying if a said no" I gulped "but I suppose when I look at it my Mum gave up all of that for me so ive never complained or tried to cause any hassle.  I love them and know they would never do anything they didn't think I was ready for.  I guess it will take some time to get to know people, but the people I have met so far at school have all been welcoming" I could feel my eyes tearing up.  Damn me and my emotional flood gate.  Why was I telling a stranger this much. I mean I don't chat to people my own age this much.  The people I had met had been alright but I didn't go out of my way to speak to them.  I looked at Carloyn as she was looking at me with a worrying look.

"Ok let me tell you a bit about what we do here.  As you may or not have been told we are mainly known for our steak meals.  We do do other foods as well but our speciality is the steaks.  We are open seven days a week but and I will say this now, with students I will only let them work 2 short shifts in the week and one at the weekend.  My priority is making sure everyone is not missing out on school work, and if you are struggling I would rather you come and speak to me so we can sort something out.  I would never fire anyone if they have a good reason to not do a shift.  Even if its because something has come up that you would rather do instead of work id rather you be honest.  Normally I can get a shift covered if I have time but if someone phones up saying they are sick and later down the line it comes out its because they wanted to go out partying...well lets just say I don't hide my disappointment" I sat there nodding and I swear my jaw must of been hanging open a bit.  This women seemed to be a very fair boss.  I mean I knew back at home there last concern was your education it was getting people fed and getting in money.  If you were struggling with school work you wouldn't say anything as to be fair what did your employer care? As im thinking this I hear some laughing and turn to the table making the noise.  I see Zac handing out plates to the table and notice he easily speaking to them all with a warming smile on his face.  He looked so natural at it, but I suppose its in his blood with his Mum owning the place.  I hear him laugh at something one of the customers must of said and I feel a little pull in my stomach and feel myself smiling even though I have no idea what they are saying.  I hear a little cough come from over the other side of the table, shit.  I quickly turn feeling the heat rising in my cheeks again.