Can I have my usual, please?

Apology

It is very hard for me to apologize. Maybe because I have too much pride. But this time, I knew I had royally screwed up. Mr. Hot-but-an-asshole is a potential customer. And I was rude to him. Well, calling my behavior just rude will be putting it lightly. It was my fault for delivering the wrong order. So, I'll have to apologize. It could be simple, right?  

Just say the word 'Sorry'. That's it.

S-O-R-R-Y

S-O-R-

"Nadia! Why do you keep saying sorry to yourself?" Chrissy asked.

I broke out of my thoughts and looked at her. We were at my apartment, lying on my sofa watching T.V. and eating ice cream. After seeing my disheveled appearance and considering what happened today at restaurant, Chrissy decided to stay with me overnight. She knew I would drive myself crazy by over thinking.

"Look Nadia, it'll be alright. You won't lose that customer. He'd keep coming." She said as if she knew things I didn't.

"How do you know that?", I asked curiously.

"Haven't you noticed? The boy practically grew up there. He has been coming to our restaurant ever since I can remember. Your mother was very fond of him as well."

"How would I know? Today was my first day at the restaurant." I said as a matter of fact.

"Oh please, you always visited your mom there. But knowing you, you'd be too spaced out to even notice a hot guy like him." Chrissy commented.

"He's hot. I'll agree to that." I said with a sigh.

If only he wasn't an asshole. But seriously though? Why didn't I notice him before?

"Of course, you would. He poured hot coffee on you and you still think he's hot. Becoming the owner of a restaurant haven't cured you of your stupidity." Nadia said with a shake of her head.

"Hey! Being an asshole doesn't affect his hotness. Remember the time you dated Dane just because he was hot?" I asked and dug into my ice cream.

I had a lot of problems. A lot of bills to pay. A lot of responsibilities. But lying on my sofa with Chrissy, eating ice cream and discussing boy problems made everything feel normal. Normal. As if mom hadn't died. As if I wasn't on my own.

"Yeah. And man, I regret it." , she said with a sigh.

"Chrissy, I want to see mom. I don't know what to do with my life anymore." I said suddenly.

Chrissy looked over at me in pity." She's gone, Nadia. She is not coming back. You can manage everything on your own now. You did a good job today. And you'll do a better job tomorrow. Let's face everything one day at a time, okay? You'll be alright."

We didn't talk much after that. There was a peaceful silence. We slept on the couch, hoping for a better day tomorrow.

********************************************************

"Can I take your order, sir?" I asked Mr. Hot-but-an-asshole.

This time he closed his books and looked me in the eye with a smirk as he said, " Can I have my usual, please?"

I walked away with a smile. 

Chrissy gave me a shove on her way to the kitchen. "Take orders correctly and don't forget to apologize."

"I will. You, woman, should stop ordering around your boss" Chrissy ignored that.

"What's the usual for table nine?"

"Avocado toast eggs benedict with avocado hollandaise"

I placed the order and took other orders quickly. Soon, it was time for me to take the usual to table number nine.

Deep breaths, Nadia. Deep breaths. I took one more deep breath and took his order to him.

"Here's what you ordered."

"This isn't what I ordered."

"What?!Give me a minute. Don't throw anyth-"

"I'm just kidding."

Someone is a ball of sunshine today. I release the breath I was holding. Thank God. I didn't want another shit show here.

"Enjoy your meal, Sir." I mumbled before turning to leave.

"It's Keith. My name, it's Keith."

Someone is talkative today.

"I'm sorry about yesterday." I muttered.

"Can't say the same. I enjoyed pouring everything over you." He smirks again

"You asshole! You are supposed to apologize too-" I couldn't finish what I was saying. I was being dragged away by Chrissy.

"You are an absolute piece of shit. And you, wipe that smirk off now-" A hand was clasped around my mouth before I could finish what I was saying. I could see people glancing our way.

Chrissy dragged me into the kitchen. 

" What is with you and acting barbaric around him?" Chrissy questions me.

"He's just-" I start with my explanation.

""Shut up. Whatever they do or say, we treat our customers with respect. Got that?"

"Right." I mutter. "And you stop bossing me around." I point out.

Chrissy gives me a stern look before going back to take orders. Mrs. Stewart came rushing to me.

"Are you alright, dear?"

"Yes, of course." I say.

Our restaurant wasn't very big. It had a total staff of about ten members. But it was the location that mattered. Our restaurant was located at the heart of the city. Hence, we had a steady inflow of customers. Our main chef, Robert was really good at managing the kitchen. I just had to coordinate everything and be responsible for the financial matters of the restaurant.

"Stella, you know we've a birthday party booking at 7 'o' clock. Right?"

Stella was a waitress at my restaurant. She was very responsible and helped me keep track of the events. She was very beautiful as well. Like model level pretty. She attracted a lot of customers.

"Yeah, Nadia. I've it all planned out with the family." She replies.

"Good." I nod at Stella and look for Robert.

I find him dashing out orders to other chefs.

"Hey, Robert. How's everything at your end?"

"Everything is going great, boss. Don't you worry."

"I trust you", I reply before walking out of the kitchen.

Keith-the-asshole had left. That's what I noticed the moment I stepped out. As I looked around, I could see everyone working their best to keep this restaurant alive, I could feel something swell in my chest. Maybe I could do this after all. Maybe I'm good at this. Maybe it's true, you know, the saying, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade-

"Nadia, we've got a problem."

Forget I said anything.