Cold Feet

Chapter 19

VIOLA

Things happen faster than I expected in this small town. Amber put in a word with her supervisor before she left and I’m called in for an interview while she’s away.

The supervisor also happens to be the owner of Danzer’s. Charlie. I remember him from when I was a teenager. He’s older now of course and much calmer too but still strict and he’s still got all his wits about him. He doesn’t remember me but then I never really mixed with his son who I understand is now working on cruise ships somewhere in Asia.

“Amber had a lot of good things to say about you. I guess that’s enough to get a job here. I trust her and a friend of hers is a friend of mine. I will of course need your social security number and identity to run a check.”

“Of course,” I nod.

“Have you ever waitressed before?” Charlie asks.

“No, sir,” I reply.

“Well, you can come in and do a shift or two. It’s pretty easy to learn. It’s a bitch on the feet though so make sure you wear the most comfortable shoes you can. Sneakers work best. It’s not hard but it isn’t for everyone.”

I have no plans to do anything else so I ask if I can start learning right away.

“Sure. You can follow Lori around here. Just watch and listen and you’ll be okay. Of course, you have to wear Danzer’s uniform so if you’ll give me your measurements here,” Charlie says as he taps a memo pad, “I’ll order to uniforms for you as soon as I can. You have to pay for them though.”

“Well, maybe I can use Amber’s if she decides to leave,” I tell Charlie. “I think I’m about her size anyway.”

Charlie nods. “Okay then. If she stays, I’ll order new uniforms for you

who is old enough to be my mother. She knows the job

follow her around. “Some of them can be abrasive but if you take it with a pinch of salt and give them back as good as

politely and nod at clients when Lori introduces me and takes the orders.

says to his mate across the table. “They

staff,” his mate replies giving me the eye before he

says. “She’s writin’ an article on how waitresses and waiters keep the truck

awareness ‘bout the truck routes of America. She can interview me

when he speaks about me as if I’m not there or

pockets her order book. “Besides, even if she’s just interviewin’ I don’t think your missus would want to hear you’re being interviewed by a lovely lady like

as we walk back to the

pad, rips off the order

remarks but don’t lead them on or tease them. These guys

I nod and smile at

learn fast from Lori. It really is easy and Charlie wasn’t lying

toughen up and before you know it you won’t feel it anymore. You’ll be ‘waitress fit’ as we

passes fast and I go home when Lori’s shift ends. I decide to do a double shift of following staff the next day so I can get a feel for the night shift clients who are apparently different to the day shift clients. I have dinner at Danzer’s. It’s one of the perks of being an employee. I’m grateful I don’t need to cook when I get home because I’m really beat. I take a quick bath and I’m in bed and fast asleep before I’ve been home

back at the diner the next day and Amber walks in for the night

her a big hug.

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