I walked a few blocks, avoiding eye contact with all the other people. It was a particularly chilly evening. The sun was shining its last rays of the day upon the city. I pulled my jacket tighter around me and zipped the zipper all the way up to my chin. I threw my hood over my head and folded my arms, pulling the ends of my sleeves over my fingertips.
I was on my way to work as a server at one of the best restaurants in the city.
Questione di Gusti, an Italian restaurant that is very high-end and expensive. It was one of those Michelin Star restaurants that many celebrities and rich people frequent. The cost of dinner for one can cover a month of my living amenities.
It is a beautiful restaurant located right off a pier. You will get a remarkable view at night with a full moon off the balcony area. I can only dream of eating there but... for now working in the establishment is as good as it will ever be. Not to mention, from time to time the cooks will spare a few scrapes from different dishes that have extras.
Arriving, I raced towards the service entrance and entered the lady's locker room.
"Lookie here," called out my fiery red headed friend who wore a smirk on her face. "Fifteen minutes early, as usual."
"Well, you know what they say," I began.
"If you're not early, you're not on time," we both said in unison. I released a small laugh as we both began to change for our shift.
"How was your day off, Mel," I asked as she began to strip off her t-shirt. From the corner of my eye, I peeked. She had such a toned stomach and beautiful curves. My face began to flush as I looked down at my chubby stature.
If only my love for food did not outweigh my urge to be skinny. But I still envied her small figure.
"Stop comparing our weight, Lia," she scolded.
I spun towards her; mouth wide. "What makes you think –
"Your face is redder than my hair and I can see you ogling me. You have an amazing body! Give yourself more credit." She then smirked at me and gave her usual mischievous brow waggled. "I know D did..."
"Ugh," I groaned out with a roll of my eyes. I turned back to my locker and threw my shirt inside. "Please, do not bring him up."
"Why? You remembered more from that night? What position was it this time?"
I could hear the joy in her voice as she mocked me. If only I had something to throw at her smug face.
"But no, seriously," she said. "Did you?"
"Yeah," I mumbled. "It was while I was playing piano earlier. I was thinking about the climax of the song and then..."
"You were thinking of another type of climax. Nice."
"Not really. I was in front of a load of people thinking about his load. It was embarrassing!"
"It is not like they knew anything about it! It was all in your head. Literally."
"Yeah, whatever." We continued to talk as we changed into our work uniforms.
Our uniform consists of black flared bottom slacks, a white long-sleeved button down and a black halter style vest – that accentuates the bosom too much for a work uniform – and has red stitching.
Mel always insisted on leaving the top few buttons undone on my shirt to gain extra tips. I always felt bad about using my body to get things but unfortunately, I needed money and the trick works. But that was not the only trick towards extra tips.
I noticed that if you could spy a couple on a date, it was best to pay extra attention to the female or more submissive option. If yo do a respectable job at pleasing them then they will talk you up to the male or the more dominant companion. This will cause said person to leave a bigger tip to in a way show off or boaster themselves to the female or submissive. It will appear to their desire for a mate that can provide for them.
It is a cake walk, really.
But alas, Mel did not have to play by the rules of the wait staff. She is a bartender. So, the tricks she performs are a bit different from mine.
"Ready to get out there and do a little monkey dance for these rich assholes," Mel asked, slamming her locker.
"Of course! It is the highlight of my day!"
We both walked out to the floor, but the manager stopped me on the way out. I smiled at Mel and winked at her. My sign that I would fill her in later. She smiled in return and gave me a curt nod.
"Good evening, Lia," said the balding tall and slender man before me.
"Hi, Mr Simmons. What do you need?"
He gave me a smile and nodded. He had warm brown eyes and a friendly smile. Mr. Simmons has been over this restaurant for years. He was a kind and caring man and was very fair when it came to his staff. There were times when he had to be stern, but never for lack of judgment. It was the only reason Mel and I continued working here. It was not because we adored our jobs, but because it was a good working environment with great pay and benefits.
"Seeing as you are a fan favorite amongst our guest here and you know how to conduct yourself around stars, I have an incredibly special job for you. I can guarantee that you will be tipped bountifully."
"Are you calling me your favorite, Mr. Simmons," I asked quietly.
"Oh no! You know I have no favorites among my staff," he laughed aloud. But I did not miss that knowing look in his eyes before the wink he provided.
"Of course, so what you need me to wait on a private party?"
"Yes! We have a business meeting tonight. The owner will be meeting with some investors, and he chose this restaurant to be his venue. He requested someone who works swiftly and quietly. He also asked that they keep to themselves and keep their ears low."
In other words, the meeting was confidential, and they wanted not a word to the press about the ongoings.
"I understand, Mr. Simmons. How large is the party and what room will they be in?"