Her clothes are bright and colourful, hair swept into a loose curly bun.
She loads a tray with bowls of creamy pasta.
The aroma is alluring.
My stomach begins to gurgle.
I watch as she carries the food to a nearby couple.
I’m taking note of how it’s done.
She sets their cutlery on either side of the placemat.
Then she gathers their menus before she leaves.
Easy peasy. I could do that.
And it looks like she could use the help.
Her eyes met mine as she returns to the kitchen.
She slows her pace to give me a quick, assessing sweep.
Please like me.
Please save me.
She has one more tray to serve.
Then another order to jot down for the table in the corner.
I hover awkwardly near the bar, waiting until she’s done.
At last she beckons for me to follow.
Leading me to the side, she addresses me with a hushed voice.
“Yes darl, what would you like to order?”
“I... I'm actually looking for Beth. About the job?”
She tilts her head in surprise.
“I'm Beth,” she smiles. “Follow me out the back.”
I walk behind her with an eager smile.
Being an adult is harder than I thought.
“Kind of got my hands full at the moment, love. It's not the best time.”
“Yeah, I just…”
“If you leave your CV and credentials on the bench over there, I'll take a look when I can.”
“My what?”
“Your resumé and bar certificate. Have you worked in a restaurant before?”
