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The first girl laughs. “I mean, that’s what I would do if I had that kind of money. And did you see that girl he’s with? So gorgeous. She looks like an actress, maybe?”
“I think she’s one of Beyoncé’s backup dancers,” the other girl says. “I swear I’ve seen her somewhere before.”
There must be a celebrity at the restaurant, perhaps that owner of the resort who I haven’t met, and hopefully won’t. When their words catch up with me, my heart slows, and I breathe a sigh of relief. If some rich dude paid for everyone’s meal, then I won’t be stuck on a penny budget for the next couple weeks.
I get up off the toilet seat and flush even though I didn’t use it, then walk out to wash my own hands. I’ve been in here far too long, and James must be wondering where I am.
The two girls look at me when I come out, then back at each other. They giggle and whisper amongst themselves, probably embarrassed to be caught gossiping. I recognize them as guests from the resort. I served them lunch at the start of my shift, recommending this very spot for dinner. I guess they took my advice.
When I arrive back at the table, James smiles at me. “There you are. I was afraid you ran off.”
I shake my head, my heart fluttering at the sight of his smile. “Did you hear some big shot is here and bought everyone lunch?” I ask.
His eyes widen, and he looks around. “Really?”
I nod, his excitement contagious. “Apparently he’s here with one of Beyoncé’s backup dancers.”
He smiles. “Lucky guy.” I roll my eyes, and he adds, “Maybe you can order something more expensive if he’s footing the bill.”
I considered it when the girls mentioned it, but I shake my head. “Nah, I like chicken tenders. Besides, I’m sure Beth has already put in our order.”
He shrugs. “Alrighty then, do what you want.”
I laugh at his apparent disappointment, and he pricks an eyebrow at me. “What’s so funny?”
I smile and rest my chin on my hands. “Nothing. Just that you seem so excited about a celebrity. And you’re so bummed that I want to eat what I ordered.”
He purses his lips. “Not disappointed, I just figured it might be nice to treat yourself.”
“Eating out at all is a treat,” I say. “I don’t remember the last time I ate something that didn’t come in a cardboard box with instructions on it.”
After considering my words, he says, “Fair enough.”
His phone buzzes, and he glances at it. He looks at me, then back at the phone. I expect him to pick up, but he silences it and says. “My friend Tyler. I can call him back later.”
Considering he missed the beginning of his shift for a phone call, it’s high praise that he’s ignoring one just to have dinner with me.
I have to remind myself that I don’t like this guy, I’m just out with him as an apology.
That’s all.
Chapter Seven
James
Now that Alexis doesn’t hate me, my conscience is clear, and I’m free to leave anytime I want.
Instead, I tell myself that I still need to learn more about the restaurant and the resort in general. I’ve already passed on some information to Camilla, and she laughed at me when I informed her that we’ve been paying minimum wage or less to some employees. Apparently, I’m the only one out of the loop. It will take more to convince the board to change things, though.
That’s why, a week later, I’m washing bowls when Alexis bursts in, panic in her eyes.
“You,” she says, pointing at me. “Have you ever bussed tables?”
My mouth gapes, and then I shut it and shake my head.
She shakes her head at me. “Doesn’t matter. I need you right now.”
She needs me? I’ve been so useless to this point, and someone telling me I’m needed, even for something so small, warms my heart. Hector would probably be better for the job since he has actual restaurant experience, but I don’t point that out. I want to do a good job, I realize. Maybe it’s just to prove something to myself, or maybe it’s about Alexis. Either way, I’ll do it.
