AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Today was my second day on the job at Jimmy's. I had only been in Seattle for three days, and I was out of it and exhausted, but it was probably better that way so I didn’t start to second-guess myself. Actually, all I did was second guess myself. I had been nothing but second-guessing since I moved.
Jimmy's was fine, though. I was overwhelmed with the new surroundings and information, and things hadn't gone as planned with my living situation, but it was good, considering.
Isaac started me behind the counter. I made drinks and bagged to-go orders. I also did some cash register work. Those tasks came to me easily because of experience from my old job. I was still nervous. I wanted to be so good that no one would be disappointed or have to correct me.
I was an hour-and-a-half into my second shift when Cal walked in. I knew he would be my customer. I had shadowed Isaac all day yesterday, but today I was given some responsibility. I would serve the two customers at the end of the counter, and I knew, because of the timing with them being empty, that Cal was going to sit in one of them. He did his best to sit at the counter every day. I had already served two customers, but both of my stools were empty when Cal walked in. He crossed to the end of the counter, talking to a few people on his way.
I was busy wiping another spot that had just opened up. It was in Isaac's station, but I had been helping him out since I was only covering two spots.
"Hey Cal," I said.
"Hey, I saw you here yesterday," Cal said.
"Yes, you did," I said. "I'm starting to work here, and so Isaac let me take orders over here on these two stools." I gestured to the one he was about to sit on. "If you sit there, I'll be taking your order." I pointed at the spot where I had just wiped. "This is Isaac's station. If you want him to take your order, you should sit in this one.
"Where's Cindy?"
"She's over by the windows today."
"Oh, she's not at the bar?"
"No."
"What about Misty?"
"Nope. Portland. It's just me and Isaac."
He gave me a sideways glance like he was trying to decide whether or not he trusted me.
"You should try me out," I said, gesturing to the place where he was about to sit down. "I think I already know your order even though I've never waited on you before.
"What is it?"
"A hamburger with extra pickles, fries, and barbeque sauce."
"How do you know my order?"
"I was following Isaac around yesterday. You sat over there."
"Yeah, because this stool was taken up by someone with a fish sandwich."
"I know, Isaac mentioned that you prefer the end."
"Yeah."
"And you don't want fish," I added.
"No, I do not eat fish."
"You order a hamburger."
"With pickles only and extra ketchup on the side."
"I thought it was barbeque."
"It was yesterday, but I change which one I want."
"Okay. I can't remember what you had to drink."
