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“Surely we can find another way to pay that last hospital bill,” said her mom.
“I, for one, think that the casino is a better choice than that smelly old diner she used to work at,” her father reasoned. “At least the casino has working security cameras, right?”
“Totally,” said Kira. “I’m telling you, Mom: it may be a night shift, but this job is definitely a step up from the last one. Seriously, you don’t have to worry. I’m fine!”
Her mother sighed heavily. “Okay, Kira-bug. You’re a grown woman, I know. But just remember: you’ll always be my baby girl to me.”
Kira smiled from ear to ear, picking up the phone again as she smoothed down the front of her uniform, now right side out. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she replied warmly.
“You’re a good one, kiddo. The best there is,” her father avowed.
“I learned from the best,” she agreed. “Now, I have to go clock in. I’m almost late.”
“Okay, sweetheart. You have a good shift, and be safe, alright?” her mom said.
“Of course. I’ll text you when I’m heading home for the night,” Kira promised. “I love you both more than anything.”
“Love you the most!” her parents chimed in unison.
Kira hung up and smiled down at her phone for a second before slipping it into her locker. She switched out her tennis shoes for a pair of slick work heels and closed it up. She turned around, hair bouncing, and strode down the long hallway, listening to the echo of her high heels clicking across the floor. She heard the din of casino clientele and ringing slot machines getting louder as she approached the entrance to the main floor. As always, she stopped right in front of the door to gather her composure. She took a slow, deep breath.
As she was about to open the door, it swung open. Kira stumbled backward as an old friend of hers appeared in the doorway, looking just as surprised to see her.
“Katja,” Kira greeted. “Hi!”
“Almost knocked you out, didn’t I?” The older woman laughed. She threw an arm around Kira’s shoulders and gave her a quick hug. “I was looking for you!”
“Oh, I’m sorry; am I late clocking in?” Kira asked worriedly.
Katja waved her hand. “No, no. Of course not! You’re just in time.”
She began to gently lead Kira across the casino floor toward the serving station. The Shining Star was bumping tonight. It was a Friday night in the springtime, and it looked like half the city was crowded into the casino. The slot machines and card tables were full, with other folks dawdling around them, just watching and waiting for a turn. As always, Kira drew the attention of most people who glanced her way, especially the men. She felt their eyes on her as she walked with Katja.
“So, how’s it going around here?” Katja asked brightly.
“Good. I like it here,” said Kira.
“You making good tips?”
Kira nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Better than your old job?”
“For sure. It’s a major level-up. I don’t know if I can ever really repay you for getting me a job here,” she admitted.
“The only repayment I need is some girl-chat with my favorite cocktail waitress!” Katja beamed at her kindly. “You were meant for this kind of work. I mean, look at this uniform! You look stunning, Kira. I bet the boys are all over you, huh?”
Kira blushed as she started cleaning glasses for the next tray. She was too bashful to answer, but luckily Katja plowed right on ahead anyway.
“Now, if they ever get to betoomuch, just speak up, okay?” she advised, holding up one finger. “Reel ‘em in and make those tips, but you don’t have to put up with any horseshit. Remember, dear: this is a casino, not a brothel. They can look, but they can’t touch. Got it?”
“Yes, ma’am,” said Kira dutifully.
“Good girl. And if they ever push that issue, don’t you hesitate to yell for help. Get security involved. Don’t be shy. I’ll be damned if anyone messes with my girls,” said Katja.
Kira smiled. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
She really did. Of course, she still didn’t quite understand what Katja’s job was here in the casino. She wasn’t there most of the time, but she dropped in regularly. She never wore a uniform, but she wove in and out of the employee-only spaces like it was her own house. Though Kira had never seen her do any actual tasks, the staff treated her like a friend. The other waitresses regarded her as almost a manager, bordering on a mentor. Katja was often seen chatting with the girls and giving them pep talks. The older woman was self-assured, compassionate, and fiercely protective all at once. Kira couldn’t pin a label to Katja’s job description, but it did give her a little punch of relief when she walked in to find her hanging around the Shining Star.
