“Yes, but just in a local pub.”
“I see. Then you can grab one of the menus and start learning it. The other waiters will arrive in about an hour or so to get ready, you can join them then.”
I do exactly as told, though I find the menu quite easy to remember. Once the rest of the staff arrives, I naturally join the other waiters and help with the dressing. I befriend everyone quite quickly while working, especially two girls my age, Kathie and Elise. Apparently, aside from Narcissa and the chef, no one really knows who I am or how I’m related to the Black brothers. Some question Bobo’s imposing presence in a corner, but Narcissa dismisses them.
Truthfully, I feel quite happy to be working and useful. As soon as I show how fast I can learn, everyone looks glad to let me participate. Narcissa protests a few times that I’m only supposed to observe for now, but as the day goes on, I can’t ignore it when someone needs help, and step in when I can. As the lunch service starts and goes on, I act as a support to all the waiters, and Narcissa has no choice but to let me do so, considering she gets quite busy herself. Nathaniel didn’t lie when he said the restaurant was understaffed. I run all day to help one waiter then another, and even the chefs start asking my help for the service.
La Rose de l’Aube is busy, due to its reputation, but nothing I can’t handle. I make sure to clear or set the tables quickly, assist anyone who seems in need, and keep an eye on all the tables to make sure nothing is amiss. The rhythmis quite peaceful compared to Rob’s bar... By the end of the service, I’m a bit proud. Everything went well!
However, Narcissa suddenly calls everyone in the restaurant, including the kitchen staff, looking unhappy.
“What was with today? I said Nora should observe! Why did you guys give her your work?”
“I volunteered, Narcissa,” I explain, immediately stepping up. “I couldn’t just stand aside when I saw some of the waiters struggling.”
Narcissa answers with a smile, clearly only meant for me. “They should have been able to handle it themselves, Nora.”
I frown. What does Narcissa mean? They are clearly understaffed! Though it was all very professional, everyone was running around until the end of the service thirty minutes ago! How is it their fault? No one made a mistake, they just had too much to handle!
“Oh, shut it, Narcissa,” says the Chef, Michel. “The girl did just fine, and she was exactly where we needed her to be. It’s been weeks since we had a service going so well. We do lack some waiting staff and everyone’s overworked. Let them breathe a little.”
Michel is a strong man in his mid-forties and a force of nature, as expected of a head chef. He was a bit surprised to see me come at the pass a few times today but let me take the dishes without saying a thing. Behind him, Elise nods. “That’s right. I had to handle fifteen tables by myself, and if it wasn’t for Nora, I’m not sure I would have made it so swiftly, Narcissa. But every time I thought I had forgotten something or missed a detail, Nora had already taken care of it.”
“And she helped everyone that way, the whole restaurant,” Adds Kathie. “I barely noticed her for the full service, but she was always there right to handle things when I thought a problem might arise!”
I start blushing from their compliments, not knowing what to say. Narcissa still seems pissed, but she rolls her eyes and puts her hands on her hips. “All right, if all of you guys are ganging up against me, I won’t argue anymore. But I insist that no matter how efficient Nora might be, she is still in training. Nora, you will keep working as a busser for now. Let me know if you have any problems.”
Yes! I guess that means my first day went well! Narcissa sighs and steps out with Chef Michel to discuss the menus. Everyone else disperses to start the cleaning. Kathie and Elise run up to me, smiling.
“You were great, Nora!”
“I can’t believe you memorized all the menus and table numbers so fast!” Says Kathie. “And you can endure the pressure like it’s nothing, too!”
Well, try working for a hungry pack that won’t hesitate to hit you if you’re late...
“Thank you, guys, but you were the ones that helped me. I couldn’t have learned the ropes so fast if it weren’t for your help.”
They both laugh and disagree, and then Kathie puts her hand in her apron and hands me a bit of money. Elise does the same. I look at them, confused.
“What is that?”
“Oh, come on, Nora, we want to share with you!”
“Bussers don’t get any tip, but you helped us so much today, I will feel bad if you don’t get your share! Here!”
They put the money in my hands before I get to say a thing. I’m so shocked, I can’t say a word for a few seconds. I can’t believe they are sharing their tips with me! I start tearing up unwillingly, and Kathie frowns, while Elise puts a hand on my shoulder, worried.
“Are you okay? Nora, what’s wrong?”
“I’m okay, I just... This is the first time I earned money for myself!”
I’m so touched by Elise and Kathie’s gesture. No matter how long I protest, they insist I take the money, so I eventually accept it, though their kindness means much more to me than the amount. What a great first day! From the corner of the room, Bobo gives me a thumbs up. After thanking my new friends and colleagues, I join everyone to clean the restaurant in a cheerful atmosphere. Everyone chats happily, and some of them seem eager to know more about me.
“Are you a fighter, Nora?”
“Not really... I’m kind of a late-bloomer werewolf.”
I’m a bit awkward. From his corner, Bobo is sending me amused looks, not helpful at all. I’m glad everyone in the staff seems accepting of me, but this is a bit... Narcissa quickly intervenes as she comes back.
