"Arabella, hurry up and get to table seven." My boss, Dorian, barked from across the room, his impatience echoing in every word. I could feel my eyes on the verge of rolling, but I looked at the floor instead. Table seven isn't mine today—it's not my section. A deep sigh escaped my lips, thankfully, he couldn't see or hear it. Dorian has always taken advantage of the fact that I need this job, and it would be hard to find another workplace that matches my schedule or even pays a decent salary.
"Isn't that Jessica's section? Where is she?" Talia murmured beside me, her eyes lingering on table seven.
"Not sure, maybe she's flaking out or helping Dorian out in the back," I replied with an exhausted shrug, grabbing a notepad and pen.
Talia's lips formed a thin line as she looked out the window. The autumn leaves, in all their shades, looked crisp. I could tell that she was deep thought about something, so I decided to get started on table seven. As I approached the table I realized, I would have little if not any issues with this table. Business men occupied the table, there suits sharp against the dim light. I started to feel intimidated in comparison to the group that sat in front of me. Still, I have to put on a brave face and hope for a good tip.
"Hi my name is Bella, I hope you got a chance to look over our menu options and our specials today. Is there anything I could get you started with" I managed to say with a confident smile.
For a moment, I wondered if I had only said it in my head. It was not until a gentleman with most piercing green eyes cleared his throat that I realized, I did in fact speak outload. The rest of the group had a sly smirk on their lips and I could not figure out why. I then clicked my pen, signally that I would be ready to write or take down any orders but still silence. My patience grew thin, knowing that I had other tables to get to and this isn't my section.
" So I will leave you to deliberate some more and then get back to you" I said with a small smile hoping to break the tension.
"No, I will have a cup of coffee and a bagel" The man with the green eyes replied sharply.
That's just great. First I'm being looked at like an alien, and now, on top of it, he has an attitude.
"Okay" I answered as I wrote on my notepad.
The two other businessmen nodded, mirroring the order. "Same here," one rumbled. The final man just nodded, eyes on his phone.
I then quickly mumbled "It will be right out". As I quickly walked to the back to get their orders. They are certainly strange and incredibly rude.
" I am getting a weird energy from that table" Talia says as she poured the coffee.
"Honestly, it's like a cold of dark aura. Where the heck is Jessica right now because I can't work for the both of us again today" I replied as I placed the bagels on the serving tray.
"Inventory with Dorian but we all know what that means" Talia says as she places the coffees on my tray.
"Watch in ten minutes after I do all the work, she will come strolling in just in time to take the tip" I said with a small chuckle.
" I'll distract her before then" Talia says as she entered my ticket information into the machine.
I could not help but to continue with a smile plastered on my face to table seven. Due to my previous interaction with Talia, I felt lighter and upbeat. I then placed the orders on the table and added a few utensils. I even brought extra napkins, sugar, cream, and even water as well for the table. I just don't want to frequent this table a lot.
" Alright, is everything on the table correct. I added water as well just incase you would like to balance out the coffee. I also brought cream and sugar. I figured since you said coffee, you just wanted it black" I babbled nervously under their gaze.
Finally, I took a deep breath and waited for any type of response but it was still silent. What pricks I thought to myself as I walked away, well more like stormed away. A thanks would be nice or I don't know just a head nod. An hour went by, in that time frame I processed the payments of the tables I had and cleared the tables. My shift ends in half an hour, and they are still here. Thankfully so far, I have made about four hundred in tips and it is only five in the evening.
"They're asking for you" A monotoned voice obnoxiously yelled from behind me.
"Oh, great Jessica is back" I said sarcastically with a smile as I walked towards table seven. I knew she could hear me and I honestly could care less.
"Are you ready for me to process your payment? Or would you like to order anything else" I asked table seven, only this time I could not hide my annoyance from their act.
" I would like another coffee, you make it so well" The green eyed man said without breaking eye contact.
"Thanks," I said dryly, my voice laced with a thinly veiled irritation. The man with the piercing green eyes merely raised an eyebrow, a subtle challenge in his gaze. The other two men exchanged knowing glances, their smiles hinting at a game they were enjoying. A knot of frustration tightened in my stomach. I mentally prepared myself for whatever absurd request or passive-aggressive comment they would unleash next, knowing that my patience was dwindling with each passing moment.
" Just do another round for all of us" The man with the blond hair said, finally making eye contact.
" Yeah, and we do not need Jessica. We would prefer your service only" A slightly mellow voice spoke up.
"I am glad you mentioned it, but she will have to be your server for the rest of the evening. We are currently in a shift change" I said with the brightest smile.
"Cancel it all then," the man with the green eyes exclaimed.
I looked at him inquisitively but decided to choose my battles wisely. I hope to never see this group of oddballs anytime soon. I thought to myself as I walked away from table seven and then punched out from work.