CHAPTER 6:
JILLIAN'S POV
My workday ended with a big smile on my face. It felt great to get back at someone who was mean to me. My anger went away and I felt very happy.
I had chased away the man who almost hit Whitey. He did not even fight back; he was probably scared of me. I made sure to guard the door so he could not come inside the restaurant. I even changed jobs with the girl at the door to make sure he did not sneak past me.
It was funny because I acted like I owned the place, but at least I kept that rude man out.
"Hi Roxane, how was work? Did you eat yet? By the way, thanks for watching Whitey. I feel bad for giving you extra work," I said to my friend when I got home.
She had just arrived while I was putting makeup on my face.
"As usual, the call center is tiring and keeps me up all night. You need a lot of luck for that job. And about Whitey, do not worry, it is a small help. Besides, I am starting to like him," she replied.
Since I started my part-time job, she was the person I asked to watch the puppy. It was good to hear she liked him. I was worried Whitey would be a problem, but he actually made her happy.
"Thank you so much. I will bring you some food later when I get home. The food at the restaurant tastes really good; I promise you will like it," I told her. I wanted to give Roxane a treat to show I was thankful. It was a simple gift from my heart.
"All right, I will wait for you. Be safe at work, sis," she said as she took off her shoes. I could see she was very tired.
"I will! Bye, I am leaving now," I called back. I finished my lipstick and I looked good enough.
My work started at 8:00 AM and ended at 7:00 PM. I had to be at the restaurant before 8:00 AM because our manager was very strict. If we were late four times, we were fired right away.
Business was business. Time was important.
"Good morning!" I said to my coworkers when I arrived the next day.
However, the way they looked at me made me feel nervous. It was as if they wanted to hurt me.
"Jillian, I am glad you are finally here. I have been waiting for you," our manager said. I was confused. It was only 7:30 AM; why did she need me so early? I was not even a cook.
"Ma'am?" I asked, surprised.
"What do you mean 'Ma'am'? You work here! We have a VIP customer, and I want you to help him with his order," she explained.
"A VIP customer? Is there such a person?" I asked. I thought all customers were the same, but the manager sounded annoyed.
"Yes, there is. Stop asking questions and just go to work," she said.
I scratched my head and followed her orders. I could not complain because I was just a waitress. But before I started, I looked at my coworkers again. I still did not understand them.
Yesterday, we were friends, but today everything felt different. Were they jealous? Or did I look bad?
I wanted to ask them, but I was getting nervous because the manager was shouting. I quickly put down my bag and took a menu. I went to the VIP table where a man was sitting. He looked like he had been waiting for a long time.
"Good morning, Sir! Here is the menu. You can choose what you want to eat," I said politely.
I could not see his face because he was reading a newspaper. He did not hear me, so I spoke again and waved my hand in front of him. He slowly lowered the newspaper, and I finally saw his face.
"Oh... forgive me, Father," I said quietly when I saw him.
"You?! Wait, are you here to get back at me?" I asked loudly. That was the first thing I thought. It was the man from yesterday. The one I had kicked out. And now, he was back.
"Do you really think that is why I am here?" he asked with a mean smile.
"Well, I do not know! You should leave. You do not belong here. This place will be bad if a person like you is here," I said.
"Is that how you talk to people who eat here? You do not know how to respect a customer," he said.
"Wow, you are talking about respect? You? No way! Respect is something you have to earn!" I said angrily.
"In that case, I will call the manager to teach you a lesson," he said to scare me.
"You are an idiot! And a suck-up, too! You think you are special. Well, for your information, it's not you who pays me!" I yelled.
My voice was so loud that the manager heard me and came over.
"What is wrong, Jillian? Why are you fighting with our customer?" she asked.
"You are wrong, Ma'am! He is the one fighting with me. He is a very mean person. I swear." I said, pointing at him.
"Jillian, have some shame. You should not be mean to customers," the manager yelled at me.
"I am not being mean, Ma'am," I tried to say to defend myself.
"Stop it, Jillian. Do not explain. You should say sorry if you do not want to lose your job," she said. I was very frustrated. I did not want to say sorry, but I needed this job. I needed the money.
"I am sorry, Sir. It will not happen again," I said, but I did not mean it. I only said it so I would not get fired.
"So, you know to say sorry. That is good. Keep doing that," he said. He looked like he wanted to burst out his laugh.
Was something funny about me? I did not see anything funny! That man was crazy to laugh for no reason.
