Feeling deflated, I continue my rounds. When dinner is served, I am forced to watch as Anton sits at one of the tables, Princess Jhené and Queen Jasmine situated happily on either side of him.
“Jessa.”
I don’t have to turn to see who the clipped voice belongs to. “Yes, Douglas?”
“You’re assigned to table one.”
I don’t need to check to see which table that is. After everything that has happened tonight, I can’t believe I didn’t see this coming.
“Fuck me.”
“What was that?” Douglas snaps.
“I said, sure thing.”
He purses his lips. “Mhmm. So I thought.”
He whisks away again. I have no choice but to take my assigned cart and head to table one. Everyone is already deep in conversation, barely paying me any attention as I approach.
“You can’t remain single forever, Anton,” Queen Jasmine says. “You’re far too young.”
“And far too handsome,” Jhené adds with a little giggle. She’s been knocking back the champagne pretty hard tonight. I personally served her two glasses. And I’ve seen her hijack several other waiters in between.
Yulian is slumped in his chair opposite them with that knowing smirk on his face. He meets my gaze, but I turn away quickly and serve the table.
“Thank you,” Queen Jasmine says. Her eyes linger on my face.
Jhené doesn’t even notice when I put the first appetizer down on her plate. She’s staring right at Anton, caressing his bicep as though she’s forgotten they’re in public.
For a moment, I feel heat along the back of my neck and I know he’s watching me. I turn slowly to the table and announce the food I’ve just served.
“Lobster, beetroot, and Beluga caviar with a crayfish emulsion and cauliflower foam.”
I make the mistake of looking up when I’m finished reciting. Anton’s eyes are locked on me. His pearly grays carve off a piece of my soul before I drag my gaze away.
Self-preservation. That’s all I can think of as I roll the cart away with relief.
By the grace of God, I make it through the entire dinner service. And by the time dessert is served, I actually feel proud. I got off to a rocky start, but I was the perfect waitress for the whole meal. Even Jhené thanked me as I cleared away her dessert plate.
The music picks up again, announcing the end of service. More champagne is brought out, but before I grab a tray, I decide to take my fifteen-minute break to use the restroom. Even Douglas gives me an approving nod as I duck through the main doors. I refrain from giving him the middle finger in return.
Staff bathrooms are outside The Gilded Room to the right. I sigh when I step into the quiet little oasis.
This night feels like it has stretched on forever. And it’s still not over.
I look at myself in the clear oval mirror above the sink. I look tired, but no worse than I’d look if I’d spent the night in the kitchen like I was supposed to. The heat and steam always curls my hair and melts my makeup off. It’s why I usually don’t wear any while I work.
I splash some water on my face and shake off the tension in my shoulders. Before I head out, I decide to check my phone.
I have a couple of missed texts from Freya wishing me luck tonight. And two missed calls from my boss. Not Douglas, but my manager at Starlight Caterers.
I call immediately, my heart thudding unceremoniously against my rib cage. “Melissa? Hello?”
“Jessa,” Melissa says, sounding distracted. “Thanks for calling back.”
“I would have called sooner, but I’m on the job.”
“I know. The Plaza.”