Page 34 of Finding Kyler
Time flies by, especially as the tables start to fill up. Friday and Saturday nights are their busiest times. Nothing like throwing the newbie into the deep end. But I’m enjoying it, and I think I’m going to like working here, if I get through this trial.
“Hey, you. Servant girl,” a sharp female voice says, and my head whips up. Addison is seated with three other girls at a booth in my section, holding her hand aloft in the air. “Oh, silly me. What was I thinking?” She looks to her friends, and they all feign apologetic looks. “I meant to say waitress,” she adds, keeping up whatever charade she’s playing. “That just slipped out. I hope you’ll accept my apology.”
I might if she’d offered up a genuine one. All manner of catty remarks lie impatiently on my tongue, but I won’t do anything to jeopardize this job, so I swallow my bitchy retorts and smile sweetly at her instead. “No problem. What can I get you?”
“We’ll all have The Works Burger with fries and extra onions and cheese,” Addison confirms, and my brows lift in surprise. Judging by the minuscule amount of clothing they are wearing, and the abundance of skinny limbs on display, I was expecting them to order water and fresh air. “Is there some problem with that?” She dares me to challenge her.
“Nope. I got it.”
“Thank you, Faye.” She smiles sweetly, and I bristle at her use of my name. Keaton never divulged that information, and I’m fairly certain Kyler didn’t bring me up in conversation. Gauging her intent, I can tell she wants me to know she’s been asking around about me. That doesn’t bode well. But hell, I knew this was coming. At least I know now that Rose was solid in her advice.
“No problem, Addison.”
“Is she hassling you?” Rose asks, when I duck under the counter.
“It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“Cool.” Rose gives me an approving smile as I head to the register to input the order into the system.
Twenty minutes later, I slide two burgers in front of Addison and the redhead seated beside her while Rose carefully places plates in front of the other two girls.
“What isthat?” Addison inspects the food with a look of sheer revulsion on her face. You’d swear I just handed her a plate full of arsenic.
“The Works Burger with fries and extra onions and cheese, exactly as you ordered.” I keep my voice level.
She sends me a scathing look. “Do I look like I’d ever consume that amount of saturated fat?” She gestures toward herself while the other girls push their plates away in disgust.
Damn it! I knew she was up to something. I should’ve trusted my gut.
I know I should act professionally, but screw it; she has probably cost me my job. I have no cash to pay for this wasted food, and there’s no way I’m tapping James to come bail me out. He doesn’t want me working here, so I doubt he’d cough up, preferring if I got my ass fired.
“I figured you’d puke it up later.” An outraged look washes over Addison’s face. “Isn’t that usually what you do?” I say, angling my head to the side.
“I wouldn’t subjectthisbody to that sort of abuse, and shame on you for suggesting it.” The other girls all tut-tut their disapproval. “Not that I expect someone like you to understand.” She skims my body in obvious disdain.
“Oh, I understand all right. I know exactly what’s going on here.” I cross my arms over my chest as I let her see my game face.
Her eyes glimmer maliciously. “Oh, goodie. I’m really going to enjoy this year.”
The challenge is set.
Let the games begin.
Chapter Thirteen
I send her a malicious smile. “You know what, I think I will, too. I can’t wait to see you get what’s coming to you.”
Throwing back her head, she cranks out an exaggerated laugh. “You have no idea what I’m capable of.” An evil glint darkens the green hue of her eyes.
I bend over the table, putting my face right in hers. “Right back at ya. Do your worst, bitch. I’ve faced bigger threats than you.”
“Yeah, I’m definitely going to enjoy this,” she rasps, smiling as if all her Sundays have come at once. Extending her neck like a giraffe, she wiggles her fingers in the air, attracting my boss’s attention. “David. A word, please.” She clicks her fingers as if he’s at her sole beck and call. “I’d like to make a complaint.”
David approaches, looking from Rose and me to Addison and her friends. “What exactly is the problem, Ms. Sinclair?”
She pats his arm and her fingers linger on his skin. “How many times, David.” She emits a girlish giggle, and a sudden violent urge sweeps over me. How I’d love to wipe that sickly sweet smile off her face. “Call me Addison. All my friends do.”
I roll my eyes the same time Rose does, and we share a conspiratorial smile. Shame I’m going to lose this job. I would’ve enjoyed working with her.
