Page 12 of Billionaire's Desire
“Nope.”
“A girlfriend?”
“Nope.”
“A significant other?”
“Nope. You?”
She smiles at me. “I sometimes hookup with Zach, but it is more like a fling.”
“Who is Zach?”
“Don’t worry. You’ll meet him later on. Just, wrap it up if you decide to get down with any of the other crew members. There was a rumor that something nasty was going around on in the Miami cruise.”
I have no idea what she is talking about, but it hits me that this is the first time I have had a prolonged conversation with another woman, a conversation that bordered on friendship, since Poppy died. I had missed this, these casual open conversations.
“I won’t be hooking up with my fellow crew members, Hilda.”
“So, you want to get down with the rich folk, huh?”
I sputter out a laugh. “I am not getting down with anyone at all.”
She has no idea how strongly that statement actually rings. I have not reallygotten downwith anyone at all.
She cocks an eyebrow at me. “I won’t judge you if you do, just remember, don’t get caught.” She emphasizes the last sentence by pointing her finger at me as she says it.
“I will not get caught.”
“Okay, good. Because—“ but Hilda doesn’t get to finish her statement. There is a beeping in our room. We were all waiting for that sound. This is an indication that all staff members are being called to our assigned areas. We hurriedly put on our shoes and walked out of our rooms. Boarding must have been completed which means our shifts have officially begun.
We both hustle towards the kitchen as we await further instructions.
“Don’t worry, Maggie,” Hilda grabs my hand and squeezes it once before letting it go. “I will show you the ropes. I have done this countless times. If you have any questions, find me.”
I return her reassuring smile.
I just met this woman and I already feel so lucky to have her by my side. I always tend to err on the side of caution when I meet new people, but Hilda’s warm and bubbly personality puts me at ease.
I am ready for this job and all the money I am going to make from it.
“Okay.” A loud voice breaks through our murmurs, “Remember the training you had?”
We all nod.
“Good. I will give you your assigned table numbers. Take the orders, bring them to the kitchen. Chop chop. No wasting time around here. All of you have waitressing experience so I expect zero hiccups. The chef’s special will be announced in a few minutes. Make me proud.” Then she walks right out of the kitchen door.
Hilda’s about to say something else when the woman with the loud voice saunters back in. She is already spewing instructions before we have all caught on to what is happening, and in less than ten minutes, I am walking towards the dining hall ready to take down orders for tables seven and thirteen.
I quietly repeat the chef’s special in my head so that I don’t forget it.
The first stop at table seven goes smoothly.
“Hello, welcome to the Sapphire. May I start you off with something to drink?” I say, offering the elderly couple a large smile.
The man nods and says, “Yes, I’ll have two glasses of chilled sparkling water for me and my wife, please.”
I nod and write down the order. “Certainly, and would you like to see a menu or do you already know what you would like to order?”
