by Priyal Jain
CHAPTER 6
I got up early the next morning. I was so excited, my first day as a waitress. I went to the bathroom and stared at my reflection in the mirror. Well I have to look a perfect waitress. Let us see. I took a quick shower and got out hurriedly. After a lot of pondering, I selected a perfect pencil black skirt with a grey top. I also wore black stockings and topped it with high heels. I am actually looking a waitress. Correction, an absolutely stylish waitress. I will wear my nice black coat with it too. I did a really subtle make up, just a lip gloss, blush and mascara. I am ready to rock the restaurant. “Not bad Ashley, not at all bad.” I complimented myself, doing a little twirl. I went downstairs and saw mom and dad sitting in the hallway waiting for me. “I am ready to be the hottest waitress ever.” I said.
“Absolutely love, you are really looking awesome!” dad exclaimed.
“We are so happy, you decided to work!” mom said.
“I think working will really help me a lot in many ways.” I replied with a broad grin on my face.
“Sweetums are you really sure? I don’t want you to take any decision in any sort of pressure.” Mom said, suddenly becoming really serious.
“Mom, don’t worry I have thought it through. I really want to take this job.” I assured her.
“Oh! I am so happy. Henry, our little princess is all set for her first day as a working lady. I think we should give her the present we have been saving for this day.” Mom said, radiating all over.
“What present?” I asked, totally surprised.
Mom went inside her room and bought back, with her, a silver colored pouch. Delmente was written on it. She handed me the pouch and became really emotional. Don’t become like Rachel please, I was praying constantly. “May it bring good luck in your life.” She finally said. Okay, now what is it? Mom never gets emotional. Well, very rarely. I unzipped the pouch and found a beautiful chain with an exquisite pendent. It was a heart shaped pendent with little diamonds on it.
“Wow! It’s …..” I couldn’t continue. I could feel the tears forming too.
“My mom gave it to me as I did my first job as a flower girl.” Mom said. My grandparents are also very rich (like us, just saying.) and mom also never worried about working. But after Granny explained her, the need to be independent, she started working in a flower shop, Blooms. She worked there until she got married. Then she stopped working and took care of dad, the house and finally me.
“Thank you so much mom. It means a lot to me. I promise, I would take good care of it.” I said hugging her.
“Somebody is forgetting me!” dad said, feeling left out.
I smiled and hugged him too, making it a family hug.
“So, let’s get the show on the road!” dad said, throwing a fist in the air.
I nodded and we went outside.
“Take care honey. All the very best for your first day.” Mom said, giving me another hug.
“Relax, Kathy, your daughter is just going for a job…………. Don’t demoralize her.” Dad said in a matter-of-factly tone. Dad would never understand how hard it is to do a job for the first time. He is working since time immemorial that is how he has built this empire. He is the owner of The Greene Publications. He calls me and mom the rich, spoilt pair.
“What are you thinking?” dad asked and I realized he is already sitting in the car waiting for me. I hurriedly sat in the car and waved mom goodbye.
“Dad could we stop by at Becky’s for just a sec please?” I asked, making a cute, puppy face he can’t say ‘no’ to.
“Sure, but make the visit quick.” He replied. He pulled up in front of Brandon’s residence. I hastily got down from the car and rang their bell. Jake opened the door for me.
“Hi Jake. Good morning.” I greeted him with a bright smile.
“Good morning Ashley! All set for the first day as a waitress? By the way best of luck.” he asked, folding his arms. He remembered. I thought he would have forgotten about the job by now. I like it.
“Thank you so much, Jake. Is Beck inside? I wanted to meet her before leaving for my first day at work.” I sounded quite excited.
“I am sorry Ash, but Becky has gone out with Joey. He wanted to do a photo shoot or something.” He replied with a sorry face.
“Ohh…… no problems I will meet her afterwards.” The hurt in my voice was palpable. I started walking back towards the car, feeling awful. I sat inside the car and fastened the seat belt.
“Everything okay there, love?” dad asked.
“Yes, dad!” I said flashing a smile.
Dad nodded and we zoomed off towards my workplace.
“Dad is the place nice? Do they have a disc? What will they pay me? Is it good?” I bombarded dad with questions.
“Easy honey! It is a wonderful place. It has a separate disc for parties. The food is amazing and the pay too, by the way. It s called ‘Crimson Palace’ and I am sure, you would love it.” Dad said excitedly.
Wait, Crimson Palace. Is this the same place…
No way. I am so in luck. It’s the same place where Jake works.
“Great!” I screamed out loud. Throwing my hands in air excitedly.
“What?” dad asked, getting confused.
“Crimson Palace is the same place where, ‘let’s rock” plays. So you know Jake would be there to help me out. I would have company. It would be great.” I replied.
“Oh, Jake works there….” Dad said, getting all possessive about me.
I can sense he is uncomfortable, on Jake’s mention. But I don’t say anything but smile. I love when he becomes all caring-overprotective-daddy. He looks really cute.