Page 141 of Jake Forever
Chapter 49
With quick, jerky movements, I filled a tall glass with ice and ginger ale. As I went through the motions, I was conscious of Robert watching me, and I couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking.
As for me, I was thinking that probably Iwasstupid for working here, when I had a perfectly good job-offer with someone I loved and trusted.
Jake.
I glanced toward the door, half-tempted to walk out now.
But I couldn’t.
If I walked out now, I'd never know if I'd quit because it was the smart thing to do, or because I couldn’t stomach the thought of apologizing to some ninny.
Melanie's voice interrupted my thoughts. "Hey Luna, that lady's asking for you."
I looked up. She didn't need to tell me which lady. I gave her a sympathetic look. "So that's your table, huh?"
Melanie glanced at Robert and said, "Unlessyouwant to wait on her."
It was a joke, obviously. I didn't even know who she meant – me, or Robert. Either way, it wasn't going to happen. I hadn't had the training, and Robert already looked scared shitless.
And poor Melanie. She'd been the lady's waitress the last time, too, when my stupid drawing had caused all that trouble.
I turned to her and said, "I'm sorry you got stuck with her twice. Talk about bad luck, huh?"
"It wasn't luck," she said, giving Robert an annoyed look. "Hemade me do it."
I turned to Robert, wondering what he would say.
"You passed along the note," he told her. "The way I see it, you're getting off light."
He meantmynote, obviously, with that stupid butt-cartoon. Melanie's gaze shifted to me, and I could tell exactly what she was thinking.
This was all my fault.
The sad thing was, she was right. I winced. "Sorry. If it makes you feel any better, I'm sure she's gonna put me through the ringer."
"Let's hope so," Melanie muttered, and then turned away. Over her shoulder, she called out, "And don't make her wait, alright? I don't need any more trouble."
I let out a long sigh. If Melanie was angry, I had only myself to blame.
Next to me, Robert said, "Don’t feel bad. She calledmea ferret-faced weasel."
"Who?" I turned to face him. "Melanie?"
He shook his head. "Not Melanie. The customer." He glanced toward the dining area. "And Melanie's right. You'd best not keep her waiting."
Hurrying now, I put the ginger-ale on a tray and started making my way out there. When the table came into view, I stopped dead in my tracks.
There it was, the table for ten. And theretheywere, ten customers, including the lady who I owed that apology to.
Well, this was just great.
From what I could see, the rest of the customers were all young women, around Sarah's age, maybe in their late teens or early twenties. Near their chairs, I spotted backpacks and book bags, like they'd just come from class or something.
My gaze zoomed in on the group's leader, the woman I'd be groveling to. As I watched, she gave a tittering laugh and announced to the whole table, "Of course, it's better to learn byotherpeople's mistakes, don't you think?"
I sucked in a breath.Mymistakes?
