Page 6 of Where There's A Will
The recent audition Roman was referring to was for a dog-food commercial. Along with several other guys, we had auditioned with the same number of girls to act as a couple. The successful duo were to be the ‘parents’ to an overenthusiastic Cavapoo puppy whom we were trying to convert to a new brand of food. Sadly, the puppy had spent most of the audition trying to hump my leg, while my ‘wife’ dissolved into fits of giggles. Needless to say, I hadn’t got the part. And I didn’t think the woman would be attracted to someone who appealed to dogs quite so much. So I’d walked away, even though I could have had a canine friend for life.
“You really do need to get out there, Will. Man cannot function vicariously on the drama of others alone.”
I’d filled Roman in on the spectacle of the restaurant breakup and the clever sting. He too had been impressed by her actions, but warned someone like that could be ‘a bit batshit crazy’. I thought otherwise. A little devious, maybe, not crazy.
“We should try a speed-dating event.”
I shuddered at the thought. All those people being needy and trying to cram their life story into a minute just to get you to go out with them—I preferred my relationships to grow organically. Maybe it was the reserved Brit in me.
“Or we could go to a bar, meet some girls naturally, chat, get to know them.” I tossed the controller on the sofa beside me. “Why don’t we do that tonight?” I suggested, to my own surprise. Sunday nights were usually reserved for box sets or learning lines for the week’s auditions. Perhaps it was time to move out of my comfort zone.
Roman’s brows raised as he turned his attention from the screen to me. “Really?”
“It would be something different.” I shrugged.
He nodded. “Then let’s do it.”
“I’ve got to go to the staff meeting first. Why don’t we meet at 230 FIFTH around six?”
The place I’d suggested was a rooftop bar, serving beer, wine, and sharing platters during happy hour. It was fairly popular, even on a Sunday. I also knew it was one of Roman’s favourites too and he knew a couple of the bartenders there, which would guarantee a couple of cheap rounds.
“Sounds good.” He nodded. “One more game?”
It was our usual routine. One of us would suggest doing something, but there was always time for a little more online gaming before we went out. While we played, my mind wandered back to my relationship status. I’d had a semi-serious girlfriend back at home, and the original plan had been for us to come to New York together. The plan had been rather thwarted when she announced she was going travelling to Asia to find herself instead and I’d ended up here alone. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before I’d found a friend in Roman. We had the same agent, and often got to go on castings or auditions together. Because of the stark difference in our looks—me fair and him dark—it was rare we were in competition with each other for the same part, and we had formed an easy friendship quite quickly. Roman was my go-to person for all things New York and he tipped me off about the best—and cheapest—bars and restaurants. We had a few shared acquaintances, mostly models and actors who worked in hospitality somewhere in the city, who were also able to give us good tip-offs on bargains.
Heading out with Roman would be fun. Although I sometimes resented the ease with which he was able to chat with women. But I made a decent wingman.
Around a couple of hours later, it was time to get ready. Roman headed off first, while I showered and pulled on a pair of dark jeans and a shirt with a collar. Mitch was always a stickler for us looking professional at meetings. I figured it would save me time later, not having to change to go out.
The restaurant was a few blocks from my apartment and I loved the short walk there. Despite living in London, I still couldn’t get used to the hustle and bustle of New York City. It certainly was the city that never slept, and no matter what time I went home in the evening, there was always something going on somewhere. I kept my head down and dodged around the packs of tourists with cameras and phones, taking shots of the skyline. When I’d first arrived, that had been me too, though I’d done a lot less of it recently. I think my friends back home were starting to get sick of the same content appearing on my social media. Personally, I happened to think a New York skyline was one of the best images in the world.
I ducked into the restaurant, shortly after four. Mitch and the team were gathered around one of the biggest tables, some sitting, some standing. I snuck in at the back and took one of the roster sheets from my neighbour, who was one of the newest waitresses.
“You’re late, Will. Don’t think I didn’t notice.”Damn, I thought I’d been so stealthy, as well.
“Sorry, Mitch, got caught up at home. Heating emergency.”
The manager nodded, not questioning the lie I’d come out with.
“You didn’t miss much,” the waitress whispered, while Mitch went through some new Health and Safety warnings. “He’s been talking about takings and targets. And how we need to upsell some of the less popular liqueurs.”
Immediately her comment made me think of the Goldschlager I’d served her that night. Three shots of the stuff. Although I’d given her two for free, her douchebag of a date had paid for the third. I wondered if it had made Mitch’s list.
“I’m Kelsey. I don’t think we’ve worked together yet.” The waitress smiled and held out her hand.
“No, no I don’t think we have.” I shook her hand. “I’m Will.”
“Oh, I knew that.” She giggled.
I didn’t quite know what to say in response, so I simply smiled and nodded. Maybe she’d like to come to 230 FIFTH this evening? I squinted at the roster and noted her name down for a shift that evening. Another time, perhaps.
“I know it’s been a while since ‘the breakup sting’”—Mitch added imaginary air quotes around the words—“but there’s to be no repeat performances.” His gaze fell on the new hostess, who clearly had no idea what he was talking about. “I can’t afford to risk losing staff members because some dick can’t keep it in his pants.”
A snicker rippled through the assembled group. I didn’t join in. For some reason, it felt disloyal.
“We’ve got a big target to hit this week, so make sure you encourage people to have desserts, suggest they have that extra side, even the additional soda. It all counts.” Mitch paused. “Because if it doesn’t work, there may have to be some staff cuts here, less shifts, that sort of thing.”
I sucked in a breath. Even though I didn’t particularly see my future in catering, I couldn’t afford to lose this job. At least not until the big acting or modelling break came about.
