"So Allison, tell me a little about yourself." Ed said as he briefly scanned her resume'.

"Well there's not much to tell. I'm self-motivated and quick to learn. I love a challenge and I'm excellent at multi-tasking...Ok…...wait a second...this is so not me. Ed, I'm gonna' cut the crap here. I really don't think I need to feed you all of the self-motivated bull. So I'm going to level with you……I need a job, I have three kids, all girls…ages 11, 5 and 3. My husband Brian died about a year ago just 7 weeks after learning he had a malignant melanoma. He had a small life insurance policy that is close to running out. I'm close to my parents, but I would prefer not to have to live with them or borrow money from them. I'm honest, I don't steal or use drugs…..ummm, that's pretty much it." Allison said.

"Do you have ANY experience waitressing…at all….ANYWHERE?" Ed asked as he looked at her previous job history.

Allison let out a deep breath. "No….but what I said about being a quick learner is true….that part wasn't crap." Allison said.

"My restaurant is frequented by some of Hollywood's biggest names Allison. I pride myself on my reputation for excellent food AND excellent service. I am strict about my employees not asking for autographs and they are only to discuss what is on the menu or what the special of the day is." Ed said.

"I can do that Ed….give me a shot….I really need this." Allison said, practically pleading.

Allison couldn't believe she was begging for a job. Just over a year ago she had the fairytale life. She had a great husband, three gorgeous children and was getting her pre-requisites out of the way for nursing school. They lived in a middle-class neighbourhood and she drove a mini-van. She certainly didn't see this coming.

"Allison, I'm going to give you 30 days and THAT'S IT. If at the end of 30 days you're not cut out for this. I'm going to have to let you go…..understood?" Ed said.

Allison stood up and ran to the other side of Ed's desk and threw her arms around his neck and kissed his chubby cheek. "You won't be sorry….I promise Ed……ummm, when do you want me to start…and what do I wear?" Allison asked.

"I need you to start on Sunday. See Rachel on the way out and she'll take you to the uniform room to get you a few things to take with you. You have to wear your hair up and we require everyone to have professional manicures. Hands are the first thing someone will notice when you're serving food. I'll pay for your first manicure, but after that…it's up to you." Ed said as he stood from his desk.

"We'll see you on Sunday." Ed Said.

Allison turned to leave. Before she shut the door behind her she said, "Thanks again Ed. This means a lot to me……and my kids."

Allison found Rachel in the restaurant.

"Well?" Rachel asked.

"I got the job!" Ally said.

She through her arms around Rachel and picked her up and swung her around.

"I can't believe it….Rach….thank you so much. " Allison said as she put Rachel down.

"Someone's gotta' look out for you….I've gotten pretty good at it, since I've been doing it for how long now?...Junior year I think?" Rachel said.

"Ed said you'd get me some uniforms…...is everyone's shirt as low as yours?" Allison asked.

Rachel laughed. "Yes and some are lower Al……Come on let's get you some clothes." Rachel said.

Rachel brought Allison to a large room with racks on every wall. There was a rack for Shirts, pants, skirts, etc…Ally found her sizes and picked out the most modest she could find. Which still wasn't very modest.

"Rach…are you working Sunday? That's when I start." Allison asked.

"Yea…looks like I'm training you hon." Rachel replied.

Allison hugged Rachel again. "I'll see you Sunday….thanks again. I need to get home and tell the girls." Rachel said as she left.