The Humbled Prince
It's You!
"Hey waitress! Wait" Naveen ran inside the diner and saw no sign of the woman he was looking for. Instead, another waitress approached him.
She smiled her best smile and asked, "Ya need help with something, sir?"
Naveen looked around. "I was looking for a waitress with the same yellow uniform as yourself and—
"Why don't you have a seat by the window," she offered, pushing him onto the chair. "My name is Rochelle—
"Hell Rochelle. My name is Naveen, and I'm looking for someone," he pressed.
The waitress placed her hand on her hip with a raised eyebrow. "Who?"
Naveen finally saw who he was looking for as she served the blonde man Charles and his father pastries and coffee. "Her!" He pointed.
Rochelle's eyes followed to where the man was pointing at and smirked. "Her?" Her interest now attentive. "You her boyfriend or something?"
"Well, no, but I was hoping that I can have the time to speak with her—
"Hold that thought," she stopped him with a humoured giggle. "I'll get her."
Naveen watched the waitress follow Tiana and felt a little antsy. Never in his privileged life has he ever wanted to see a girl as much as he did. The women would always come to him.
'I know that she will not be disappointed...I am charming, good-looking and a prince,' he thought confidently. 'What woman in her right mind would turn me down?'
"I've got to give it to ya! No one can make beignets like you!" praised Eli.
"Thank you, Mr. LaBouff," Tiana gave him a genuine smile. "Is there anything else you need?"
"Coffee, darlin'" he answered, holding her up his as she poured him a serving.
Charles glanced up at her, annoyed. "I am here you know..."
Tiana rolled her eyes before looking at him. "What is it that you'd like, sir?"
"Coffee...dark coffee," he smirked.
Tiana saw the intense look in his eyes knowing his meaning and swiftly walked away.
"Charles!" Eli exclaimed.
The man chuckled. "What?"
"You are supposed the behave like a gentleman. The La Bouff men have always strive to come out on top with with our integrity, —
"I'm out of here!" Charles rose from the table to leave the diner.
"Charles!" Eli stood up and groaned for not wanting to leave his beignets behind. Out of desperation picked up the basket and left the amount along with a tip before leaving the diner himself.
"Girl there's some fine and sexy man out there wanting to see you!" Rochelle followed Tiana behind the counter.
Tiana rolled her eyes. "Who isn't fine and sexy to you?"
"I'm for real! Look at him!" Rochelle pointed toward Naveen's direction.
Tiana didn't bother following her friend's finger and instead handed her friend a plate of food. "Help me serve breakfast to that table with the large family."
Rochelle twisted her mouth to the side. "Mmhm. Trying to change the subject on me."
Tiana ignored her and went to serve the family.
"This looks really good, Cher!"
"Taste really good too, Mr. Davis," she told the man as she placed plates down in front of his wife and daughter. "Flapjacks covered in strawberries for you Ariel and for you Mrs. Davis, beignets and hot coffee!"
"Thank you very much, Tiana!" said a very pregnant Mrs. Davis, smiling in appreciation. "You are gonna make some man very happy."
"Is there anything else y'all need?" she asked, changing the subject.
Mrs. Davis laughed. "You've done enough. Thank you."
"That's all, Cher. Thanks," said Mr. Davis.
Satisfied, Tiana went on to the next available table which was the man who she met before coming in for work. She also noticed he didn't have any dishes on his table. "Good morning. May I help you, sir?"
"Your name for starters," Naveen said with a grin in which Tiana read as arrogant and cocky.
"What would you like for breakfast sir?"Tiana asked with a hand on her hip
"Not until I have your name," Naveen smiled at her.
Rochelle watched from a distance and couldn't take anymore of her friend turning down 'good' men. "Her name is Tiana..."
Tiana shot a glare at her friend. "Rochelle!"
Some of the customers looked at the two.
"...and she desperately needs a man..." Rochelle added.
"What are you doing?" Tiana couldn't believe her friend right now.
Rochelle went over to Tiana's side as she finished,"...my friend is a stickinthemud who needs to let loose and go out once in a while!"
Naveen raised his brows.
"Her shift ends at noon so if ya interested as you seem to be, then you can meet up with her here and take her out for lunch! I don't even care if I have to pay for the damn meal just do it!"
Tiana covered her face with her hand, never feeling more embarrassed as the entire diner's eyes were on her.
Naveen was stunned himself. He figured this other waitress was outspoken but didn't think she'd call her friend out.
He didn't want have her this way. His father always advised him that earning what you want is always the best reward. He was going to follow the king's wise word of advice.
"Its alright really," Naveen stood and looked Tiana's way apologetically. "I'm sorry for any offense."
Tiana heard how sincere his apology was and was about to respond until...
"Hey Cher! I need coffee here!"
She looked back to see Dr. Facilier sitting at a table waiting for her. Turning back to Naveen she said, "Excuse me!" and ran to serve the customer as Rochelle turned back toward take Naveen's order herself only to find a huge tip on the table and the back of him leaving the diner. She collected the amount; putting the money in her apron pocket before moving on to another customer.
Naveen left the diner without realizing where he was going and bumped into a well-dressed young woman who caught herself without stumbling over.
"Excuse me, madam," he stopped when he noticed that she looked identical to Tiana, minus this woman's hair length was much shorter.
"Watch where ya going you..." she stopped when looking up at him. "Mm." A smile curled on her lips as she could literally smell money from him. "No, excuse me, sir."
He nodded and was about to walk on until she stopped him.
"Hey where are you headed? We haven't been properly introduced," she extended her hand.
"I'm Naveen...pr...um, and your name beautiful?" he asked, careful not to expose himself to possibly any spies his father may have brought over.
She put on her innocent act and giggled softly. "I'm Telese."
()()()()
"Tiana girl you messed up with this one!" Rochelle said as Tiana joined her in the back of the diner.
Still mad at the woman, Tiana asked, "What are you talking about now Rochelle?"
"That good looking man that came in this morning...um, Naveen is his name left you a two hundred dollar tip," she pulled out the large lump of cash.
Tiana's eyes widen in disbelief. "You're lyin!"
Rochelle chuckled while shaking her head. "No really girl I ain't lyin'! Naveen is loaded! I knew he looked too good to be just some random Joe. If he comes back here you better consider—
"I'll see you tomorrow Rochelle!" Tiana clocked out.
"Here's ya tip!" the waitress handed Tiana the money. "Don't let Mr. Duke see you leavin' with all that money," she teased.
Tiana smiled, putting the money in her pocket. "He's busy countin' the other money from his register to even notice anything." And she was right. Her boss didn't even see her leaving the diner.
As Tiana started walking down the sidewalk she was surprised to see her mother heading her way. "Mama?" she gave her a short hug. "What are you doing out here?"
"Shoppin' for ya daddy's birthday," she smiled. "A pair of shoes with some shirts and trousers. You know how ya daddy loves looking sharp on Sunday!"
"Oh daddy is gonna love his gifts!" Tiana smiled. "Guess what happened to me today!"
"You found a date!"
She shook her head. "I got a huge tip from a customer today!"
"Oh really?" Eudora raised a suspicious brow. "How much did the customer tip you?"
"Two hundred dollar."
"Two hundred...," Eudora put her hand on her chest and whispered, "Did you just say two hundred dollars?"
Tiana nodded.
Eudora then looked her up and down. "You didn't do anything funny—
"Mama please!" Tiana frowned. "I not that kind of girl!"
"Of course you're not babycakes!" Eudora hugged her. "Not like ya sister Telese."
"Can we not talk about her?" Tiana asked. "She chose her life and we should just accept it."
"Don't say that around ya daddy!" Eudora warned. "You know that he was heartbroken when she left."
Tiana sighed, deciding to not continue with the topic. "Where are you headed to next?"
"Home. Waiting on Charles La Bouff to come out of the store for me," Eudora said.
"Charles La Bouff?" Tiana was the one to raise her brow this time.
"He's a nice boy," Eudora said.
"Sure he is!" Tiana rolled her eyes, unconvinced.
"Well he couldn't help liking Telese but you know the laws," the mother reminded her.
"Mmhm. Well I best hurry on up and stand by the post to wait for the trolley," Tiana suggested.
"Hold on," Eudora stopped her youngest daughter. "I see your sister got a new boyfriend."
Tiana's eyes moved over to where her mother was looking at and saw her sister Telese flirting her charms to Naveen. She didn't know why she felt a small bit of jealousy. He was a free man to do whatever he wanted.
"The poor fellow will get eaten alive by by the time she's done spending all of his money," Eudora said, shaking her head in disapproval.
Tiana always felt uncomfortable when talking about her sister with her parents. Even though they couldn't stand the sight of her, she still loved her and only felt that Telese was following her dreams, even if it isn't honurable according to society's eyes.
"You ain't from the Crescent City, Naveen," Telese flirted. "Where you really from?"
"Maldonia..." he answered and quickly noticed Tiana.
Telese knew that look well enough and followed his gaze. "My baby sister is very pretty."
Naveen's smile turned into a line. "Sister?"
A smile formed on her lips. "Mmhm."
"You two look alike...," he realized, now feeling like a moron for not connecting them together.
"She's a good girl so if you are looking for a screw then you can forget about her!" Telese warned while still holding her sweet grin.
Naveen wasn't sure what he was looking for with Tiana, but sex was on the bottom of the list. Which was unusual for him.
"You like jazz?" Telese asked.
"Yes, I love it," Naveen answered.
Telese took his hand and studied him for a second before responding. "I don't feel any negative vibes from you. But your past says otherwise," she let go of his hand. "My sister also works part-time at a joint three blocks from here called Bella' s you can't miss bright red lights. It's my main boyfriend's joint so I know what days she works there."
"Why are you telling me all of this if you already know what my past was like?" Naveen had to know. And judging by Telese's odd behavior he had a feeling that she had some link to voodoo as he read from one of his father's books that ninety percents of the citizens in the state used it in their everyday lives.
Telese walked around the prince before stopping right in front of him. "You're good for my sister. You're a man who loves to have a good time. She needs that," she took out a cigarette. "But you're also a man in need of help himself." she lit up her cigarette more inhaling and blowing out the smoke. "So I'll see ya tonight?"
Naveen shrugged with a smirk. "I have no other choice."
"You do, but I rather you come along. Au revoir for now!"
As Naveen watched Telese leave for a car he remembered Tiana just across the street but to his disappointment she was already gone. He sighed. "Well there is always Bella's!"
()()()()
Later that evening...
"On your way to work?" James asked, seeing his daughter with the same green bag she usually carries three days a week.
"Yep. I should be back by midnight or a quarter to one!" she said, opening the door.
"Babycakes!" James hurried over to his daughter. "Why don't we pray before you leave?"
Tiana raised her brows, not feeling up to it. "Daddy I'm going to be late."
"Jobs come and go. But God is always with you. Don't forget about that!"
She sighed at her over religious father. "Alright daddy..." she closed her eyes and folded her hands while her father recited a short prayer.
"Amen!" They both said together.
"That's my babycakes," he kissed her on the head. "If you happen to see Cal..."
"I'll tell him that you will use his catering service for Sunday's dinner at the church. I know!" Tiana said with a smile.
James laughed a little. "Have a good day!"
"You too!" she closed the door behind her.
"She's gone?" Eudora asked, walking out in a very revealing night gown
"My, my my...,"James slowly walked over to her. "When did you pick this up?" he wrapped his arms around her.
She gave him a kiss. "Today. Do you like it?"
James returned the kiss. "Is this my birthday treat?"
"Well why don't you follow me in the bedroom to find out...," She took his hand and led them to the room, slamming the door shut.
()()()()
"How may I help you?" Tiana asked a couple who were sitting at their table.
"We'll have two medium rare steaks with salads," the man answered.
"And for drinks?" Tiana began writing in the notepad.
"Water...for now," he said.
Tiana smiled at the two. "Coming right up!" and walked over to where she found her sister, dressed in a beautiful expensive yellow flapper dress.
"Hello beautiful waitress!" Telese greeted with a laugh.
"I didn't know you were coming here tonight," Tiana put the note on the counter for the cook to receive. "Giuliano is usually as giddy as a girl in love when you are here."
"His wife left him after walking in on us," said the woman.
Tiana sighed, "Did you know he was married?"
"Yep, but enough about me!" Telese glanced at her sister's tightly fitted attire. "That dress is showin' off all the right curves on ya girl! Daddy still didn't find out about his innocent virgin daughter working in a gentleman's club and wearing this skimpy number?"
She rolled her eyes at her sister playful teases.
"Look baby sis, I know that the tips are to die for but I also don't want you gettin' into any trouble. The men here aren't the nicest to women like us—
"I'm nineteen years old Telese! I can work anywhere I please!"
"I know, but you know how he is..." Telese had to roll her eyes herself. "Daddy is old-fashioned especially with him carrying around that damn bible all the time. I mean, he got mama when she was a virgin and expected me to do the same when I married to that idiot Kevin."
"Kevin was a nice boy" Tiana teased.
"But too clingy and slow for me! And he was godawful in bed!"
Tiana shook her head. "Well I best get back to work before Giuliano say something." She went on to another table.
"Oh please!" Telese said as she spotted Naveen coming in wearing a very expensive looking suit. "Hmm..." she also spotted Giuliano leaving from the back room and strutted over, taking his arm. "I want to introduce you to somebody who's good for my baby sis!"
Naveen was greeted by Telese, who had a buff built man in a tux by her side. The man was also giving him jealous daggers.
"This is my boyfriend Giuliano, the owner of this joint!" Telese introduced. "Baby this is Naveen, a nice man who happens to like your favourite waitress!"
Naveen extended out his hand for a handshake but only got a grunt from the man. "You don't speak much do you?"
"He's very protective of my baby sister!" Telese rested her hand on her boyfriend's stomach. "Baby he is good people."
"For you I will give you one chance," Giuliano said in his very strong Sicilian accent. He extended out his hand this time.
And Naveen shook it.
"Since y'all are good friends why don't we send Naveen to the Presidential Lounge. If he's gonna be talking to my baby sister he will have to do it in the best spot in the house!" Telese exclaimed.
Giuliano grunted before parting ways from the two.
"So where exactly is this Presidential Lounge?" Naveen asked and spotted Tiana in a figure flattering black dress serving a group of male customers. "Achidonza..."
Telese chuckled at Naveen staring at Tiana. "My sister's body is a blessing, but don't stare too hard. Giuliano ain't afraid to kick anybody out who messes with her!" She started walking up the stairs. "Follow me!"
Naveen walked up the stair and followed the woman into a very tacky and somewhat elegant looking room. Chandlers hung from the ceiling of gold wallpaper. The windows held bright red drapes with golden bullheads print. The tables were covered in lime green covers and sea blue plates. He also noticed how seclusive it was.
"So this is the famous Presidential lounge," Naveen stated.
"It looks fabulous!" Telese beamed. "No one but the very wealthy can afford this part of the club! And not only will you be served with the best food and drinks, but you will also be served by the best waitress! Have a seat!"
Naveen pulled out the gold chair and was thankful that it had some cushion on it. And before he could get a word out Telese had already left the room. "Faldi faldonza."
()()()()
Tiana left the order for the cook to receive when she found Giuliano staring at her. "May I help you?"
"You are needed in the Presidential Lounge for the rest of the night."
"The Presidential Lounge..." Tiana repeated and turned to see that the man had already left. She shrugged her shoulders and began heading up the stairs.
It was the first time she's had to serve any of the wealthy customers and wondered if they were one of her sister's many friends from god knows where. Whomever this person was, she hoped and prayed that they will leave her a nice tip. But why would there only be one person in the room? There could've a group of rich customers.
'Smile Tiana...just smile,' she mentally told herself before opening the door. And to her surprise...
"It's you...I mean how may I help you sir?" Tiana's heart raced in embarrassment as she caught Naveen's pearly but charming white grin.