Streets are crowded, we're in the middle of the hottest New York summers and all tourists just get to my nerves with their sudden stops while walking or their countless petitions to get out of the picture. And still, I love this city and it's blinding lights. Somehow, I make it to the diner, entering agitatedly as I go straight to my locker, putting my bag inside of it, turning my cellphone off and getting dressed for the shift. This is better than nothing. I'm waitressing, but at least I get to sing, right? I'm just really frustrated for another useless audition; This is one of those days when I just lose hope.
"Hey Ward, you got a phone call, Lily says you should get to the Modern today." I haven't even started working and my friends are already calling me to leave messages on parties, this is the image I just need.
"Thank you, Frank." I grab the paper from his hand with a smile and keep it in my pocket. Frank Kimmell is the manager of this place, he is a 50-something guy, grey eyes, auburn hair, sympathetic smile and the looks of an italian, not being one, who is just in love with musicals and really appreciates the talent of his staff. You can say I fell in love with his love for this place as soon as I entered it, years ago, in company of my dad. "I'm ready."
"Alright, you know the deal, just chill out, don't freak out as you serve and sing at the same time and smile all the time. You won't have a problem with that last one, aren't cha?" I shake my head and put on my post professional look and smile and get ready to jump into the arena. "You'll start on the second floor, it's less crowded but you'll have to learn to handle the stairs." He explains as we walk towards the small hall where I can start hearing the songs sang by my fellow coworkers and the hassle that means starting on a thursday afternoon, the evening is just going to get as crazy. Clearing my throat, I nod and make my way towards the second floor. It's about time to go to my first table… just two people.
The afternoon didn't go as I expected… I'm really liking this job! Not that I thought I wasn't going to like it, but I've been doing pretty well in spite of forgetting the soda of one table just two times or almost missing the lyrics of the first song I sang. But I think I can deal with it in the meantime. The diner starts getting crowded and as the Broadway shows finish, we start getting more people; mainly by the discounts but still, people. I look at them all entering, mostly from Cinderella and Mamma Mía. I see Frank coming towards me with hurry. "We have some special guests, producers and actors of an upcoming show, this is short notice and I have no tables downstairs, so you'll have to handle them here." He starts explaining. Producers? That sounds fine, maybe if they can get to hear me… My mind starts drifting towards the possibilities, until… Lily, The Modern. I won't be able to make it before midnight. This is a big chance, I cannot just risk it.
"There's no problem Frank. I can do it." I reply without hesitation, he smiles and pats my back. "I knew I could count on you. Now, Tina is gonna help you as well, I won't leave you two girls alone. We'll need two tables." He leads me to the space that's to be reserved for them, then Tina, a flawless red head girl joins us on arranging the space. Once everything's ready Franky runs downstairs to check if they are already outside, waiting for their seats. By then, Tina approaches me, clapping her hands in excitement as I try not to bite my nails out of nervousness. "Producers! On your first night."
"I know… I might die."
"You're not gonna die. We're gonna charm them. Now, make sure to program your best song to perform for them once they make it here. It's your chance." Tina can't finish explaining the little trick to me when I see Frank leading a group of 10 people towards our floor, I fix my clothes as, once more. I cannot even look at them by being distracted at the amount of public we have by them. I never suffered stage panic but this is not a good moment for that.
"I'll grab the first table, you get the other." The last thing I see is Tina talking to her table, introducing herself and passing on the menus. I react instantly, mainly thanks to the adrenaline and walk towards mine. I go through their faces as I go through my lines. "Good evening guys! My name is Becca and I will be your waitress tonight." As I pass them the menus and I get to the last guest, I find some very familiar brown eyes. Where did I see them before?
He is just there, staring at me with that big, bright smile on his face. Where did I see him? My mind cannot seem to recollect the instant but the expression is unforgettable. I mean, how can you get over such looks?
"Absent girl!" Now it all comes to mind and I'm totally disarmed, he seems to have a very good memory, whereas I seem to suck at being a decent human being.
"You…"
