“Sofia, this sounds so exciting. Maybe I should’ve come to Arizona with you.” I lean back on my bed and cover my eyes with my forearm.
Sofia laughs. “It’s hot here, much hotter than you’re used to. Besides, you have Disneyland. Make Kellie take you.”
“What if we make a plan to go together? You don’t work weekends, right?”
“I work some, but maybe we can. Listen, my mom just got home. I gotta run.”
“Love you.”
“Love you too, El.” Sofia hangs up, making me miss her instantly. It’s an odd feeling. We’ve known each other for two years and didn’t spend last summer together, although she did come back to school early, and I find myself missing her. Maybe it’s that I miss school, the togetherness my suitemates and I had, and the overall security. That has to be it.
Dressing in a skirt and flowy top, I make my way to the print shop to pick up my resumes. The clerk tells me I’m overly eager. Great. That’s the vote of confidence I need.
My ride share drops me off on Sunset Blvd. This is where Kellie says I’m most likely to find quick work.
I’m down to my last resume when I walk into a coffee shop bistro type place. The sign says they’re open twenty-four hours, they have open mic and that you must be twenty-one to enter unless with a parent or guardian. Odd, but I’m desperate.
“Hi, I noticed the sign in the window that says you’re hiring. I’d like to drop off my resume.” I hand her my lifeline. She looks at it while smacking her gum, while I idly stand there, wondering what kind of place this is. There are a few people sitting at the tables. One is typing away on a laptop, another is reading a book, while another is staring out the window. People watching, I get it. I love doing that and need to find a park that will afford me ample opportunity to watch people.
The barista? Clerk? Heck, I’m not sure what to refer to her as, blows a bubble with her pink gum, lets it pop before turning around and yelling, “Someone named Resume is here to see you.”
What? She thinks that’s my name? Thankfully, she’s set my document down to help the next customer. I pick it up, verifying that my name is correct, Eleanora Boone. My mouth drops open and tears instantly flood my eyes. My name appears nowhere and in fact, says “resume” where my name should be. My phone number isn’t even listed.
I can’t help the tears. They’re flowing when the manager comes out. He stands there, looking confused. “I’m sorry.” I wipe as much as I can away and take a deep breath, forcing a smile.
“Name’s Zeke.”
“Hi, I’m…” I pause when it comes to my name. He has no idea what it is and right now I don’t feel like being proper. This doesn’t mean I’m about to shave half my head and dye my hair different colors like the cashier, but I’m going to let loose and live my best life while I’m here. “Nola,” I tell him, reaching for his hand. “I apologize for the error in my resume. I take full responsibility.”
Zeke motions me to follow him. We sit at a corner table, with me looking out over the sidewalk. I can see now why someone would sit here, the people are fascinating.
“Where ya from?”
“Idaho.”
“They have a southern accent in Idaho now?”
I duck my head, feeling my cheeks flare. After regaining my composure, I make eye contact with him. “Originally, I’m from South Carolina, but have recently moved here.”
“Do you have any experience waiting tables?”
I shake my head. “I’m sorry, I don’t, but I’m a fast learner and I can work any hours you need.” Although, the thought of working late scares me.
“Look, you don’t have the experience… none at all really, but I’m short staffed. Here’s the deal, I’m going to give you a test run on Friday night. It’s our open mic night, we’re busy so wear comfortable sh
oes. The attire is black shirt. I don’t care what you wear for pants. Hair must be up.” He glances at the counter where the clerk is waving her finger at him. He sighs and turns back to me. “If you can hack it on Friday, the job is yours.”
“Thank you. What time should I be here?”
“Four works. It’ll give you some time to train with the other waitress before the rush starts.”
I reach my hand out to shake his. “I won’t let you down.”
Once again, he looks at the counter and shakes his head. “Yep, I’ve heard that before!”
Zeke excuses himself and I use this opportunity to stay and observe, watching the people come and go, learning how this place operates and taking notes on how I’m going to succeed. Failure is not an option.
7