Chapter 2 - The Girl in the White Shirt
I owned the Juniper Table. Lauren just didn't know it yet.
I started with a borrowed espresso machine, six tables, and a lease Mom feared. Six years later, we employed thirty-one people and had a Friday-night waiting list. I still worked the floor because I wanted to know my guests and my team.
"Let me get you a clean shirt," Becca whispered.
"Give me two minutes."
Lauren showed her friends the photograph. "Remember Maya Collins? Her mom cleaned the gym at East Warren."
My mother, Teresa, cleaned offices to feed us. She came home with swollen feet and still checked my homework. Lauren treated that work like a stain.
"My mother worked hard," I said. "There wasn't anything funny about it."
Lauren rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. We're adults."
"Then act like one."
One of her friends lowered her gaze to the table. The other suddenly found the menu fascinating. Lauren's smile thinned.
"Get the manager. I want someone who understands customer service."
Becca stepped forward. "I'm Becca, the floor manager. I saw what happened."
"Great. Fire her."
"That isn't happening," Becca said.
Lauren laughed. "You can't be serious."
From the entrance, Jonah caught my eye. He was tall, dark-haired, and still wearing the tie he hated. Beside him stood Anita Bell, Harborstone Hospitality's procurement director. They had come to meet the woman who wanted to staff six of Harborstone's hotels.
Lauren rose immediately, smoothing her jacket as though the last five minutes hadn't happened.
"Mr. Collins," she said brightly. "I'm Lauren Kessler, founder of Glasshouse Events."
Jonah shook her hand, then looked at my soaked shirt.
May you like
"Maya?" His voice changed. "What happened?"
Lauren turned slowly toward me. I watched her realize that he knew my name, and she still hadn't reached the worst part.
