My everything

Chapter eighteen - New job

Luke's POV:

Abby and I finally graduated from high school. The ceremony was last week. I didn't invite anyone. As I already said to my brother, I didn't want to do it. My girlfriend wanted both of her parents to come. That didn't happen. Only miss Lee appeared. After the ceremony, we talked with her for a while. Later, everyone went on their way. She had to go back to work. I don't know what is happening between her and her husband. I see she is not happy. Probably they have argued about Abby moving out. I wanted to ask, but it wasn't the right place and time. Also, what is going on between them is not my business. It's better if I don't know. Since then, Abby and I haven't talked with our parents. Well, I haven't seen mine since the funeral of my grandparents. That way is better. The next step for me was searching for a job. My girlfriend said that she would do it too. I know why she wants us to work together, but I will be fine. No one will steal me from her. Honestly, I think it will be fun. Spending the whole day with her will be great. Well, otherwise, I have to see her after work. It's not like I mind, but I prefer the other way. That's why Abby and I have been searching for a job for the past week. We'll be waiters at one restaurant. I have been practicing my balance at home. I don't want to get fired on my first day. My girlfriend will follow me everywhere I go, so I better keep my job. I don't want her to work, but I know she won't give up. I mean, during summer you are supposed to have fun. Abby won't listen to me, so I won't waste time explaining this. If that is how she wants to spend her vacation, I won't mind. After all, she will study later. Probably that is the other reason why she wants to work. She doesn't know that I plan to pay for her studies. I hope she will never find out because she will get mad at me.

Today is Abby's and mine first day at work. I have never worked before, but I will do everything possible to keep my job. I know it's not easy. Well, it can't be that hard. All I have to do is be careful. I don't want to mess up people's orders or drop plates and cups. I have practiced my balance at home, so everything should be fine. It's better if I carry fewer plates. That way is safer. Abby is better than me. She served us dinner for a whole week. This girl has talent. Sadly, I don't.

I woke up and checked the clock. It was 8 am. We have two hours to go to work. Abby was sleeping peacefully, curled on the bed. Since my room is not big enough, my girlfriend keeps her things in the guest room. She only comes here for the night. We don't do anything besides sleep. Let's say that none of us wants it. It's not like I haven't kissed her, but that's it. We have other things to worry about than that. It's better if I wake her up. I don't want us to be late.

- Abby. - I said and kissed her cheek

- Five more minutes.

- It's 8 am. I want us to have breakfast before we go.

- I want to sleep.

- Ok, you can sleep while I prepare the food. Is this ok for you? - I asked and kissed the top of her head

- Yes, thank you.

- I'll be back soon.

I got dressed and went to the kitchen. Today, we'll have pancakes. I'm not the best cook, but I have learned some things. Since Abby came here, I have been cooking more often. Well, she is helping me most of the time. I want to do everything alone. I know she won't let me. When the food was ready, I took a tray. Then I walked into our room. Abby started sniffing and immediately woke up. She liked her lips and looked at me with puppy eyes. I will never get bored with her.

- Breakfast is served milady.

- Thank you. It looks delicious.

- I hope you like it.

- Since you made it, I will. I don't know when you learned to cook, but you have talent.

- I wish I could believe you.

- You should do it. Luke, I'm not kidding. You cook very well.

- Thank you. Let's eat now. I don't want to be late.

- Everything will be fine. You don't have to worry about us. We got the job.

- I know, but I want to keep it.

- Do you ever plan to study something? I don't mean the next one-two years.

- I don't know. I want to do things my way. My brother can study if he wants to, but that is not what I want to do.

- Are you happy this way?

- Yes, I am. Why?

- Because that is what should matter to you.

- Well, you are here. That should've answered your question.

- It did. - Abby said, chuckling

At 9:15 am, both with Abby walked out. The restaurant is not far away from home, but I prefer to be on time. It opens at 11 am, so we have enough time to set the tables. We walked in, and a man appeared. That is the owner. We talked with him during our interview. He is a nice man. I mean, he was nice to us. Hopefully, we won't mess up. I mean myself.

- I'm glad that both of you are here on time. We have about an hour until the restaurant opens. All I will want from you two is to set the tables. Put tablecloths on each table, napkins, forks, and knives.

- What about spoons? - Abby asked

- We don't know if people will order soup. If they do, you will bring them one, ok?

- Yes, sir.

- That's it. You can work now.

Abby and I did what the owner said. It's not something hard, and I believe we can do well. We gave each other looks from time to time. They were coming with a smile. We are the only ones here besides the other workers. She can calm down. Also, I believe that most of the customers will be older people. No one will want to date me.

- You will take the male customers.

- Why?

- Because I said so. - Abby said, and I laughed

- Ok, ok. I'll do whatever you say.

- Are both of you ready? - Lance asked

- Yes, we are.

- Luke, I need you for a second.

- Ok. I'll be back. - I said, kissed her cheek, and left

- Look, I know what your relations are. I hope you will be able to keep it professional. I mean Abby. She looks a bit jealous. - Lance said, chuckling

- She is afraid that girls will be hitting on me. That's why she wanted to work here. Abby is not jealous.

- Customer is always right. Make sure that she knows that. Otherwise, no one can help her, and she will get fired.

- I get it. I will talk with her.

- There are no bad feelings. I want to help both of you.

- Thanks.

I told Abby to be careful with her words. I know that sometimes she can be in a protective mode. She proved this to me last week. The first customers came around 11:30 am. Probably that is their lunch break. We had this in school too. Well, that was before. All I can say is welcome to adult life. I hope that Abby and I will understand each other well. I don't want us to have problems.

- Can I take them? - Abby asked

- Sure. I'll take the next customers.

- Thank you.

Abby is doing her job amazingly. Honestly, whatever she does, it will always be perfect. There is not a single thing that she can't do. I took the next customers. For now, I am doing well. Hopefully, this will continue. I had to bring order to a woman and a man. He ordered a steak with potatoes, while she only wanted a salad. Of course, there were drinks. I brought everything at once successfully. Lance was watching both of us. Let's say that he is something like a mentor to us. I don't know how long he has been working here. The owner said he would watch over us. Well, he will be working as well.

- What do you think?

- Luke, this is not that complicated job compared to other professions. You are doing fine. I mean, you don't need to ask me all the time. - Lance said, chuckling

- Maybe, but I don't want to get fired.

- Girls over there.

- Where?

- Abby took care of them.

- She said that all the male customers were for me.

- I wonder why. - he said, laughing

- Honestly, I like that she wants to keep her territory.

- That way, you'll know she cares.

- I understood this a long time ago.

- I believe that your story is not like in the books.

- No, it's not. Each one of us has problems.

- I see. As long as you two support each other, everything will be fine.

- I know it's early, but do we have a lunch break? I was afraid to ask the owner.

- Yes, you do. It's from 2 pm until 4 pm. Then we open again. You two can go home or do something else.

- Can we stay here?

- Of course. After all, I am here all the time.

- Don't you go home?

- There is no one. My wife is working. The kids have school and then practice.

- I understand. In that case, we can keep you company.

- I would love that.

Abby and I ate with Lance and the chefs during our lunch break. These people need to teach me how to cook. We exchanged some recipes. Mostly they told me. I am a beginner in this profession. Also, I don't want to be professional. I need basic skills. That way, I can cook at home and not burn anything. When Abby starts university, I plan to take care of everything. She has to focus on her studies. We haven't talked about that yet. I will tell her when the time comes. Now it's too early. Also, I know what her opinion will be. I want us to live in peace for now.

At 4 pm, the restaurant was opened again. The first customers came an hour later. I don't think someone will eat dinner so early, but it looks like I was wrong. There was a reservation for 7 pm. Twenty people are about to come. Maybe there is a celebration.

- Today is your day. I want both of you to take care of the reserved tables. There are three tables combined. It's a birthday celebration. That is your chance to show me what you can do.

- What about the rest of the tables? - Abby asked

- I will take care of them. Can you do this?

- I think we can.

Two hours later, the big group came. That's a lot of people. Abby and I took menus and walked to the tables. Why do I feel nervous? I have practiced at home. Abby grabbed my hand, and I looked at her.

- Everything will be fine. - she whispered

- Thank you.

- Do you want a drink while you are choosing the meals? - Abby asked the guests

- Yes, that would be very nice. Thank you.

- Tell us what you want, and we'll serve it. We are your waiters for tonight.

- Thank you.

We wrote down everything they wanted and went to take it. For now, no one ordered alcohol. I see a big bill today. Hopefully, we can take a good tip. After all, I'm trying to be nice to everyone.

At 10 pm, the restaurant close. Abby and I got a seventy-dollar tip. Now I love my job. I think we did great on our first day. The owner said that one day he would come to watch us. I expected that, but it made me nervous again. Honestly, I should get used to this. I have to say a huge thank you to Lance. He helped us with everything he could. Our whole attention was on the birthday celebration. Abby and I tried to bring the orders as fast as possible. Well, we don't cook meals. I think the guests were content. One of the women said she would recommend this restaurant to her friends. We did a great promo today. That's why we need a rest. When we walked home, Abby was quick to go to bed. I know she is tired. Me too. After all, we have never worked before. Now I understand how hard it is. It will help me pay bills and take care of us. I want to use my grandparents' money for emergencies.

- How are you after our first day at work?

- I'm fine. After all, you were with me all the time.

- That was the plan. Wasn't it?

- Yes. Thank you for listening to me.

- No problem. I love working with you.

- I'm glad to hear that.

- What do you want us to do now?

- Sleep. - she said, and I chuckled

- Something else?

- No, I'm tired.

- Already? What if I want us to do something?

- Tomorrow.

- You will say this every day since we go to work.

- Ok, what do you want?

- Nothing. I want to see what your answer will be.

- That is not funny.

- You should get used to this.

- I know. It will take me some time.

- But it will be worth it. If you want to work with me, that is the price.

- Mostly, my feed hurt. I haven't been up for so long.

- I can give you a massage.

- No, thanks. I better get a shower first, but I might fall asleep there.

- I gladly will come, but I believe you won't let me.

- Maybe the next time. I'm not ready for this. Sorry.

- Why? Never say sorry for who you are. People should accept you the way you are.

- Thanks. Said from you means a lot.

- Hey, I mean everything I have said to you. I promise that I will never hurt you.

- Me too. I don't want us to argue.

- We won't. You can trust me on that.

- I do. I trust you more than anyone.

- I'm glad to hear that.

- I love you. Thank you for letting me stay here.

- My doors are always open for you. I love you too. - I said and kissed her

Abby was quick to fall asleep. I know she is tired. Me too. After all, we have never worked before. Honestly, I don't mind. If that is what it takes me to be able to take care of her and the house, I will do it. I will do whatever it's necessary to be sure she has everything she needs. I want her to feel at home. I know it's not the same, but that is all I can do. Since the day Abby came here, I promised myself I would do everything possible to make her happy and take care of her. I mean, I don't want to disappoint her. I hope everything between us will be fine. I don't want us to have problems.