Alysia’s Chosen Love

Chapter 5 - Learning the Ropes

Alysia

As they walked in, Alysia said hi to a few of the servers. She made her way to the back and showed Jason where to put his things. The restaurant wasn't set up like a normal restaurant. When you walked in the doors, to your left was a huge window with some booths. On the right wall was where the bar was located and it was mostly for people who wanted to eat or order something quickly. Towards the back was the cash register with a display of baked goods and sweets. On the left wall was a small stage that and on the right side of the stage was a small corner table with extra condiments. Between the table and register was two more booths and in the middle of the restaurant was numerous tables. Usually the stage on the weekends had live music, karaoke, or something of that sort. When it wasn't being used, my mom had extra table and chairs placed there to store until it was needed. After showing Jason, the restaurant where the kitchen was, the offices, the break room, etc., I added him to the system and had him clock in. 

I had him watch as I took orders, delivered the food, and check-out the customer. Then I supervised him as he did it a few times. We usually had 2 cooks, 3-4 waitresses, 2-3 people at the bar, and 2 extra's to help give out food especially during rush hour. Usually during the week, we closed around 10-11 pm and on the weekends the restaurant could be open as late as 2 am. My mom wants to eventually be open 24 hours and create more of a diner atmosphere but we haven't gotten that far yet. I told Jason that we wouldn't know what we would be doing till we got there. I also let him know that the bar wasn't a bar we sold alcohol. It was more for customers who wanted to get in and out and also were all the drinks were made. there was always a server over 21 that prepared the alcohol drinks. 

After about an hour, Jason got the hang of it and I had him handle the tables toward the back of the restaurant since I was handling a portion of the bar and the tables closest to the bar. Around this time, the dinner time rush was coming in. Jason was pretty friendly and always joking around with customers. I was pretty impressed. I helped him place the foods on the table and a few times during passing, he would smile walking past me or make a joke. One of our servers behind the bar had to leave so I went behind the bar to cover her until her replacement showed up in an hour. Around this time Mr. K came in. As he walked in, I already knew he would want a coffee and an appetizer. 

"Can I get a black coffee? "Mr. K says looking at me smiling while he sits. "It's that kind of day", I said as I pour his coffee in front of him. "Oh yea, tried closing a deal that usually takes an hour and took almost five hours" Mr. K said as he sipped on his steaming hot coffee. " Any Food or appetizers today?" I said while serving another customer. "not today or the wife will kill me if I can't eat dinner, Mr. K said laughing. As time went on we chatted about different things until it got busy and I had to deal with other customers. When Mr. K left, I saw he left me a $50 tip which was usual for him. He always left quite a big tip and always requested I serve him. What everyone didn't know is Mr.K would tell me about the business. I planned on going to school for Business Management to hopefully take over the restaurant from my mom one day. I never pried into Mr. K's business nor did I ask what his company name was but he was teaching me here and there the things they did at his company. 

At around 9, I took a break and went into my Mom's office. We briefly spoke about Jason and she said she would put him for the afternoon shifts during the week and weekend because on the weekends he had to help with the farm. She said since it was slow to start closing up half the restaurant and only keep the front booths and bar open. 

Once we cleaned, Jason and I grabbed our things and walked home since it wasn't too chilly. "you did pretty good today. I am impressed." I said as we walked on the sidewalk. "Gotta thank my mom for that. I was always helping her around the house" Jason said smiling. "What are your parents like? Do you miss them" I said wondering to myself why I was asking him personal questions. I don't know I wanted to know all about him all of a suddenly. "My mom is the sweetest, she had this different personality. Always going above and beyond. Singing while doing house work. Always laughing when chasing the chickens or ducks. Then about a year ago, she just stayed to herself becoming really quiet and reserved. My dad had a laid back personality. Always working on the farm looking for ways to expand the farm. My mom and him have always been so in love. He was always teasing her and making her giggle. It was literally like a fairy tale. Not anymore". "Jason said looking away. 

I didn't want to pry but my curiosity got the best of me. "Can I ask what changed all that? You don't have to tell me if your uncomfortable" I said. "My entire household changed when my sister died a year ago" Jason said sadly. By this time we had started walking the long rocky road to the farm. When he said that, I gasped and stopped walking. He turned around and looked at me. 

"I had no idea Jason, I am so sorry. You don't have to tell me any more if you don't want to." I said as I started walking to the house. I could see it in the distance. I didn't see Alex's car which meant he probably wasn't home.  

"I don't have to but I want to" Jason said as he sat down on the porch steps looking up at me, waiting for my move.