Chapter One

Henley

"Hattie, table four has been waiting for someone to come and collect their drink order for over two minutes," Collin, the manager on duty, stated as he passed me on his way to the hostess stand.

I glanced at him, trying to overlook the fact that he spelled my name incorrectly for the thousandth time while wondering if he spotted my arms full of food for a separate table. When he peered over his shoulder and frowned at me, I offered him the fakest smile I could produce. "I'll be there right away."

"Good."

I hurried back to table number seven, rolling my eyes. Table seven was my least favorite. I wasn't sure if it was just bad luck or if the table was cursed, but whoever sat there was invariably the rudest, crudest, and most arrogant people on the planet. This time, it was a group of businessmen in sleek suits who tried to ogle down my shirt whenever I stooped down to clear a dish or drink.

"Chicken Cordon Bleu," I said as I placed one of the plates in front of a large man dressed in a star-spangled tie.

"Lovely," he said, not sure if he was referring to the chicken breast or my breast.

Still, I kept my mouth shut. These guys would undoubtedly give me a huge tip if I remained pleasant enough.

"Do you require anything else before I leave?" I inquired after I'd distributed all of the dishes. Please say no, I begged myself.

"Please, another Blue Moon," Star-Spangled Moron asked.

I gave him a kind grin. "As soon as possible."

As I looked around, I noticed Collin gazing at me and furiously pointing at table four. "Am I the only one working?" I grumbled to myself as I approached the table. I calmed a little when I noticed there were just two people sitting at it. At the very least, it would be simple.

"Hello, my name is Henley, and I'll be serving you tonight," I said, smiling at them.

When the two young men turned to face me at the same time, I immediately felt my confidence dwindle. They came in at least once a week, and they were both stunning. I thought I was used to handsome guys and beautiful ladies coming to this restaurant by this point, but the sensation of inferiority lingered. And these two were at the top of their game. Tonight, they were both dressed in button-ups with their sleeves turned up to display their veiny forearms. One of them had a black shirt with a white tie, while the other had a white shirt with a black tie. I wasn't sure if that was on purpose or not, but they made a terrific team.

I'm not sure if it was on intentional or not, but they made a wonderful duo.

It irritated me a little. What was the deal with filthy affluent folks being so appealing? Wasn't the fact that they had money enough? Did they have to steal everyone's wonderful looks as well? It was so unjust. Or maybe I was just too cynical. That was something I had to work on.