The restaurant is a nicer establishment, with most of the entrées ranging between twenty and thirty dollars. Do I typically see people from my athlete life here? No, and I’m okay with that.
So when I see Billy Thornton walk in, my stomach sinks.
I walk up to Aliana and say, “It’s almost time for my break, right?”
She glances down at her sheet and then up at me. “Tracy is on break right now. You’ll have to wait until she’s back.”
My stomach sinksbecause I know just where the hostess will put Billy. At one of my tables that just cleared.
But I can be a professional. I can give him the best service of my life and be grateful for the chance to work.
Instead of watching the hostess seat him and his group, I turn and focus on the tables I’m already serving. No need to waste a night of tips because I’m feeling a little off.
And I’ve done stuff like this before. I’ve been able to block out an irritating opponent. I’ll have to do it again when we play the Rattlers at their home field later in the season.
I take out the drinks to one table, walking slower than normal because of my hamstring. With those delivered, I come back for the entrees for another table before I get the signal that Billy’s table is all mine.
Walking over, I have my tablet out and ready to go, doing my best to look at everyone but Billy.
“Good evening. My name is Burton, and I’ll be your server today. Are we celebrating anything?” That’s my typical question, since there are a lot who come in for special occasions.
“Just business,” a man with an obvious toupee says. He looks familiar, but I’ve seen a lot of people lately, and he could’ve been from here on another visit.
“Awesome, well, I’m glad you’re here. Can I getsome drinks started for you?” I ask, glancing at Billy out of the corner of my eye. He’s focused on his phone, which is fine by me. What is he doing here with a couple of suits?
The three men order, and then Billy gives me his order without looking up. I’d be okay if this is how we interacted the entire meal.
I set down the drinks after filling them and take their order. This time, I’m not so lucky.
“Give me the sirloin. Make sure it’s medium rare and that there’s a good size serving of mashed potatoes. We’ll need more bread here as well.”
I nod, typing in the order and turn to leave when Billy says, “Courtney Burton?”
I freeze and turn, giving him a small smile. It only takes a second of hesitation for me to remember the plan. “Billy. Good to see you again.”
“I thought you were injured. You didn’t come back in the game, and yet you’re also working here?” The sneer in his voice grates on my nerves, but I do my best to remain calm.
“Do you play lacrosse, son?” Mr. Toupee asks.
“Yes, I do. For the Salt Lake Lancers.” There’s a measure of pride in my voice, and I give him a smile.
He nods. “That’s why you looked familiar. You had some great plays this weekend.”
He was at our games?
“Until he messed it up in the third quarter today.”
Thank you for that reminder, Billy.
I glance down at the tablet. “There’s a large group that came in. I’ll make sure the kitchen got your order so you don’t have to wait so long.” I punch a few buttons and say, “And I’ll be back with some more bread.”
“The Lancers don’t pay you enough to play?” Billy asks, before I get out of earshot.
I sigh, trying to decide how to react. Turning, I give him a small smile. “Sometimes we sacrifice for what we want. This is better than working in an office all day.”
It’s the truth, and as much as I thought it would be a slap in the face, there’s a moment of curiosity in his expression before it turns to haughtiness.
I turn away with a fake smile and hurry into the kitchen. The tablet already loads the orders and sends them to the kitchen, but I need a reason to leave before things escalate.
