Augie forced a laugh, looked at her computer. Even on the ride back from the cabin, Teuta had been after Augie to ask him out,citing how cute and nice he was. How often he came into Hyla, raving about all the food, asking about Kosovo and those early days in Minnesota.
Augie felt bad about lying to Teuta. Maybe, if she told her everything, it would bring them closer, but it felt too difficult now. There was no way to honestly explain the situation without admitting how much she’d withheld at the Fourth of July, how scarred she was from New York, and how weird everything was with Mrs. Crawley. It all seemed too messy, and she didn’t want to lose Teuta’s respect.
“Do you guys have any more parties coming up?” Augie asked, changing the subject.
“Let’s hope not.” Teuta swirled a stack of napkins with her fist. “I keep telling Dad to cool it on the catering, we’re so busy, but you know how he is. He can never say no. Especially to our regular clients. That’s how we ended up doing the Crawley party so last minute. He can’t say no to dear old Danika.”
Augie twisted her mouth, unsure whether she’d meant this endearingly or condescendingly. “Do they have parties often?”
“No, not really. They are some of our oldest clients—she doesn’t cook—but they don’t usually host. I was shocked they even had people to the cabin. Especially Joshua Mike.” She shook her head, her dark braid swinging. “It’s no wonder it turned into such a disaster.” She sighed and glanced out the window, frowning.
“Why do you think they don’t have parties?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I get the feeling Danika is kinda a homebody. I like that about her.”
Augie clenched her jaw, suddenly curious how well Teuta knew her. Maybe she, of all people, had a sense of their money troubles.
“Those private parties are expensive, right? I mean, you guys aredefinitely worth it. I’m only saying, maybe that’s why they don’t have them often?”
“Yeah. I suppose. I don’t think that’s really a factor. You saw that cabin. Maybe I’m too old and tired foranyparty now. Maybe you should help me apply for new jobs.” She laughed as she turned and began cleaning the windows.
“What do you mean Danika is kinda a homebody? I feel like she’s always at the Club.”
Teuta wrung her rag between her hands as if searching for the right words. “It feels like she’s always playing along, if that makes sense. She acts different—nicer—when it’s only you and her, one-on-one. She’s smart, too. She was one of few people who knew where Kosovo was right off the bat. She used to live in Europe.”
Augie felt frustrated to hear more good things about Mrs. Crawley. Mrs. Crawley had definitely not been nicer to her when it had been only the two of them,one-on-one, lighting those candles on the porch.
“I’m sure everyone acts a certain way at the Club, though.Extraextra. I applaud you for sticking with it, I really do.” Teuta sat next to Augie and patted her arm, reading yet misplacing her distress. “I know it’s not the job you want, but don’t sell yourself short. There are two types of people in this world: People who have worked in the service industry, and those who have not. Never be embarrassed about it. Put that shit on your résumé.” She tapped her computer.
Augie scanned her résumé, where she had definitely not listed her job at the Club. It didn’t fit with all her college clubs and competitions and DECA work. Augie suddenly wondered if Teuta viewed her as spoiled.
“Yeah. I should. The Club’s not that bad, though. At least it’s notthe The Manor. Thanks to you.” Augie wanted Teuta to know she admired her—wanted to feel close to her again.
“Thank god for that.” Another shadow moved over Teuta’s face.
This was true. If not for her, Augie likelywould haveapplied to The Manor. It was the default summer job for most high school kids—especially girls who wanted to show off in the jean shorts and tank top uniform—but Teuta had forbidden it.
“Try to keep your spirits up, Aug. You never know what good thing is just around the corner.”
Augie sucked one side of her cheek, pausing. “I don’t know if there will be some good thing around the corner. I kind of feel like I’m being punished.”
“What makes you say that? You’re the best of the best.”
Augie looked out to the bakery, instinctively studying the bulletin board on the far wall—the pinned-up scratch card Teuta had won all those years ago. That money had come at the exact right time, Teuta had explained. She’d been twenty-one and struggling at The Manor. She and Zami could barely make ends meet, but then,boom, and $50,000 later, they had enough to open the bakery. Look at them now. It was a fairy tale, really, Augie had always thought, even if it made her uneasy. What if theyhadn’twon? Where would they be? To Augie, it was anxiety-inducing to believe fate was stronger than self-determination. She hated any lack of control.
Augie had often thought of Teuta when she was working on the lottery campaign at the ad agency. It was amazing Teuta had even thought to play. Maybe she had felt it inside her—that she was lucky. Maybe on some level, she knew the universe would reward her for being a good person. Maybe fate and karmaweremost powerful. If that was true, there was no good thing coming Augie’s way.
Augie leaned back and tightened her ponytail, batted her handin the air. “It’s okay. It’s nothing. I’m too in my head right now. I’ve taken too many personality tests.” She adjusted her wrists on her laptop. “It’s all good. Really. No worries.”
Whether she believed her or not, Teuta stood up, kissed Augie’s head, and flipped the door’s sign to “Open.”
On the eighteenth, Augie had to work a baby shower at the Club, and things were already off to a bad start. The host, Mrs. Harrison, arrived late to set up. She explained she’d had to go to three party stores to find gold and pink napkins. Augie tried to hide her annoyance as they unpacked bags of ribbon and sequins and taffeta. Augie found it infuriating when people were particular yet disorganized. This shower also seemed to be held to higher standards because it was for Miriam Silver, a news anchor on KARE 11—a local celebrity.
To make matters worse, one of the newbies called in sick, so it was only Augie, Aida, and another new girl working. They were all overwhelmed as they sorted the decor, the mess of pink.
“So do we think it’s a girl or a boy?” Augie said, irritated.
Aida stifled a laugh.
