Predestined Hearts

The girl looked at her chart, then at the rest of the room. She wiped her brow. “If you both could bus the tables and get refill drinks for the customers that would be a huge help. I’ll let the others know you’re here to fill in if they get overwhelmed.”

Amelia and I both said in unison, “You got it.”

We were handed a black half apron. We tied it on our waist and got straight to work. Grabbing a plastic bin, we filled them and took them to the dishwashing area. Erica and someone I didn’t recognize were cleaning dishes. Erica saw me and blew a kiss my way before I made my way back out to the restaurant.

With all the hustle and bustle, there wasn’t any time for idle conversation. Outwardly, the staff looked calm but an underlying stressed current could be seen in the faces as we passed by each other, out of sight of the patrons. Behind the doors, tired glances were exchanged.

Before long, Amelia and I found our rhythm. We would fill the bin, and alternate who took it to the kitchen while the other wiped down and reset the table. We zoned out the restaurant, dividing it, so we could keep track of which people had been asked for refills. It was a fast and furious pace as people were seated, fed, and then tables cleared.

A nearby waitress who had triple the amount of tables she normally was also serving a twelve top. She approached as I finished setting a table we’d cleaned. “Hey can you help me get everyone’s plates to them. I have five tables ready at the same time.”

“Sure thing.” I headed to the kitchen, following the waitress’ lead. We walked through two swing doors and Gael was in the kitchen with his dad as they furiously moved about. Food cooked on the different stoves and the smells came together in perfect unison. They were speaking in a chef code that told each other what they needed. Gael glanced up and saw me. Frozen, he kept staring at me. I mouthed, we are in this together as the waitress grabbed us some trays.

His dad nudged Gael and there was a man over in the corner. Gael knew I had come to help him, fight this fight by his side. Gael mouthed, thank you, before returning back to the task at hand. There was so much emotion that passed over his face, it had me nearly wanting to go in the kitchen, wrap my arms around him and give him the comfort he needed.

Refocused on his cooking, Gael got busy and I followed the waitress out of the room with a loaded tray. Not spilling the food was my concern as it wobbled from the weight being loaded to the max. The rest of the night flew by in a blur as we did what we could to make the service seem like it always was.

Hours later, I leaned against the wall as the hostess turned off all the signs and the restaurant was clean. I heaved a sigh of relief. We’d made it. Customers praised the service all night long. Steven came out from behind the bar and wrapped his hands around Amelia, who stood across the way from me. I loved my friends. They had been selfless this evening as they gave up their night to help Gael. I’d never forget it and would always be there for them in whatever way I could. Proud and tired looks were worn by everyone who had pitched in.

Gael came out from the kitchen, followed by his mother and father. He looked stressed and utterly exhausted. First his eyes landed on me and a genuine smile spread across his face.

All eyes were on Gael as he spoke, “We passed the health inspector.”

With a dramatic pause everyone cheered.

“Yes, that was a very good thing. Looks like we’ll be in business another day. What started off as a pretty shitty evening turned into something that I’ll never forget.”

Again, he paused and I glanced around the room. The pride beaming from everyone was intoxicating. We’d come together as a team and pulled through.

Gael rubbed his hands together as he gathered his thoughts. “Thank you for being there for me. I’ll never forget it and you’ll always have a place here at the restaurant. I’m sure everyone’s wondering what’s going to happen tomorrow. I have found three new people in the midst of all the chaos that will start in the morning. If anyone knows someone looking for a job have them come here. I’ll be here at six in the morning to start training for tomorrow night’s shift.”

I spoke and all eyes turned my way, “I’ll work bussing tables or whatever else you need for as long as you need me.

Steven spoke next, “I’ll be here to bartend until we have to leave.”

Amelia then hit Steven on the stomach. “You stole my thunder.” Laughs erupted. “I’ll be here bussing tables with my best friend until we leave.”

Gael looked my way and made his way over to me. He engulfed me in a hug and I held onto him. More people said they knew someone who needed a job. Turning back to the crowd, he addressed them. “Thank you. Tell them to come by and we’ll start. I won’t forget your loyalty.”

One by one, the employees came by and shook Gael’s hand before leaving. There was a unity here unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Gael’s Place was family. Erica and Dave took turns giving me a tight hug.

As Erica released me, she murmured, “Thank you for being there for my son.”

“I always will be.”

She paused and wiped a tear from her eye. Dave came and put his hand around his wife. “We’re going to head home. We’ll be back again tomorrow, son. As long as you need us. Both of you guys hang in there. We’ll beat this asshole.”

“Thanks, Dad and Mom for everything. Go home and rest. Love you guys. I’m about to take my girl home.” The tender love touched me. This was what unconditional love was all about.

His mom touched Gael’s arm. “We love you, too.”

Next, Amelia and Steven came up. Gael stuck out his hand for Steven, then hugged Amelia. “Thanks, guys. You truly are good friends. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Anytime, man. Brought me back to my college days. Maybe tomorrow you could institute a new uniform for Amelia to wear. Give me something to look at while I work.” He guffawed as Amelia hit Steven in the stomach at his words.

She looked at Gael. “You need the best friend’s approval to date my friend. Don’t forget that.”

Holding up his hands, Gael became neutral. “I’ll let you guys settle that on your own.”