11. Cassie
11
CASSIE
I t was a little before ten when I finally made it through the door of my apartment. I turned the knob and said a silent prayer that Audrey was either still working or fast asleep. But luck was never on my side. Audrey sat in the armchair with Oreo in her lap, her free hand strumming the side table beside her.
“Where have you been, young lady?” Audrey interrogated, standing up and lifting Oreo into her arms. “I’ll have you know I was this close to filing a missing person’s report. You had me worried sick. You didn’t call me back!”
I set down my bags and stretched the stiff muscles in my arms. I’d been carrying all that crap all day.
“I’m sorry, Audrey. I only just realized the damn thing was on airplane mode. I must have hit something,” I apologized as I gnawed at my bottom lip.
“What’s wrong?” Audrey questioned, her eyes narrowing. She always knew when something was wrong.
“Nothing’s wrong, per se. I just had an interesting day.” I tested the waters, seeing how Audrey would take all this news.
“Oh, did you and Aiden finally do the deed? If getting to third base was as hot as you said it was, I’m sure the sex was mind-blowing, right? If he didn’t make you come, you tell me and I’ll loan you my Kama Sutra book. It’s been a lifesaver for me.” Audrey winked, setting Oreo down in front of her.
I went into the kitchen, looking for a snack and hoping to avoid answering Audrey’s questions. I pulled out a bag of crackers and shoveled a handful into my mouth. I had to just tell her.
“So remember my friend Beau that I told you about?” I asked, taking more crackers.
“Yes, the one Matthew said passed away? Homeless and he had a dog?” Audrey inquired, walking over to the counter to grab some crackers for herself.
“Yes, so I went to Jersey to ‘pay my respects’ where he used to stay. It was just something I needed to do. I figured I could be there and back before you were home from work, but then I ran into Charlie. Do you remember me talking about her? My crazy foster sister?”
Audrey nodded repeatedly. “Yes, the ball of energy, real pain in the butt.”
I gave Audrey a knowing look. “It’s like having her around when I’m with you.”
This set her off and we began to bicker, both of us talking over one another.
“Oh, while you were on your little trip down memory lane, Bridget called for you. She refused to give me your check today, and she was acting so strange. I would call her back if I were you. She called twice and even said please. I almost pissed myself and wanted to ask her to repeat it to make sure I was hearing her correctly. I’m sure she probably tried your cell also, but apparently Ms. Airplane Mode wasn’t taking calls today,” Audrey joked.
I couldn’t imagine what Bridget wanted or why she wouldn’t give Audrey the check. If she was going to withhold my money, I’d have to get a lawyer. Oh wait, lawyers cost money I didn’t have lying around.
“I’ll give her a call tomorrow,” I resounded, putting the crackers away and walking to my room.
Audrey followed behind me, hot on my tail with Oreo trailing behind her. “No, here, call her now!” She nudged her cell phone to my chest.
I hesitated. Today had already been so draining to begin with, I really didn’t have the energy to deal with another one of Bridget’s tirades, but I knew Audrey wouldn’t rest until I called.
“Fine.” I pressed the number for Bridget’s cell phone, hoping I wasn’t calling too late, but then again Bridget was always at the restaurant.
“Hello?” Bridget snapped into the speaker. Even over the phone, she was a scary woman.
Audrey stood in front of me, doing all these theatrics, insisting that I place the call on speaker. I waved her off, walking away, and tried to close the door to my bedroom. But Little Miss Crazy wouldn’t let that happen.
“Audrey said you wanted to speak to me?” I prompted, sitting on the edge of my bed, watching Audrey do kung fu moves, accidentally kicking Oreo as a result.
Meow. The fluffy striped overweight cat protested at being hit before settling back down and falling asleep.
“Yes, I was thinking that maybe I was too rash the other day. Firing you might have not been the best avenue, especially with our busy season coming up. I’d like for you to come back. I’m confident we can work things out. Maybe we could consider it a provisional period.”
I was dumbfounded. Who was this, and what had they done with the real Bridget?
“Bridget, I appreciate the job offer. I really do, but I think you made the right choice. I need to move on.”
Audrey shook her head, urging me to not be too quick to decline getting the job back. She silently told me to ask for more money. “A raise. Ask for a raise,” she mouthed repeatedly, but I waved Audrey off for the umpteenth time.
“NO!” Bridget shouted suddenly, alarmed. “I mean, no Cassie, that will not work. You’ve been with the restaurant a while and we value you.” It sounded like Bridget was in pain, saying all this.
“Bridget, that's a kind offer, but I don’t think it's a good fit.”
“Cassie, please, name anything you want and it’s yours,” Bridget pleaded.
Anything? If I did in fact have the upper hand, I was sure going to use it.
“Well, I guess if you put it like that…” I began again.
The possibilities were endless on what to ask from Bridget. The ice queen was melting, but the question was why? I would have to think about what motivated Bridget's sudden change of heart later, but for the time being, I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
I paused, making sure I had my demands straightened in my mind. Who could properly concentrate with Audrey doing all these odd dance moves in the background and mouthing the words to a song only she knows.
“Any day now, Cassandra,” Bridget snapped. “I’m sorry, but I have a restaurant to close. It’s been a long day with the Times and everything …”
I pursed my lips and spoke firmly. “For starters, stop speaking to me like I’m beneath you. Just because I don’t have a large bank account doesn’t mean you can treat me like shit.”
Audrey stopped mid dance move. “Holy shit!” She gasped aloud. Her jaw was slack, and if it could have hit the ground, it would have. I never spoke with such dominance and conviction.
But I wasn’t going to be deterred—Bridget opened up this can of worms, and she’d have to deal with the repercussions.
“Is that all—” Bridget interrupted.
“No, and please let me finish. I will under no circumstances serve Matthew, or any of the Adams for that matter. In fact, add yourself to that category as well. And I want a raise.” I looked over at Audrey who was cheering me on. “For Audrey. She’s been working for you long enough. Don’t you think it’s time?”
I honestly couldn’t give a shit about the money. Money in general made me uncomfortable. As long as I had enough to make ends meet, I was content.
“Okay, I?—”
I was a woman on a mission so I barreled on. “And no more hair pins. Those things are painful and unnecessary.” Much like this conversation, I added mentally. “A ponytail will still adhere to the dress code and your desired professionalism level.”
I looked over at my drawings on the wall and got inspiration for the final “request.”
“One more thing … you know how last month you let those rich bitc— women showcase their handmade jewelry on a table out front by the hostess station?” I walked over and took one of my sketches in my hand.
“Yes, I remember. Why?” Bridget almost whined.
“Well, I draw and paint and have been looking for the proper place to get my foot in the door. Seems like your establishment is the perfect stepping stone,” I announced, feeling pretty smug.
“Yes!” Audrey screamed, falling off the bed in the process and onto Oreo’s tail. “Ow.” Meow !
“Cassie.” Bridget was full-out pleading at this point.
I couldn’t help but laugh at Audrey’s mishap and Bridget’s obvious discomfort. “So I want a little setup by the hostess station where people can purchase a small drawing. And I want a bigger canvas to be displayed somewhere in the restaurant. Don’t worry. I’ll give you a ten percent commission on any sales. It’s only fair,” I reasoned. “That’s all.”
Silence. Nothing but silence came from the other end of the line. Little old me had rendered Bridget speechless, which was definitely a rarity.
I waited for her response. There was nothing else for me to do. I had stated my requirements. If Bridget wanted me back so badly, she’d give into my outrageous demands. I was fully aware the chances of Bridget going along with all of them were slim to none, but it sure felt good to make her squirm.
Audrey motioned to the bottle of water I had on the nightstand, wordlessly asking if she could have a sip. I nodded, setting the drawing down on my desk.
A minute or so passed before a terse word came through. “Fine.” Bridget spoke so softly I almost missed it.
“Excuse me?” I asked, just wanting to hear the confirmation again.
“I said fucking fine!” Bridget choked out, “I’ll see you Monday morning in the main dining room.” Bridget quickly hung up the phone.
Audrey was mid-sip and started choking on the water. I was too stunned to help my friend. Wow! I did it! Then the realization sunk in that I’d be going back to a job that I didn’t really love, working for someone who was often cruel, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it was worth it.
“A little help?” Audrey croaked out.
I gently patted her on the back. “There, there.”
We started laughing, basking in this small win. I had won for once.