CHAPTER NINE

Elena

My first day was not terrible. Aside of Joel and Armando trying to get gossip out of me, my day has been awesome. I think the highlight of my day was almost getting run over by Adán Mendez. Boy, was he handsome. But something about his name threw me off. Adán is all too similar to Aiden. He seemed so down to earth. So real. I mean, I know he was real. He had his hands on my waist for well over a minute. I'm surprised I could form words. The man was handsome. Leg-wobbling handsome. Those damn blue eyes and the scruff on his chin. Sheesh.

My new acquaintance, Tiana, chatters away about how excited she is to see the gala-party in full swing. I nod and listen, but my head is still in the kitchen with Adán.

"Estas enamorada!" Tiana says, laughing as she gently nudges my shoulder. "Who is he? Joel? Joel is so good looking."

"I am not!" I exclaim as we approach her car; she kindly offered me a ride to and from work today. "And though Joel is good looking, that's not what I was thinking about."

"Girl, quit lying to yourself. You were thinking about a man. Who is he?"

"Tiana," I sigh and shake my head as I walk to the passenger's side of her Yaris. We get in before I say anything.

"I literally bumped into Adán Mendez when it was my turn to practice serving Joel," I explain, my cheeks burning the way they did when it happened.

"El heredero," Tiana says as she starts the car. "Interesting. His father has only just started requiring his presence at the club. Did you talk to him?"

"Only for a minute," I reply, sighing.

"That's quite a sigh, chica. I affirm my accusation and repeat, estas enamorada!"

"Chica, I just got out of a relationship. I'm not going to get wrapped up in that so soon."

Tiana relents, but inside, I know I will be crushing on this man. To be honest, if I can get around the name, I'd be all in. But it wouldn't work out. He's the son of my boss. I'm just a waitress.

***

Tiana decides we need to go shopping. I'm not sure why, considering I don't have any money to spare yet. But she wants to buy me something snazzy to wear. She's convinced I will end up dating a certain hottie. Whatever. Let her have her fun.

"This would look so great on you!" Tiana says, holding up a cute, black-lace dress. It's slightly shorter than knee-length, but has an outer layer of material. The bodice is like a corset, and it has shoulder sleeves of lace which covers the neck. I would wear this. But I don't think any time soon.

"Imaginate!" Tiana goes on, her dark eyes bright and excited. "You wear this with a pair of black ankle boots and a silver cuff bracelet. Any man would be tripping over his feet for your attention!"

"It is cute," I say, nodding as I take the hanger. "But you need to stop. I can't afford it right now, and I won't let you get it for me."

She rolls her eyes and points to the changing rooms. I sigh and walk. I don't know what it is, but I like Tiana. She doesn't take no for an answer and pushes forward with determination. I could learn a lot from her.

When I come out of the dressing room to show Tiana, I find her talking to an older woman. Tall, brunette, and beautiful. As I get closer, I see resemblance to Adán. This is his mother!

"Here she is!" Tiana says, smiling at me with approval. "Te dije que te quedaría muy bien!"

"Que linda!" Mrs. Mendez says, motioning for me to turn. "That dress is lovely on you! Will you wear it to the masquerade gala tomorrow?"

"I'll be working," I reply, shaking my head. "I'm a waitress."

"Oh, that won't matter. I insist you wear this dress."

Mrs. Mendez takes my arm and leads me to the check-out. She speaks with the teller so fast that the only thing I catch her saying is that she will pay with her card and discount. WHAT?!

"Let her scan the price tag," she tells me with a smile. "This dress was meant for you. If you appear tomorrow night and you are not wearing this dress, I will march you home and make you change. Understood?"

I blush, and I'm about ready to cry. I nod and take a deep breath.

"It is very generous of you," I almost whisper; I don't know what it is, but this woman reminds me of my mother. I miss her so much. I know it's only been a few days, but I really do miss her.

To my surprise, with Mrs. Mendez's discount, the dress is within a price range I will be able to afford once I start receiving my paychecks. When the teller is finished ringing up the dress, along with a silver cuff bracelet Tiana found. Mrs. Mendez then tells me to go change so we can find me some ankle boots.

***

I take a deep breath as I walk through one of the several employee entrances. My brown hair is flattened and pulls back in a high ponytail. Thanks to Tiana, my makeup goes with my dress and the boots we found with Mrs. Mendez make me feel like I'm worth a million bucks. Surprisingly, I don't feel so out of place. Many of the other female waitresses are wearing formal attire as well. Perhaps not as dressed up, but I can blend at least.

I leave my things in my assigned locker and follow Tiana to the kitchens. I quickly tie an apron around my waist. I don't want my dress getting ruined by accident. We meet with Armando, and he gives us a briefing on his expectations. Depending on our performance tonight, we will be given different positions around the club. I'd still be a waitress, but I would be assigned to serve in a specific area.

"Remember," Armando says, looking at each of us in the eye. "The club members have every right to ask you for anything they wish. You are here to serve them. If you are unsure about something, seek higher authority. Such as myself or even one of the assistants. Are we all clear?"

Everyone agrees and Armando sends us on our way. Each waiter or waitress is assigned to a specific section. And go figure, I'm assigned to Section 1. The Mendezes' table and their higher class members. Tiana winks at me and roll my eyes. I wonder if she had a hand in my assignment. Probably. I retrieve a tray and gather four plates of dinner to serve. It's dinner time.

I walk out into the ballroom and smile. It's still leaving me awestruck. I am even more awestruck by the beautiful masks. Several of the waiters and waitresses are now wearing one, but I don't feel right about it. Each mask is a woodland animal. But they are not direct animal features. The ladies all wear delicate masks with subtle details that represent an animal. Deer, rabbits, squirrels. I see some birds such as robins and owls. The event coordinator did a wonderful job choosing a theme. However odd it might be. But it's all so beautiful.

I walk towards my section and take a deep breath. I see Adán at the table. Clad in a black suit, white shirt and black tie, and a mask to match. But I know it's him. No one can forget those blue eyes. Next to him is a beautiful young woman with a bright smile and luscious blond hair, though I can see she likes to dye it. Her red-ish-brown roots are starting to grow in. She wears a beautiful rose colored gown, and her mask reminds me of a butterfly. I don't know if she is Adán's date, but I'm not here to think about that. I'm here to work.

I walk right up to the table and smile as I set plates down in front of Mr. Mendez and his wife. I explain what the dish is and proceed to the next guest. When my tray is empty, I let them know that I will be back and I hasten to the kitchens again. My momentum only rises as I continue to serve the dinner plates. Adán's gaze follows me, long after he already has a plate before him. I pour wine, I nod and smile when thanked. There's a gentleman sitting on the other side of the girl next to Adán. He smiles at me and asks for a particular drink. Handsome, with dirty blond hair and dark blue eyes.

"You said you wouldn't drink," the girl says, with furrowed brows and a frown.

"I did, didn't I?" he asks with gentle remorse. "One drink won't hurt."

She closes her eyes and stands from the table, taking her clutch purse with her. Adán glares at the other guy. I turn my attention away and focus on my job.