âWellâ¦â Nicole was still holding the wine bottle, refilling the customerâs glass.
She was reluctant to leave yet since recently, every patron seemed to be linked to either the Hampton or Schultz families.
In the chamber, a group of people were deeply engrossed in a business discussion, openly conversing in front of Nicole, under the assumption that she wouldnât comprehend their complex topics.
Yet, Nicole grasped every detail with surprising clarity and was genuinely intrigued by their conversation.
For her, grasping the intricate relationships between the Hampton and Schultz families was essential.
Noticing the commotion, one of the customers turned to Jemma, his voice laced with annoyance.
âHey, Jemma, are you really taking Cherry away?â
With an apologetic smile, Jemma responded, âA customer requested Cherryâs presence.
â
The manâs brow furrowed, displeasure etching his face.
âSheâs excelling here, and youâre pulling her away just on someone elseâs whim? Do you think I canât cover the bill?â he snapped, his voice sharp.
âWhere did that come from! I would never assume such a thing.
That would be absurd,â Jemma hastily said.
âThen why remove her from my table? You think less of me?â His voice grew heated, the tension palpable.
Holding her chest as if wounded, Jemma replied with exaggerated distress, âSir, youâre truly misjudging me.
I explained to them the significance of having a prior reservation, but it wasnât feasible.
Thereâs a young lady celebrating her birthday over there.
Theyâre trying to keep the celebration light and joyful.
What if I offer you an extra drink on the house to make up for it?â
Confronted with the mention of a birthday, the man hesitated and then relented slightly.
âOkay, but let this not recur.
â
âAbsolutely.
Jemmaâs smile was tinged with relief as she guided Nicole away from the escalating scene.
â
As she exited the chamber, Nicole queried, âJemma, who exactly asked for me?â She hadnât been working here long, and only a handful of customers knew her.
Was there really someone requesting her specifically?
Jemma responded without looking up, her voice Light, âYouâll find out when you get there.
â
Nicole trailed behind Jemma, a sinking feeling telling her this might spell trouble.
As they pushed the door open, her fears were confirmed.
Standing there was Doreen, a face all too familiar.
Doreen wasnât alone.
Two other women, likely her friends, accompanied her.
Nicole suspected that Vicki must have told Doreen she was here.
The look in Doreenâs eyes told Nicole about her intention of causing trouble.
Seeing Nicole hesitate at the doorway, Doreen sneered, âWhy are you standing there? Come and serve me.
â
With no room to refuse, Nicole approached.
âPour me a glass of water first,â Doreen commanded impatiently.
Nicole picked up the water pot, poured the water, and carefully offered it to Doreen.
âPlease, enjoy it.
â Nicole maintained her professional demeanor, showing utmost respect to Doreen.