SUTTON’S HOME – CHAPTER TWO
The day’s classes fly by as Sutton and her friends spend each passing hour chatting about summer plans, signing yearbooks, and taking pictures. When the final bell rings for early dismissal at noon, the halls flood with students eager to be free from the confines of their educational prison. Sutton, however, hangs back and strolls into the courtyard to meet Jonah and some other guys. Under the direction of the assistant principal, Mr. Seiver, the group places white wooden chairs in rows on the lawn. The school band rehearses Pomp and Circumstance in the corner while the choir battles to be heard over the festive music. Sutton rests on a chair and closes her eyes listening to the music, the vocal harmonies, the guys arguing over how many chairs belong in each row. A sudden pang of sorrow clenches her heart. She’s going to miss this: the safety of the high school corridors, the daily routine, the predictability. Sutton’s thoughts shadow over as a presence standing before her blocks the heat of the sun.
“Sutton, are you ok?” Mr. Seiver asks, his eyes full of worry. “I’m not sure if those are happy or sad tears.”
“Oh! I didn’t even realize I was crying! Happy tears, definitely happy tears. I can’t wait to graduate tonight! I’m so tired of high school.” Sutton lies.
“You should consider attending college. If nothing else, check out the community college. You’re smart and I know you’d do well. And if money is an issue, you could apply at that new fancy restaurant opening soon. I’m sure the tips there would be much better than what you’re getting at Doug’s.”
Before Sutton can respond, Jonah saunters up and sits beside her. “Mr. Seiver’s right, Sutton. You should totally join me at Southern Community. We can take the same classes so I can copy your homework while you ride Lucy,” Jonah jokes.
Sutton looks at them both and offers one of her fraudulent smiles that has become so common it feels real, “I’ll have to think about it.” She knows she will never go to college..
Planters overflowing with flowers, congratulatory banners featuring mascot Cooley Cougar, and festive ribbons in blue and white decorate the courtyard. Satisfied with their work, the group scatters and Sutton heads to her car wondering what the next year will bring. She never wanted to leave school, but she did want to leave. She wants to leave Jefferson, leave Connecticut, leave the country. And she needs to leave her father. She doesn’t need an education. She needs money. She needs a better job and knows just where to go.
Glancing at her watch, Sutton knows she has to be quick so she’ll still have time to do her hair and nails for tonight. With her heart pounding, Sutton pulls into Wellington’s, the new upscale restaurant Mr. Seiver mentioned. Thankful she chose to dress up for the last day of school, she takes a deep breath, musters every ounce of confidence, and pulls open the heavy wooden door leading into the grand entryway.
The polished parquet floors and solid oak paneling ooze a feeling of warmth and wealth. The ambient lighting radiates with a rosy glow. Smooth jazz whispers through hidden speakers. A striking woman with gleaming straight brown hair and long thin legs extending past her gray knit pencil skirt, strides into the room, her classic black pumps clicking against the wood floor.
“Hello, miss!” She greets Sutton with a warm smile exhibiting her perfect white teeth. She wears a black name tag with the name Jaqueline embossed in gold. She positions herself behind the marble topped dais and opens the leather reservation book. “I’m sorry, we don’t open til next week, but we are booking. Would you like to make a reservation?”
“No, I, um, I’m here to apply for a job.” Sutton mutters.
“I see,” responds Jaqueline, her smile never waning from her flawlessly sculpted face. “Are you at least eighteen?”
“Yes. I turned eighteen last week.”
“What type of experience do you have?”
“I have waited tables at Doug’s Deli since I was fifteen. I love working with people and food and I enjoy cleaning and did I mention I love food?” Sutton lowers her eyes and thinks that was probably the stupidest thing she’s ever said.
Sutton is sure she’s already lost her chance. Why does this hostess have to be so damn beautiful? Certainly the waitstaff are equally as gorgeous and while Sutton is pretty, she also knows she’s nowhere close to being model material.
“One moment, please,” Jaqueline says and struts out of the entryway disappearing behind a large oak door.
The moments crawl and Sutton catches herself chewing her nails chipping the bright pink polish just as the oak door reopens and a short bald man emerges holding a leather binder.
“Good day! I understand you are interested in joining our staff. I’m Michael, the head manager. Please follow me.”
Sutton follows Michael into the main dining room. Nearly twenty-five tables are clothed with white linen. Golden rings secure white cotton napkins. The solid, straight backed, heavy chairs are upholstered with plush pink cushions. Sutton’s nerves continue to grow as she begins to regret her decision. How can I possibly succeed in a place this luxurious? This is way out of my league.
“Please take a seat,” Michael says as he pulls out a chair for Sutton.
Sutton quietly sits and waits.
“I understand you’ve been working at Doug’s?”
“Yes,” Sutton mutters.
“I’ve eaten at Doug’s. It’s quite good. I’ve also been secretly watching some of the waitresses at Doug’s and other restaurants around town hoping to eventually steal some of the best for my restaurant.”
Sutton stares at this man patiently smiling at her.
“Sutton, I’ve seen you work. You’re patient, kind, not to mention extremely knowledgeable about the menu. You even attempted to save me money by suggesting my meal as a platter instead of a dish with a bunch of sides and didn’t waver when I declined. You are the type of girl I want serving my patrons here at Wellington’s. Staff training begins Monday from ten to five and our grand opening is the following week.”
Sutton, grateful, but surprised for this opportunity, lurches her arm forward to shake the bald man’s hand and knocks over the water glass.
