Risking It All

Chapter One - Jade

Jade!" a voice called out from the back of the restaurant. "Table six needs drink refills, and table four is ready to order."

I swiftly made my way to the drink station, grabbing a tray and a pen and paper. As I collected the drinks and prepared to serve them, I noticed that table six was occupied by a group of boys from my school. A twisted feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. I always hated serving kids from my school.

Approaching the table with a professional smile, I introduced myself. "Good evening, gentlemen. My name is Jade, and I'll be taking care of you tonight. Are you ready to place your orders?"

"We will take, a appetizer jalapeño poppers and a large meat lovers pizza to share." One of the guys said.

"Coke." One of them said. He looked up at me his blue eyes screamed annoyance. I recognized him. Noah Lawrence the most infuriating guy I have ever seen.

He practically runs out school, with a new girl on arm every week.

"Excuse me?" I asked not understanding what he said.

"I said Coke, I'll have a large coke." He said his tone brash.

Rude. What the hell did I do to him, god he had no manners.  I stared back in shock.

"Are you gonna go get that? We aren't gonna be here forever." He snapped.

"I'll get that to you shortly." I bit out rolling eyes.

The rest of the guys gave me their drink orders and I turned to get their orders as the six of them chatted.

I returned to the kitchen to place the orders.

"God can you believe some people, such jerks." I complained.

"What happened do I need to beat someone up?" My coworker Lisa asked.

I laughed "No you don't have to beat anyone up. They were just dumb high school boys being jerks."

Lisa was a college student who works with me at Pizza Hut.

She smiled and handed me the drink as I headed back out to the guys.

"Here are your drinks your pizza should be here shortly." I glanced at the table noticing the Noah wasn't there.

Shrugging it off I turned but was met face to chest with a guy. Looking up I was met with a pair of blue eyes.

"I'm sorry." I breathed out walking around him.

He mumbled something under his breath as I left.

As I made my way back to the kitchen, my mind was still preoccupied with the rude encounter at table six. I couldn't shake off the irritation that had settled within me. I complained to Lisa about the guys as she prepared another order.

"He is so obnoxious," I muttered, my voice dripping with frustration. "Acting like he owns the place, treating me as if I'm invisible."

Lisa nodded sympathetically. "Some people just don't know how to behave. Just remember, it's not a reflection of who you are. Shake it off, girl."

I took a deep breath, trying to let go of the negativity. Lisa's words resonated with me, reminding me that their behavior was not a personal attack. I grabbed the tray of drinks, determined to approach the situation with a level head.

Returning to the table, I set the drinks down in front of the guys. Their conversations were still ongoing, but this time, Noah was present. I mustered up a polite smile and spoke with a hint of forced cheerfulness. "Here are your drinks. Your pizza will be ready shortly. Is there anything else I can get you in the meantime?"