My first thirty minutes at H&D felt like one long awkward moment with short breaks in between. Matteo kept giving me small things to do so I wouldn't panic. Set the cutlery. Carry two glasses. Wipe tables. Smile at customers. My smile probably looked like I was begging for help but at least I tried.
After a while, I noticed Ms Wilder glancing at me from her table. Not in a scary way. More like she was observing me. I kept pretending not to notice because if our eyes met again, I wasn't sure I would survive it.
"Relax," Matteo whispered when he caught me staring at my shoes instead of walking straight. "You're doing fine."
"Am I?" I asked.
He nodded. "You're trying. That's enough for today."
I didn't know why but that made my chest warm a little. I wasn't used to people being patient with me.
I carried a tray of drinks to one of the small tables. My hands shook slightly but I managed to place everything down without spilling. The man sitting there smiled at me.
"Thank you, dear," he said.
I nodded quickly and hurried away before I said something embarrassing. This job was definitely harder than it looked.
A few minutes later, the manager called me to stand near the entrance so I could greet customers who came in. He said it was a simple task and would help me get used to people. I wasn't sure about that but I went anyway.
I stood there watching people come in and out. Couples, office workers, and older ladies dressed so elegantly that I felt like a beggar beside them. Still, I forced a smile every time the door opened.
Then, suddenly, Avelyn poked her head inside.
I gasped. "Vee? What are you doing here?"
"I told you I had nothing to do at home. I came to wait for you," she said, stepping fully in. Her eyes widened. "Whoa. This place is fancier than I expected."
I laughed quietly. "Don't make it obvious."
She leaned close and whispered. "So… did you embarrass yourself yet?"
"Almost. But I'm still alive."
She smiled proudly like I had just won an award. "Good. You'll do great here."
Before I could reply, Matteo walked over. Avelyn turned to look at him, then slowly faced me again.
"So this is Matteo," she whispered in my ear with a teasing voice.
I nearly choked. "No. Stop. Don't start."
But she already had that mischievous smile on her face.
Yeah, I briefed her about the lie that got me the job here and everything that happened yesterday. I mean she's my best friend and we don't keep secrets from each other.
Matteo ignored her playful look and spoke to me instead. "Ms Wilder asked if you're free to come by her table for a moment."
My heart dropped so fast I felt dizzy. "She asked for me?"
He nodded. "Don't worry. It's not a bad thing."
Easy for him to say. He wasn't the one who pretended to be dying in front of her.
I wiped my palms on my uniform and walked towards her table. She was alone now, scrolling through something on her phone. When she noticed me, she put it down gently.
"Lily," she said. "Sit."
I sat quietly, my legs stiff.
She studied my face for a moment before speaking again. "How are you finding your first day?"
"It's fine," I said quickly. "I'm learning."
She nodded. "Good. I like people who try."
I swallowed. "I'm trying."
Her gaze softened again. "The manager told me a bit about your situation. I know it's not easy."
I lowered my eyes, guilt squeezing my chest a little. "I'm okay," I whispered.
She sighed. "You really remind me of someone. She was bright. Quiet. Strong. And she hid things too."
I looked up slowly.
"She was my sister," Ms Wilder said. "We lost her years ago. But she always wanted to help people who didn't get the chances she did."
My heartbeat slowed. Something about the way she spoke made my throat tight.
"That's why your situation struck me," she continued. "If there's anything you need while you're here, tell me. Don't be afraid."
I nodded again, trying to keep my voice steady. "Thank you."
She dismissed me after a while, saying she didn't want to overwhelm me on my first day. I stood up and walked back to the counter with my thoughts running everywhere.
Matteo saw me coming. "See? She didn't eat you alive."
"No but she almost made me cry," I muttered.
"Why?"
"Nothing. I just… didn't expect her to be that nice."
He smiled gently. "People surprise you sometimes."
My shift went on until early evening. It wasn't perfect. I made a few small mistakes. Dropped a spoon. Gave someone the wrong bill. Forgot where the napkins were kept three times. But no one shouted at me. No one insulted me. No one treated me like I was useless.
When I finally clocked out, Avelyn linked her arm through mine immediately.
"You survived your first day," she said proudly.
"I did, but I didn't even know Ms Wilder owned this place" I said quietly.
"Well, I mean it's kinda possible the wilders are like rich rich" Avelyn replied
" She said to let her know if I want anything" I added
"Guess your dream is finally coming true" she smiled
And for the first time that day, I let myself smile properly.
We walked home together, the air cool and soft around us. My backpack felt heavier than usual but my heart felt a little lighter.
Maybe this job wouldn't be so bad after all.
Or maybe I was just telling myself that because the lie was growing bigger every hour and I didn't know how to stop it anymore.
Amidst all the mixed feelings, I still had Donna to deal with. I didn't tell her I got a job and she was definitely going to be mad that I got home late. I didn't even know how it happened, but on the way home I caught myself hoping my dad would be around so she wouldn't try anything with me.
When we got to Avelyn's junction, she pulled me into a quick hug and kissed her teeth dramatically like she always does. "Just text me when you reach home," she said, pointing two fingers at her eyes and then at me like she was watching me. I laughed and waved, then continued down the road on my own.
The closer I got to the house, the faster my heart beat. Not from fear exactly, but from thinking about everything at once. The new job. Ms Wilder. The lie. And Donna. Always Donna.
I reached the gate, pushed it open slowly, and stepped inside. The sitting room light was on. I froze for a second, listening. Then I heard it. My dad's voice. Not loud. Just talking on the phone.
For the first time that day, I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. I was actually relieved. Happy even. If he was home, she wouldn't start anything. At least not today.
I walked in quietly and saw him sitting on the sofa. He looked up and gave me a small nod, the kind he always gives when he's tired but still trying to act normal.
And even though nothing magical happened, something inside me settled. I wasn't safe safe, but I was okay enough for the night.