Billionaires Don’t Fall For Awkward Girls by Emma Dalton

Chapter Twenty-Six

I’m dead tired as I enter the house after spending most of Friday afternoon cleaning the dance studio. Then I practiced a bit for the dance finals, and I plan on working on it some more after I’ve eaten and rested a little.

Mom’s finishing up dinner in the kitchen. She probably came home from the Knights a few hours ago and will have to rush to the Reyes’s. The Knights pay her well, but we wouldn’t survive without the extra income from Mom’s second job. I know she and Dad are saving up for my future, whether it be college or Broadway or more dance lessons. They do so much for me and I hope with every ounce of me that I’ll make them proud one day.

“Hey, sweetie,” Mom says as she gives me a quick peck on the cheek. “How was work?”

“Good. The kids oddly didn’t make a mess this time. Except one kid spilled his chips all over the floor and the kids stepped on it.” I shrug. “But it was okay. Did everything go well at the Knights?”

“Everything went well. Mrs. Knight went over the menu with me for the upcoming week. Some dishes are a bit too sophisticated than what I’m used to, but I’m up for the challenge.”

I smile. “If anyone can get them done right, it’s Vivian Wood.”

Mom returns my smile. “Thank you, sweetie.” She gives me a guilty look. “Honey, there’s something I need to ask you.”

“Okay?”

She gestures to the table. “Sit down and eat something. I have some time before I need to be at the Reyes’s.”

I drop down at the table and Mom fills my plate with an assortment of goodies. Lunch at school has gotten better—thanks to the replacement of that lunch lady—but no one comes close to my mom. At least the students aren’t starving, though, and Charlie won’t kill anyone from being so hangry.

Mom lowers herself across from me and watches me eat, like she did when I was little. She claims it brings her so much joy to watch people eat her food.

“So what did you want to talk to me about?” I ask her.

“I hate asking you this because I know you’re tired from such a long day, but Sandra is in a bind and begged me to ask you.”

“Ask me what?”

“She and her staff are catering an event tonight, but one of the servers called in sick with a stomach virus. Sandra asked me if I can step in, but I need to clean at the Reyes’s. She begged me to ask you if you’re available. She’ll pay you.”

I stare down at my mostly empty plate. I planned to practice in my room—there are only a few weeks left until finals and I’m in no shape or form prepared. But how can I say no to one of Mom’s oldest and dearest friends? One thing a Wood strives to do is help someone in need. And right now, I have the chance to save Sandra tonight.

“Sure, I’ll do it.”

“Are you sure, sweetie? I’d hate to overwork you.”

I wave my hand. “That’s okay. I can catch up on sleep another time.”

She bends forward and kisses my forehead. “You’re a lifesaver. Sandra will love you ten times more than she already does.”

I laugh. “Happy to help.”

She gets up and retrieves her phone from the kitchen counter. “I’ll call her right away and tell her the good news.”

I take a quick shower and change my clothes, then return to the kitchen, where Mom’s cleaning up.

She hands me an envelope with cash. “You mind handing the rent to the landlord on your way back from work? He’s at his daughter’s tonight and she lives near the country club you’re catering at. I was going to stop by after work, but it’s an hour away by bus. You mind saving me the trip, since you’ll be in the area? We’re behind in rent and he already gave us an extension. It’s very urgent. It needs to be in his hands by tonight.”

“Of course.”

“Thanks, honey. I’ll give you the address.”

I carefully place both the envelope and the address in my bag, making a mental note not to forget about the money.

***

I’ve never been to a country club before. When Sandra picked me up in her van along with the other staff and equipment, I had no idea Silverton Country Club was our destination.

I stare at the entrance until Sandra and the others bark orders at one another, freaking out that everything will fall apart. A lot is riding on this gig going well. It could do wonders for Sandra’s company.

“Dani?” Sandra asks. “Are you okay? You’re staring.”

I pull my eyes away. “Sorry. Just never been to a place like this.”

She pushes her hand through her graying black hair. “You get used to it after a little while. But this place?” She whistles. “It’s as fancy as it gets, at least in my experience.” She waves for me to follow her and the others.

“I’m a little nervous,” I admit as I help carry the different items and equipment into the kitchen. “I’ve never served at such a place before.”

She pats my arm. “Just do your best. And thanks for helping me out, kiddo.”

“No problem.”

The staff sets up in the kitchen, and I help wherever I can. The chefs have already started to work on dinner, and the guests should be arriving within an hour or two. We make sure the large hall is set perfectly, not a napkin out of place. I hardly have time to check out the place because I’m so busy.

The hours fly by and before I can blink, the hall is filled with guests. Peeking out of the small window on the kitchen door, I spot the men wearing silk suits and shiny shoes, the women wearing dresses and high-heeled shoes that make my feet hurt just looking at them. Their hair and makeup are impeccable, not a strand out of place. They mingle with one another, giving kisses and hugs, the way rich people do.

I spot the Reyes’s—Lucinda, Gabby, and a boy her age who must be her twin brother Carlos. And their dad. All are dressed like they’re wearing millions.

Sandra bends over the counter, eyes shut and muttering under her breath.

“Don’t mind her,” one of the chefs tells me with a grin. “She’s meditating. Does this before every service.”

“Okay, we’re ready,” Sandra calls. She tells each server to grab a tray filled with hors d’oeuvres and to leave the kitchen with our heads held high and with smiles on our faces. Lifting a tray, I try to balance it as perfectly as I can. The last thing I need is crashing in front of all these wealthy people. Not to mention ruining Sandra’s reputation.

I have no idea what I’m carrying, but it sure smells good. If not for the meal Mom provided for me before work, my stomach would be eating itself up, jealous of all this food.

Walking around the guests, I hold out my tray, offering them food. A few ignore me while others take some off the tray. A couple thanks me.

“Dani, hi!” a voice calls.

Lifting my head, I find Gabby and Carlos standing before me with smiles on their faces. They look very similar, except the sister has soft features while the brother has more of a rugged look.

“Hi,” I greet. “Some party. Um, you want from this—whatever it is?”

Gabby laughs. “Don’t ask me. I just eat it.” She makes a face as she studies the food. “I think I’ll skip this time.” She looks at her brother. “Oh, where are my manners? Dani, this is my brother Carlos. Carlos, this is the girl I told you about. Vivian’s daughter.”

He grins. “The one who broke the ugly vase.”

I hang my head. “Guilty.”

He chuckles. “Don’t feel guilty. That thing was uuugly.”

All three of us laugh.

Someone clears her throat from a few feet away and after turning my head, I catch Sandra shaking her head at me from the kitchen.

I mouth sorry, tell Gabby and Carlos I’ll see them later, then make my rounds across this stunning hall.

These people sure eat a lot. I find myself going back and forth between the hall and kitchen to fetch more food.

As I’m walking through a group of older women who have no interest in what’s on my tray, the room suddenly goes silent and all eyes are trained on the entrance to the hall. My eyes go there as well and I nearly drop my tray when I take in the people standing there. Mr. Knight, Celine, and Easton—all dressed like they’re about to step onto the red carpet. No, it’s more than that. They’re dressed like they own the entire universe. I can’t take my eyes off Easton. He looks so dashing, so sexy, so…everything. It takes my breath away.

My eyes trail along his arm and that’s when I realize it’s linked through someone else’s. A girl. She has blonde hair that’s pulled in a style that belongs in a fashion magazine. And her white dress? It sparkles in the light, forcing all heads to turn to her. She’s wearing a wide smile on her face as she squeezes Easton close to her. And Easton? I’m not entirely sure what to make of the look on his face.

Another man and woman, who must be the girl’s parents, follow them.

“The Knights and the Burrells,” one of Sandra’s staff gasps from beside me.

“Look at Easton and Bianca,” another whispers back. “They’re the perfect couple.”

That’s Bianca? The girl he’s supposedly engaged to? She seems nice enough, sending warm smiles at everyone, who slowly go back to whatever they were doing before. The Knights and Burrells walk among the crowd, nodding and greeting their friends.

I can’t take my eyes off Easton. I’m trying to read him, figure out what he’s feeling, but I’m not getting much of anything. He smiles pleasantly and keeps his hold on his fiancée, but I still have no clue what he’s feeling.

My tray has emptied yet again and I return to the kitchen for more food. A few of the chefs are discussing the richest family in Georgia as they work on the meal. I only catch bits and pieces of their conversation as I reach for another tray.

“What do you mean you’re not jealous?” one of the chefs says. “Wouldn’t you rather attend the party than cook for the guests?”

His friend shakes her head. “No way. I’m just cooking for the money. My goal in life is to be a socialite. I’ll get a rich guy to fall for me and I’ll be a billionaire.”

The other laughs, pounding some dough for pasta. They both turn to me. “Dani, why are you still here?”

I reach for the tray, then stop. “You guys cater for these people a lot, right?”

They nod.

“So…what do you know about Bianca Burrell?”

They exchange a glance. “Well…” The woman starts to tell me, but Sandra enters the kitchen and once again finds me chatting and not working.

“Dani, this can’t go on,” she says.

I hold up my hands. “Sorry, it won’t happen again.” Grabbing the tray, I duck out of the kitchen and walk around the room, holding my tray out to the guests. It’s a chicken dish, which seems to be more popular. Gabby and Carlos each grab a few pieces before walking out of the hall like they’ve had enough of this place.

“That’s so funny, Easton,” a voice says from a few feet away. Turning my head, I see Easton and Bianca standing before an older couple, their fingers interlocked. Bianca giggles as she turns to Easton. He nods and smiles at the couple in that pleasant way that’s so typical of him.

Realizing I’m staring again, I shake my head and make my way around the people, avoiding those two. I don’t want him to see me here.

Every time his head turns in my direction, I hide behind a table or a wall or other people. Some give me weird looks, but I smile awkwardly like everything is cool and I didn’t lose my brain.

Finally, after what feels like hours, the guests sit down and it’s time for speeches from the family celebrating their grandmother’s ninetieth birthday. The staff and I have a moment to catch our breaths.

I notice a woman around nineteen or twenty sitting on a chair near the kitchen doorway. Her fingers roll over each other as she bites her bottom lip, looking out at the guests.

“Who’s that?” I whisper to Sandra after she’s done giving orders to the chefs.

“That’s Mary, Bianca Burrell’s personal assistant.”

“Why is she sitting there?”

“She’s on standby until Bianca needs her.”

“Oh.”

Why does she look so nervous, though? Like she’s about to have her head chopped off. But it’s not really my business and I follow whatever instructions Sandra gives me. Every once in a while, I hear Bianca yell, “Mary!” and Mary leaps off her chair, running to her master. But she mostly sits on the side, all alone.

When the speeches are done, it’s time for us to serve the first course, a salmon dish. Sandra assigned us different tables and I breathe a sigh of relief that I’m not serving The Knights and Burrells.

A family thanks me after I serve them their food, and as I’m about to return to the kitchen, I look at Easton’s table and find his hand still clasped with Bianca’s. She keeps shooting him large smiles, but I can’t see his face because he’s not angled toward me. He seems happy enough, I guess. Maybe he’s not being forced to marry her after all. Maybe they love each other.

Shaking that thought away, I walk into the kitchen and get ready to serve the next dish.

Time ticks by and then the second course is up. It’s a soup dish. I’m careful not to spill on myself or the guests as I walk out of the kitchen.

“Dani?”

I stop and turn toward the voice. I nearly drop the serving bowl when I find Easton standing near the kitchen.

His eyebrows knit. “What are you doing here?” He takes in the uniform Sandra asked me to wear. “You work here?”

“Just for tonight. The caterer needed a server and I volunteered. She’s my mom’s friend.”

He smiles. “It’s nice to see a friendly face. This party is so boring I want to stab myself with a fork.”

I just stare at him. Did he just call me his friend?

“Easton?!” a voice calls.

He flinches, squeezing his eyes tight for a second. “I’d better go.”

I watch as he marches back to his table and lowers himself near Bianca. She grabs his hand, leaning in close to whisper in his ear and giggle.

Turning away, I head for the table I’m serving, trying to get the image of Bianca bending so close to him out of my head.

The night drags on as we serve each course. Speeches are still being made and I find my eyes drooping a little. It’s been a very long day and it doesn’t seem like it’ll end anytime soon. But I need to force myself to keep going. I don’t have any more encounters with Easton, though our eyes meet every time I enter the hall.

Back in the kitchen, I take a breath during another speech. The staff plops down on seats and talks about the service, the food, and the people.

“What do you mean you can’t find them?” a voice yells from the doorway.

I spot Bianca yelling at Mary, who stands before her with her head lowered. “I’m sorry, Miss Bianca. I had them with me earlier this evening, but I must have dropped them.”

Bianca glares at her, forcing her assistant to cringe away. “You dropped them? I gave you those earrings because I couldn’t decide between the two pairs. You were supposed to put them in a safe place!”

“I’m sorry! They were so beautiful. I wanted to stare at them for a little while before putting them in my bag. But I got distracted and…”

Bianca shrills.

Sandra heads over to them. “Can I help you?”

Bianca whips her head at her, narrowing sharp eyes at her. “This isn’t any of your business. Go away.”

Sandra nods and makes a move to leave, but Bianca stops her. “You’re the caterer, aren’t you?”

“That’s correct.”

Bianca turns up her nose. “The Lennoxes are paying you good money, so do your job flawlessly.”

“I don’t under—”

Bianca’s hands go to her hips. “The food was cold and tasteless. My fish was raw! I even had it sent back, but when it returned to me, it was raw and cold. What kind of business do you run?”

Sandra’s eyes widen and her lower lip trembles. “I’m sorry. No one said a word—”

Bianca waves her hand dismissively. “I’ve had enough of you and your excuses. Get away from me.”

Sandra opens her mouth to say something else, but Bianca shoots her another glare like she doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as her. She seemed like a decent person during dinner. It’s like she completely transformed into a monster.

“Is there a problem here?” Easton asks as he comes to stand next to Bianca.

His future wife gives him a wide smile. “There’s no problem, Easton. I’m just informing these people that the food wasn’t up to par.”

Easton smiles pleasantly at Sandra and the others, his eyes lingering on me. “I enjoyed the food. Thank you.” He stretches his arm over Bianca’s shoulder. “Your parents are asking for you.”

As he leads her away, Bianca shrills that Mary lost her earrings. “I’ll buy you another pair,” he tells her as they disappear out the door.

Sandra slumps forward, her shoulders heaving. She squeezes her eyes shut, muttering under her breath.

“Are you okay?” I ask her.

She nods, letting out a breath. “The Burrells have the power to put me out of business, that’s all.”

One of the chefs huffs. “Calling my food cold and raw? No way.”

Sandra shrugs. “The customer is always right.”

Another staff member rubs her back. “It’ll be okay. Let’s continue with service.”

No one mentions what happened with Bianca throughout the rest of the night. Mary ends up finding the earrings on the floor, but apparently that’s not enough to appease her master.