From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 25

Harriet led Anthea around the quaint little rotisserie, which was cozy rather than cramped, spanning just shy of ninety square feet including the kitchen. The dining space accommodated over twenty tables, neatly arranged to maximize the seating without feeling crowded.

“You see, Anthea, right now it’s fairly quiet, but we get a steady stream of customers from the moment we open our doors,” Harriet explained as she guided her new charge through the establishment. “The job is a bit of a juggling act. I won’t have you slacking off on me, you hear?”

Anthea nodded, her eyes taking in every detail of her new workplace.

Next, Harriet steered Anthea towards a middle–aged woman with honey–blonde hair, whose fingers were adorned with a flashy ring and a matching chunky bracelet. “Lauren, this is Carole’s daughter, Anthea. She’ll be filling in for Carole for the next month. Could you run her through the ropes?”

Lauren looked at Anthea, her eyes widening in surprise. “Well, blow me down! Carole has a daughter as pretty as a picture!”

Carole, while working at the rotisserie for over two years, was a woman who didn’t talk much. She rarely chatted with her colleagues, leaving her personal life a mystery to most.

Harriet then turned back to Anthea. “If you run into any trouble.or have questions, Lauren is your go–to, alright?”

replied, nodding again.

her son at the counter sipping a soda. “Baldie, my boy, you’ve got to hit those books hard. Aim for an Ivy League spot next year with that fighting spirit! Don’t end up like that chick, working jobs instead of getting an

on the cusp of his senior year in high school, a pivotal time that

a nod. He was a bright student. Getting into a top–tier university was well within his

my star!” Harriet beamed with pride. “If you get tired of studying, take a break. There’s watermelon in the fridge.

attentive to her son, making sure to remove every seed from the watermelon slice with meticulous

the rotisserie began to fill with patrons looking for a hearty

any task, clearing tables and sweeping floors with diligence that left no

Chapter 25

hint of respect, “Anthea’s a good girl, don’t you think? She’s

with a nonchalant shrug. “Children from humble backgrounds learn responsibility early. When I was her age, I did everything, even