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?”

Anthea replied,

bit more chit–chat, Harriet walked back to the front, where she found 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

cusp of his senior year in high school, a pivotal

He was a bright student. Getting into a top–tier university

tired of studying, take a break. There’s watermelon in the fridge. I’ll get you some.”

her son, making sure to remove every seed from the

the evening wore on, the rotisserie began to

and sweeping floors with diligence that left no room for criticism.

Chapter 25

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

responsibility early. When I was her age, I did everything, even