**ROSEANA**
"Don't judge me, okay? I'm a waiter in that low-class club," she clarified.
I can breathe a little easier, though there is still concern for me. I'm worried for her. I know she has a lot of work. She has several jobs at the same time, but I didn't expect her to enter as a waiter in a bar.
I am not saying that working in such places is bad. I do not judge anyone who works in such places. I know that they have reasons behind it. They work only to provide for themselves and perhaps their families as well. I can't judge anyone. And I know that if they had a choice, they would not choose to work in that smoky and dangerous place, but for Macy, I never thought she would work at the club.
"How?" I asked. How did she get into that job?
"Mikaela also worked there. She is friends with the owner, so she let me in too."
Mikaela is one of our colleagues. The woman is also kind, and like her, she also works to support her family.
"Don't worry, Roseana. The owner of the club we work at is kind. Besides, it's clear that we only work as waiters."
“Are you still interested? If you choose to work in coffee shops, you will surely be easily found by the people after you. If you work at the club, there is a high possibility that no one will recognize you."
The truth is that Macy's is right. Cedrick certainly wouldn't think I'd work at a club. He knows that I don't go into such places. Also, he's not the only one I'm hiding from now. I also hid from Damon. I don't want to stumble upon Damon so soon—well, at least not now.
It's not bad if I try, right? I'm with Macy after all. I have a lot of trust in my friend. I know that she will not let me perish.
I braced myself and bravely nodded my head. "Alright, I agree, but I have to be on the same schedule as you," I said.
Macy's face brightened. "Of course! I will make sure that we are together. I will not allow you to be alone," she assured me.
We quickly finished our food. Then Macy took me to the club he was talking about. The rain has not completely subsided, but it has weakened.
I was stunned when the taxi stopped at a small building. The club is still closed because it is just past 4 p.m. I don't have a parking lot in sight. Why would you even expect such extravagances here, Roseana? This is not a high-class bar like the one owned by Damon.
"Red Corner Bar," I read on the big sign.
"See? It's quite a descent." Macy said that I didn't realize she was standing next to me.
She invited me inside. She had already called the owner before we came here. Fortunately, I was hired.
"Mister Rodriguez, this is my friend, Rose." Macy introduced me to her boss. I was even surprised by the name she called me to introduce me to the man. I didn't protest anymore. I will ask her about it later.
The man extended his hand in front of me. Suddenly, I remembered Damon. If he were here, I'm sure he would be the one to shake hands with the man. I'm also sure that he won't like it when he finds out that I'm working, more so in this place. But the good news for me is that he doesn't know, and he doesn't have to know. I have no bad intentions about working. I just want to provide my own, so I can no longer depend on anyone.
I mentally shook my head. Why am I even thinking of that man right now? I am here to find a job. I should get a hold of myself.
"Nice to meet you, sir." I reached for his hand and normally shook hands with him. Macy's boss looks nice. In my estimation, he was only a few years older than me. Probably 27?
"I heard you are a friend of Macy's. I can't refuse the request of my love," he said seriously.
I couldn't stop the gasp from coming from my mouth. My mouth shaped into an O as I stared at both of them in shock.
Macy rolled her eyes at her boss. "Stop it, Ricardo," Macy said flatly. She even flipped her hair on the side of her boss. The man laughed because of what my friend did.
"I am just kidding. Anyway, you can start tonight. Your uniform is in your locker room. I'll have the pretty Macy to help you with that." He dismissed us.
I left Sir Ric's office laughing. He said that's the only thing I should call him since he doesn't want me to call him by his given name. Macy, on the other hand, is pouting in annoyance. Her lips are protruding, and she keeps rolling her eyes. I wanted to tease her about her boss, who seemed to be playfully hitting on her, but I stopped myself.
Macy handed me my uniform. We are here in the locker room. I examined it. It is a white long-sleeve paired with a fitted black mini skirt. I couldn't help but cringe when I saw how short the skirt was. Just thinking about wearing this shirt uniform while walking around the club makes me want to cover my legs with a comforter. The said uniform also comes with black pumps. Well, overall, it is not that bad. I am expecting the worst. The uniform is kind of decent, except for the short skirt, but I think I can make use of it. I have no other choice but to do so. I just hope nothing bad happens to me later.
We spent the remaining time touring the club. Macy also briefed me about my job. Basically, I just have to get the orders of the customers, give them to the bartenders, and then deliver them to their tables. It won't be difficult for me because I have worked as a waiter before. I will do almost the same thing here.
"Us, waiters, are required to have our hair in a clean bun. We also have to apply makeup," Macy said. I just listened to her intently. We are now in the dressing room, resting, and waiting for five o'clock to strike.
The club opens at six p.m., but we had to prepare, so it was at five o'clock that we were supposed to be making arrangements. That was what Macy told me. We also have a free dinner here at the club.
"Why Rose?" I asked as I remembered the name she used to introduce me.
Macy moved her eyes from the screen of her phone and stared at me. "I am just being careful. It's a good thing they don't know your real name so that those who are looking for you will not be able to trace you here," she answered. "I am Maze here, by the way," she added with a grin.
I laughed at her reaction. She seems to enjoy using a fake name here.
When six o'clock struck, I was ready. I am already dressed in my waiter uniform. My guess was right. The skirt is too short and too close to my body. It sticks to me like a second skin. The hidden shape of my body was molded because of this.
“Wow.”
Macy whistled when she saw me wearing the uniform. She examined me from head to toe. "My god, Roseana! You looked so hot in that uniform!” she praised me. I rolled my eyes at her. She is exaggerating it.
"That man you are talking about? I am sure his jaw will drop when he sees you wearing that," she exclaimed.
My face crumpled at the mention of him. as if he would allow me to wear this, especially to work in this place.