From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 66

After Baldie left, Harriet turned to Lauren with a knowing smile. “Lauren, you know, talk is cheap. You must have the goods to back it up. That’s what counts! One of these days, I’ll sit back and reap the rewards of Baldie’s hard work!”

Lauren nodded thoughtfully. “I think there’s something special about Anthea. She will do great things.”

“Great things?” Harriet scoffed, rolling her eyes. “What, because she can chirp in a few foreign phrases?”

“But have you noticed.” Lauren pressed on,” our rotisserie has been booming since Anthea started waitressing?”

It was an observation that even the most skeptical couldn’t deny.

Harriet waved a dismissive hand. “What’s that got to do with her? I’ve tweaked the recipe for our rotisserie. The surge of customers is thanks to the flavor kick, not her!”

Harriet had thought the sudden uptick in business might have something to do with Anthea.

But she soon realized that wasn’t the case. It coincided with her new and improved spice blend. So, Anthea’s presence was just a coincidence.

“Fine, Lauren, enough chitchat,” Harriet said with impatience. “Go check the kitchen. See if they need a hand with anything.”

Lauren obeyed, finding Anthea in the back, wiping down trays. She approached her with admiration in her eyes. “Anthea, you were amazing! The way you rattled off in French had me all dazzled!”

Lauren, I’m not all that. You’re giving me

elbows with the elite. Speaking

insisted. “Can you speak other languages, too,

had this nagging feeling that Anthea’s talents

Anthea replied. “Apart from French? Well, there’s Russian, Italian, Japanese, German, and some

hard, and her eyes

you went to high school

School,” Anthea

Lauren had once taken Anthea’s words

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believer at that

some part–timer. She was truly only filling in

hadn’t shown up that

a month inseparable from Karen, her absence left Anthea

off–kilter, resulting in her glancing towards the entrance more than usual.

still no sign