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!”

it off. “Oh, Lauren, I’m not all that. You’re

elite. Speaking a foreign language was hardly a rare feat for

is impressive!” Lauren insisted. “Can you speak other

nagging feeling that Anthea’s

from French? Well, there’s Russian, Italian, Japanese,

Lauren swallowed hard, and her eyes widened

did you say you went

High School,” Anthea answered.

taken Anthea’s words with

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firm believer

She was

shown up that

part of a month inseparable from Karen,

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

time neared, and still no sign of