Janet

Janet - Santa Barbara

“Pitcher of Margaritas to table 4, bucket of Corona to 5. Table 8 needs more chips and salsa. Tables 1 and 2 need menus. Watch out for 6, they’re getting grabby.” Marta rattled through the tickets on the bar and moved off to continue taking orders. Janet hurriedly grabbed supplies from the waitress station and loaded up her tray.

The bartender, Zach, had left the beer bucket just far enough on the opposite side of the bar that Janet had to stand on the rail and bend over to reach it. One of his cheap tricks to stare at her body in the restaurant-mandated babydoll top and jean shorts. She caught his eye from his spot down the bar.

“Why do you even bother, Zach? It’s California, twenty girls in tighter outfits walk by every minute.”

“Yeah, but I only have eyes for you.” Zach covered his heart with his hands, miming a thumping heartbeat.

“You did this to Emma too.”

“She was getting jealous of my attention.”

“She's just the new girl. Doesn’t know how to call you out yet, Zach. And cut this crap or she’ll tell Marta.”

“You’re both smart enough to know that won’t work. Marta loves me. You would too if you’d give me a chance.”

“I have a boyfriend. Remember Trent? He’ll be here tonight.” Janet grabbed the remote turned up the volume on the televisions. The Friday Night Fights crowd was piling in and their chatter combined with the blaring commentary drowned Zach out. She grabbed her tray and headed back out.

As she dispensed the drinks around the room, she had to carefully swing her hips between the tables to avoid some roaming hands. Trent should be here by now, the fights are about to start. But it was probably for the best that he isn't. He gets so damned protective.

Marta tapped her arm as she passed.

“Did I hear you say Trent’s coming tonight?” Janet nodded. “Just keep him on a leash, ok?” Marta gestured towards table 6 and its large crowd of hooting idiots. “You know how they get with the girls on fight night. I can’t have him starting something in here again, or I’ll have **** but to let you go.”

“Well. why don’t you stop them?”

“They’d take their business up the street and we’d be screwed. Besides, they tip like crazy.” Marta took Janet’s shoulders. “You’re my best worker, and I know you need those tips. Just keep your distance and don’t let things get crazy.” Marta moved off to support Zach. She’s right, I do need this shitty job. Her scholarship only covered tuition, not rent, and the same guy owned half the bars on State street. Get fired from one and I’m basically blackballed from the city.

“She warn you about 6?” Emma quietly asked from over Janet’s shoulder. The new girl had been practically sliding along the wall to avoid that group.

“As if I need a warning about creeps like that. I can spot one a mile out.”

Emma looked as though she wanted to say something, but thought better of it. She’s been acting like that a lot recently, I wonder what’s on her mind. Finally, “Can you please back me up on 6, Jan? I know it’s my table, but I don’t really want to deal with them alone. I’ll split the tip with you 70-30.”

I don’t want to go anywhere near them either but she seems pretty shaken. And a table that size, with that split? That could be a big help. But Janet couldn’t bring herself to take the offer. “Sure thing, Emma. But let’s split it evenly, ok? No need for that.” She’s got bills too. Just as big as mine. Emma’s expression lightened considerably. Janet threw her arm around the younger girl protectively and led her away from the crowd to give her a breather. They set their trays down at the waitress station and began dividing up the ticket.

"I'll take these four apps and the pitcher to the left side of the table."

"You sure, Jan, blue shirt is the worst of all of them."

"I can handle him. You set up the other half and we'll be good to go."

Emma stepped away to collect the small containers of tortilla chips to distribute.

“Emma!” Marta’s confusion drew Emma’s attention. “What’s with the second tray? You’re the only one here.”

She pointed back to the bar. Sure enough, there were two trays there and no one else. “I dunno where that came from.”

“Get your head together, new girl. You’ve gotta hustle harder if you’re gonna handle this crowd alone!”

Emma looked around the bar expectantly, but there wasn't anyone there. "Why did I think there was?" She mumbled under her breath. The mystery of the tray was for another night. She set her own on top of it, then loaded up the drinks and steeled her courage for another round of the ass-pinching gauntlet.

—

Danica

“Order up! Hot one here! It’s Janet Mohney!”

“She’s just a kid, Al.” Danica tried to grab at him, but he deftly stepped from her reach. “I don’t know why you have a problem with Michael or me. Doesn’t matter. Leave her out of it.”

Al looked over his shoulder. “She’s 21. Old enough to drink, gamble, marry, fuck, or fight for her country. Or join a harem, as the case may be.”

Janet came out, pulled by the same **** that had affected Danica. They clearly grabbed her mid-shift, her reddish-brown hair pulled back into a practical ponytail and the calavera logo of her restaurant emblazoned across her t-shirt.

The hosts compelled Janet to stand at the stand at the edge of the stage, seductively licking each finger as if tasting the last bit of a saucy meal. Only her wide eyes revealed her true feelings on the situation. Once they released their hold on her, Janet sprinted into Danica’s arms. She’d known Janet since she was 12, and the girl had always looked to Michael and Danica as her substitute parents. Even when her own family was losing it, Janet could always find some comfort with us. Danica could tell that her presence was the only thing keeping Janet from full-blown panic.

“Mrs. Clark! I read that horrible pamphlet, is this real?!”

“I don’t know, honey. It’s gonna be ok, stay with me and we’ll figure this out.” Danica petted her back to try to calm her.

“21 year old Janet’s been friends with the Clark family for years, and little does Danica know, she’s been simmering with passion for Michael that whole time. Don’t you remember, Mikey? Just some little kisses a few years ago, when you were all out at Big Bear on vacation?” Michael grimaced but didn't speak.

Danica startled at that, but the horrified reaction on Janet’s face stopped her from pressing it.

“I- I-” Janet said.

“Shh, you have nothing to apologize for.” It’s probably a lie, but this is not the time. First we get out of here, and we can sort that out later.

Janet collected herself enough to ask. “You and Michael are here… Did they take Mallory too?”

“Funny you should mention her…” Al said, spinning the card for his first choice.