Layla's POV
" Don't worry, you'll do fine! "
I blew out my cheeks as Cassie encouraged me. Though no matter how much she tried to erase my fears, I was still frightened to death. It was hard to hear her past the sounds of loud commands and all the responses.
We were currently outback in the kitchen.
After I told Cassie about my troubles she was actually very helpful. Turns out she works as an event planner and each time she got a new contract, she vouched for me to be hired as the additional help. But mostly I always worked as a waitress, and today was no different.
The only difference however, was that this event was bigger than any of the others I had ever worked in. And when I arrived, I saw the number and types of cars parked outside. This is a real big deal. And the people are also more than what I'm accustomed to. I'm terrified of going out there and making a complete fool of myself.
" You've got this, just try to relax! " Cassie urged as she rubbed my back.
God! She didn't understand. I got nervous each time I was around many people. And Cassie always had to encourage me before I began the job. I always made it through alright in the past. But I have a very bad feeling about today. Despite the fact that all I have to do is walk around with a tray of drinks.
Nodding, I gave Cassie a thankful and reassuring smile. She had helped me so much and I had no idea how I would ever be able to thank her.
" Are you good? I have to go and make sure that they set everything up okay but I want to make sure you're okay first. "
" I'm fine, I can handle this. You should go and don't worry about me, " I placed my hand on her arm. She gave me a quick but comforting hug.
" Okay I'll go now, just stay calm, it's no big deal. And trust me, most of the people who attend these kinds of things are always too busy trying to act like some big shots to care about you. "
And with that, she left.
The man in charge of catering called all the waiters and I went. Keeping a little distance from the others. I was dressed in a pair of black cotton pants and a white shirt with a waistcoat. My hair tied back in a ponytail since the manager was afraid of us serving the guests snacks with strands of our hair in it.
I had never really been to an art gala before. Much less one as elegant as this. But it seemed very interesting, and I had caught glimpses of some of the artwork in there while arriving. The pieces were simply divine.
After we were given the instructions on what to do and how to behave, we scattered. Apparently we were supposed to keep our heads low. To be insignificant even among the crowd, and to make sure all the guests were fully satisfied.
After grabbing a tray of drinks, I carried it as carefully as I could while trying not to drop it. All while maintaining the guise that the task was no big deal. I balanced it on my palm as elegantly as I could. Making my way out of the kitchen and into the narrow hallway that led to the front where the event was being held.
After the hallway, I rounded the corner that led to the entrance of the event. I thought I committed the action with eloquent grace, but I would never know since another waiter was rushing back through the same entrance. We clashed, the tray, along with all the drinks fell in a spray of glass onto the floor. I immediately panicked. Stepping back with a hand on my mouth and my eyes wide with both shock and terror.
" Watch it! " The guy said as he rushed past me. I didn't even have time to look up and see who it was. With trembling hands I went down on my knees and quickly began picking up the glass. And preparing to get fired the second I took it back.
I wondered how that guy could be so rude. And I felt bad. But I didn't allow myself to think about it too much since I would immediately start crying. I hated it when people just acted as if they could step on me. I had never been able to defend myself. Which was why I was bullied for most of my life. I had started my first day of school with a little confidence. But then some other four year olds had made fun of me because of the overworn dress I had on.
And since then I had retracted into a shell. It only got worse over the years until I became a certified introvert. And I couldn't handle initiating any kind of human contact with anyone. And apart from the few instances where I had to look for a job, I always tried to keep to myself as much as I could. I did however like helping people. It was a way for me to interact, if I saw anyone in need I never hesitated to assist.
Picking up the shards of glass, I placed them on the tray. Hissing when one of them cut through my skin. I was one of those people who tended to bleed a lot even if the injury was very minor. Wringing my hand, I proceeded to pick the remaining glass carefully with my other hand. There were other waiters and waitresses passing by. Most ignored me, one asked whether I was okay, and the rest told me I was screwed. I could have sworn that the one that bumped into me was one of them.
After the last piece of broken glass was off the floor, I picked the trey and stood, about to turn back. But then someone called my name.
" Layla? "
I looked up. A confused look on my face since apart from Cassie, no one else knew me there. And the voice that called me was clearly a males. I knew zero males. Found them too intimidating to associate with.
But then when I saw who had called me, I almost couldn't believe it. I clearly remembered him. He wasn't someone you could just easily forget. Not to mention that he had basically saved my life.
" Arden.... " I said. Managing a smile despite the circumstances.
" Hey! It IS you! What a nice surprise! "
He walked towards me. Looking extremely classy in his perfectly form fitting tuxedo and brilliant smile.
" How have you been? " he asked, then he wrapped his arms around me and I literally shivered at the unexpected move. It might sound silly but I didn't just go around hugging people. Unable to return the gesture because of the tray, I simply stood there as if frozen to the spot until he pulled away.
" I'm okay, thanks for asking. "
Looking back down at the tray. I placed my cut hand under it to hide it from view.
" You're working here? What happened to your job at the diner? "
I parted my lips. Intent on lying since I couldn't imagine having him feel sorry for me.
" Wait! You lost it, didn't you? "
I looked up. Caught a little off-guard by the ubsard green of his eyes. It was like staring at two emerald gems.
" I... how did you know that? " he looked so sure. As if he was stating the obvious and be knew it was true.
He gave a half shrug then crossed his arms.
" I didn't. But you just confirmed it. "
Feeling dumb, I looked back down at the tray. This was getting very uncomfortable. I had no clue about how to act or interact with people of the opposite gender. And the fact that he was attending the gala meant that he was extremely wealthy. I had heard some of the others waiters discussing the prices of the paintings. It was just crazy and unbelievable.
And I wasn't really supposed to be associating with the guests. All it would serve to do was land me into more trouble than I already was.
" It was nice seeing you again, but I have to get back to work. "
Or to the back so that I could get fired. Either way, I had to walk away.
" Wait! " he held my arm and I jumped He put his hands up in a gesture of peace.
" Whoa! Chill out there jumpy, " he jokingly said.
" I'm sorry, you just scared me. "
He chuckled while shaking his head. Then he took my cut hand and looked at it. Making a tsking sound with his tongue.
" What happened? You're bleeding. " I noticed drops of blood on the ground. Not glad that he had seen them.
" It's no big deal. Just a tiny cut. "
" It doesn't like like a tiny cut. You sure do have a thing with accidents huh? "
Smiling, I tried to gently pull my hand back. But he held onto it.
" Come on, let's get that cleaned up. "
He started leading me away, I tried to refuse but he all but ignored me, only stopping to pick up my tray and pass it over to another waiter. He looked at us oddly, probably assuming the worst and I couldn't help but feel awfully insecure.
" I really have to get back to work.... if I don't then they'll - "
" Don't worry about that, " he assured me. But he didn't understand how serious I was.
" No really, they will fire me for sure! " I pleaded, planting my feet into the floor. Aiden blew out a breath and looked at me. One hand on my wrist, the other in his pocket. Then he gave me a look that was half reprimanding and half mischeviously.
" Like I said, don't worry....Im basically like the brother to the person behind this whole thing. It's all good. "