I mean they’ve got a whole team behind them to make them look good on camera, right?
Not this guy.
He looks powerful sitting there, taking up an entire table with his presence. It’s the kind of charisma you can’t buy - even with his kind of money. I’ve got his entrée in my hand, and I walk up to him with my friendliest ‘I’m not nervous to meet a celebrity’ – smile.
He’s got a sour look on his face, and I almost feel like cutting and running. But when he turns to me, his expression softens. He doesn’t say anything for a second as he looks at me, so I finally break the silence.
“Hi there, welcome to Origin, I’m so sorry for the wait.”
“Can’t say I’m satisfied, I think I’ve just about starved myself,” he says with his signature salty tone to the cameras. Then, he looks back at me. “But that’s mostly because everyone seems to be absolutely loving whatever it is they’re putting in their mouths. I think I’m just getting jealous.”
I feel a surge of pride. For every episode I’ve seen, he rarely comes across this kind right out of the gate.
“Plus, the evening’s beginning to look up, thanks to you. I don’t mind waiting if there’s something worth waiting for.” He flashes me a dazzling smile as I set the food in front of him. “That smells great,” he chimes in, then turns back to the camera.
“Looks great, too,” he adds, looking right at me.
Is he flirting with me?
He drops his voice, “Tell me, how on earth did this chef get such a catch for a server, eh?”
Oh my God, he is flirting with me.
“Lucky bastard.”
Wait a minute, he thinks I’m a server. Not the owner. Not even a chef! Oh, Lord. I can’t out him on his own show, right? That would make him look ridiculous. Maybe it’s alright to play along for now?
“Thank you. I guess the chef just knows what they like.”
Stephen nods and I see his eyes perform a quick and subtle scan of my body. I should probably be offended, but instead, I’m wildly flattered. Is this how it is to be a celebrity? The way he looks, I’d let him get away with fucking murder in front of me.
“Please enjoy your entrées and let me or one of the servers know if you have any questions. I’ve taken the opportunity of picking out a wine for you —”
“Bold of you,” he cuts in and flashes a look to the camera. “But I’m game. What am I having?”
I smile and proffer the wine, letting myself go all the way back to culinary school and all those painful hours spent on studying the art of becoming a sommelier. He seems impressed and grabs the bottle from my hands to pour it himself.
He lets our hands touch for a second too long, and I blush furiously. He swirls his cup and I bite my lip as I watch a thimbleful splash into his mouth. His eyes narrow and he makes a dramatic turn toward me.
Oh, Christ, am I in the hot seat? I never believed the people on his show were nervous, but if this is how he makes you feel, I apologize to the restaurant community at large.
“That’s fucking delicious, well done.”
I’m about to thank him when I remember, of course, it’s fucking delicious, you moron. I picked it out.
“I’m glad you enjoy it, I thought you would. Coming out is your next entrée followed by your main course. Is there anything else I can get for you in the time being?”
“No, love, that’s all for me, thanks,” he smiles and gives a nod to the cameras. They all relax as they stop rolling for a second, and I start to go. Stephen grabs my wrist gently, and I pause and turn around.
“On second thought, I’m not sure when the old bastard will let you off tonight, but how about we finish this bottle of wine together after you’re through?” I try my hardest not to laugh in his face. Don’t they brief him on this shit?
“You know, I’m not sure that’s allowed, but I’ll ask management when I get the chance.”
“Please do.”
I slip my hand out from his and make my way back to the kitchen, swishing my hips a bit more than necessary.
This night just keeps getting better and better!
Six
Stephen
My mind is still on the server as Kenny and the crew move to get a new angle of me for the