Page 21 of The Perfect Melody

Bailey nods.

“Her character was a waitress.”

“You listed your character’s job as work experience?” She looks torn between being shocked and impressed by my audacity.

“I had to give him something,” I repeat sounding more confident than I feel. “It’ll be fine.”

“Bloody hell. OK, obviously you need some pointers, or it’s going to be obvious you’ve never worked as a server before.”

“That’s what’s so great about this,” I reply excitedly. “There’s staff training for everyone on Tuesday because the bar’s having a soft reopening next weekend before the big reopening event the week after. Everyone needs to learn the new till system and familiarise themselves with the updated menus. I’m not the only one who won’t know what’s going on.”

Bailey doesn’t seem convinced. “That’s good, I guess, but there are still some basics you need to know to fit in.”

“Like what?”

“Always have two pens, paper, hand sanitiser, and a spare hair elastic in your apron.”

“Why two pens?”

“In case one runs out or someone less prepared ‘borrows’ your pen and ‘forgets’ to give it back.”

Seems unlikely, but whatever, that’s easy enough. “Got it.”

“Oh, and make sure you have comfortable shoes.”

“I have my trainers and boots with me. I’ll be fine.”

“Do you know how to carry more than two plates at once?”

Liam snorts, and I glare at him through the screen. I had to learn how forCountry Heartsbut wasn’t very good at it—the most I ever managed was three. “I can do three. Most of the time.”

Liam’s shoulders shake with silent laughter, and I just know he’s remembering all the plates I dropped while we were filming.Traitor. He’s supposed to be on my side here.

Bailey shrugs. “That’ll have to do. Just remember, the customer isnotalways right. Obviously, do your best to accommodate people, but if someone’s being rude or unreasonable, you can absolutely tell them where to shove it.”

“I’m sure Austin wouldlovethat.”

“From what you’ve said, he doesn’t sound like the type to take any shit, so he can’t get pissed off at you for acting the same way,” Liam replies.

“Good point,” Bailey agrees.

We’re getting off track. “So if he calls, you’ll tell him I used to work for you?”

Liam grins. “Best server I ever worked with. He’s lucky to have you.”

It’s my turn to scoff. “Maybe don’t lay it on so thick. Bailey’s advice and training aside, this is still going to be a learning curve for me. Just tell him I’m competent, a team player, and good with customers.”

“Oh, is that all?”

“Yes, thank you,” I reply primly, pretending to be oblivious to his sarcasm. My stomach growls. “I need to figure out where I’m going to find something for dinner.”

“OK. I’ll let you know if Austin calls. Be safe and keep us updated.”

“Will do. Thank you again—both of you—for helping me.”

“Anytime,” Liam chirps, eyes sparkling with amusement. “Bye, superstar. Have fun with your reverseHannah Montanamoment.”

He hangs up, and I’m left rolling my eyes at his joke alone in my silent hotel room. My stomach growls again but, now my friends are gone, the idea of moving from this spot feels like too much work.