Chapter 11 - THE WAITRESS WHO WALKED AWAY
The case became public.
Newspapers reported the attempted financial takeover.
Television stations discussed the missing millions.
And somehow, my name appeared in an article.
WAITRESS HELPS EXPOSE MILLION-DOLLAR FRAUD SCHEME.
I hated the headline.
Not because it was false.
Because it made me sound like a novelty.
A waitress.
Not an accounting student.
Not someone who had spent years studying financial statements.
Just a waitress who happened to notice something.
Reporters called the club.
Strangers approached me.
Someone offered to buy my story.
I refused.
Then my manager told me the attention was bad for business.
He suggested I take an unpaid leave.
I looked at him.
“Am I being fired?”
“Not exactly.”
“Then am I still scheduled?”
He hesitated.
“No.”
I nodded.
“Then I guess I am.”
I collected my things.
Walked out.
And cried in the alley behind the club.
Not because I loved the job.
Because I had spent years doing everything right, and somehow I was the one who lost a paycheck.
That evening, Aurelio called.
“I heard.”
I wiped my face.
“News travels fast.”
“Come work for us full-time.”
I shook my head.
“You don't need another person doing favors for you.”
“It's not a favor.”
“I know.”
I took a breath.
“But I want to finish school.”
He was silent.
Then he said:
“Good.”
I blinked.
“Good?”
“Yes.”
“You're not going to argue?”
“No.”
I smiled through tears.
“That's new.”
May you like
He laughed.
“I'm learning.”
