Page 1 of The Devil's Weakness

Chapter One

Watchingthe bitch clique from across the dining room, standing around acting like there’s nothing to do while I’m bussing their tables, has my blood boiling. I rarely have an issue standing my ground, but it doesn’t matter what I do or say; they never listen to me. They couldn’t care less that I’m their boss. I try not to let the actions of others get to me—I have no control over them—but it’s tough when dealing with those three.

Toni is older than I am, and she’s worked here a little longer than me, but Ellie still gave me the assistant manager position over her. She said it’s because I’m more mature and reliable, which is true, but I also know it’s because she feels sorry for me. Toni already disliked me, but since that day, working with her feels like going to battle.

Whitney isn’t too bad when she’s by herself. Not that we’re friendly, but at least there’s no giggling at me from across the dining room. Elena is a newer server. She’s only been here for about a month, but she quickly became Toni’s mini-me. She’s got a lot of attitude for someone with such a tiny frame. I don’t know where her hatred stems from, and she frightens me a little more than I care to admit.

I pull my phone from my back pocket to check the time.

3:57 P.M.

Thank God.

Ellie should be here any minute. It’s her diner, and she doesn’t take shit from anyone. They’ll finally get to work once she gets here.

“Ahem.”

My attention turns toward the sound of someone pretending to clear their throat. I see Toni standing in front of me; her clones are standing to the side, just behind her. I say nothing; I just stare at her questioningly as the tension of another standoff builds in my neck and shoulders.

“No phones allowed in the dining room, Sasha,” she spits, her tone full of snark. “You’d think an assistant manager would set a good example. Tsk-tsk.”

As the three of them walk past me, they giggle like teenagers, but they’re worse than the bitches I went to high school with.

“What’s going on here?” Ellie questions from behind me.

Great, they waited to call me out until Ellie was in earshot.

“I was just informing the girl you madeassistant managerof our cell-phone policy. Seems to me that she thinks the rules don’t apply to her,” Toni accuses.

“Yeah, well, what about the policy I have in place regarding standing around?” Ellie shoots back at her.

It takes every ounce of restraint that I have to control my facial features.

“I don’t want to hear it,” she puts her hand up, stopping Toni before she can go on the defensive. “I was watching from my car outside for the past five minutes while the three of you stood over there, flapping your gums, as Sasha bussed your tables.”

Toni shakes her head and opens her mouth to speak, but she can’t seem to find any words to help her case.

“Not that I have to explain my choices to you, but this isexactlywhy I picked Sasha to take over as assistant manager when Marlene left. Now get back to work, all of you. Sasha, follow me.”

They look like they just got socked in the stomach, and I duck my head, so I don’t make eye contact with any of them as I follow behind Ellie. Once we’re in the back of the kitchen and out of earshot, I speak up.

“Sorry for having my phone out, Ellie. I was just checking the time.”

“I amsonot worried about you having your phone out. You bust your ass around here. I know if you have it out, it’s for a good reason. I just called you back here to get you away from them.”

“Thank you.,” I exhale the breath I was holding.

“You’re welcome. You can’t let Toni get to you. You’re a tough cookie,andyou’re her superior. Don’t let her talk to you like that, okay?” Ellie winks before turning and walking into the office.

Easier said than done.

* * *

The last hourhas flown by. The dinner rush began, thankfully, so the other girls and I were too busy to exchange hateful glances with one another from across the dining room. I just finished cashing out one of my tables when I hear the bell that’s over the door ring, letting me know someone either came in or out. I look up to see one of my regular couples, The Allen’s, walk into the dining room.

“Mr. and Mrs. Allen, how are you?”

“We’re good, dear. How about yourself?” Mrs. Allen asks as she leads herself and her husband to their favorite table.

---