Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ All Star Dreams (Ver. 3) ❯ Chapter One ( Chapter 1 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: bekka_mouri_hibiki 
Three prep league basketball players attend the worst banquet they've ever been to.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sports / Romance / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 04.11.2009 | Updated On: 05.05.2009 | Pages: 10 | Words: 7.7K | Visits: 217 | Status: Completed
Three prep league basketball players attend the worst banquet they've ever been to.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sports / Romance / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 04.11.2009 | Updated On: 05.05.2009 | Pages: 10 | Words: 7.7K | Visits: 217 | Status: Completed
All-Star Dreams: Chapter OneBy Bekka Mouri-Hibiki
© Bekka Mouri-Hibiki 2007
(This is another stab at this original story, except maybe it'll be better this time. Again, no animes were harmed in the making of this fic. Everyone belongs to me. Don't touch, steal or use them at all. Not even if you beg for my permission, you can't have them. If you think anyone resembles anyone in RL, you're just seeing things. No one is this story is to depict anyone, living or dead, in any way, shape or form and resemblance are purely coincidental. Thanks.)
Betty! Katrina called in and we need someone to work the Prep League Basketball Player banquet tonight! When you finish setting up the tables, go get a uniform and follow the other girls' lead.
The words repeated themselves over and over in her head. That was how come she was standing with her back to the wall watching prep league players, owners and other assorted basketball types mill around the nearly packed room. Some faces she recognized from the home team but it was because they were locals. She had never bothered to watch a game except for a few minutes on break with her co-workers and then she didn't really pay enough attention to count for anything.
She did note there were quite a few good looking guys milling around but she was much too shy to approach anyone. She felt she was a total wallflower and not that attractive. She knew she had no chance in Hell of attracting anyone's attention. All of the men in the room were way out of her league and looked younger than her to boot.
She had just turned twenty-nine and still had the same job she had always had since high school. While her friends went off to college, the military or to have a bunch of kids, she was still the same old Betty. She still got carded at bars and accused of being in high school though she had graduated at sixteen. It was like time had frozen for her but went in fast forward all around her.
She had watched many friends move on with their own lives and knew they pitied her though she was happy. She liked her job and she liked to work. Her job wasn't easy and gave little reward except for good health insurance but she was satisfied.
It gave he the time she wanted to pursue her real passion, Writing. She had written from the time she could put pen to paper. Her teachers had praised her for her creativity but her circumstances had prevented her from going anywhere. She had taken the bold step of putting her family first on her list and had recently buried her mother, leaving her the only surviving member of her family.
The grief caused by her mother's passing had brought on titanic wave of writing. She had buried herself in three stories she had worked on in tandem. In fact, her mind could only focus on them, her mind processing new ideas as she set up and tore down for every event since she lost her mother six months prior. Her friends were worried about her, saying she had become too wrapped up in herself and was becoming distant.
Truthfully, she felt like she was dead to the world, simply observing everything though her glasses as if they were windows looking out the prison of pain. Work helped her ignore that pain though she was starting to feel like she had bitten off more than she could chew when she agreed to help out as a hostess. It was bad enough the other hostesses laughed at her when she appeared wearing the waiter's uniform, the only thing big enough to accommodate her six foot five height and eighteen inch arms.
She was classified as a big girl because she was tall but she wasn't fat. She had curves in all the right places though that didn't seem to matter. Most guys were intimidated by her size and finding a boyfriend was impossible. She decided men were overrated but was still holding out for a fairy tale hero anyway.
She checked her watch again; finding only forty-five minutes had passed. The function had started at 7:00 pm. but wouldn't end until midnight. ~Oh God... I'm going to die before this is over, ~She whined in her mind. She would have liked to been moving around but instead she had to stand at the wall until a table in her section cleared out and then she had to clean it as quickly as possible before someone else sat down at it.
She scanned the room for the other hostesses but they weren't standing in their positions. They were pretty much invisible except for the glimpses she'd catch of them moving around with the crowd. She couldn't believe they were brazen enough to be openly flirting with some of the more well-known basketball players after being told not to speak to anyone. ~They're going to get their asses so fired, ~ Betty bit her lip.
Although she had worked at the hotel the longest she was in no position to say anything to the girls. They were the wait staff while she was just one of the set-up crew so they felt she wasn't as important as they were. As she contemplated saying something to their boss, she saw a table clear. ~Duty calls, ~ She thought as she grabbed her dish cart and headed for the vacant table.
**
Twenty four year old Branslav Korbel wandered through the bustling crowd of basketball players and officials although he just wanted to run from the banquet hall. His tie felt too tight and it was hot with so many people crammed into one room. He ran his hand through his shaggy pitch-black hair in frustration. He saw everyone he knew but not who he was looking for.
The banquet was an event in the mid-season 'Best Of The Best' Tournament, an annual event the prep league held for the best players so they could face off as a whole. For the third year, Branslav had made it onto the the Western U.S. Squad as a starter. He was accompanied by his best friend for the third time though they no longer played on the same team. Another friend had made it as well but it was his first year.
The event happened every year in mid-January to give a majority of the players time to rest and get caught up with their families. For the handful of the best players, it was time to be their best and show off their skills. Branslav usually enjoyed it but he was uncomfortable. Something in the air made him feel uneasy, leaving him agitated and feeling twitchy.
He wondered if he could talk his two closest friends into leaving and going somewhere else but he had to find them first. He glanced around not only to locate them but also to watch out for the rabid fan-bussers that had hounded him and every other player for most of the night. He assumed they were the wait staff because they were wearing hotel uniforms but it didn't seem they were working. He had been to many functions since had come to America to play for the Supernovas but none of them had been quite like this one.
The previous venues had made sure to bring in workers who were indifferent about sports and did their jobs. He began to wonder if the real bussers were tied up in a broom closet somewhere. He almost started to consider bailing on his own and writing the night off but he knew he'd get a stern talking to by his team's owner... if he was lucky. If he was unlucky... well, he didn't want to fathom it.
He recalled the speech the owner had subjected him to about being an example. Since the 'Best Of The Best' was being held in Reno, the hometown of the team, the owner expected him be on his best behavior. Though Branslav wasn't really prone to misbehaving, the owner had impressed upon him he'd be in deep trouble he even sneezed on the wrong person's direction. Branslav doing his best to stay in the crowded banquet hall without screaming, waiting for the right moment to vanish and hopefully take his friends with him.
He continued to move through the crowd, keeping an eye out for his friends when he bumped into to someone. " Oh. Sorry, " He said as he looked down at the young blonde woman. It was one of the bussers. He was doing quite well avoiding them by moving around but it was hard to hide completely.
" Oh my God! You're so tall! " She gushed in an embarrassing fashion. " I watch you play all the time and I've always wanted to meet you! "
Branslav frowned at the pesky gnat of a girl, wondering if he really had accidentally ran into her or if she had been waiting on him. She barely came up to his elbow she was so short compared to himself. She had on too much make-up, making her look like a painted doll. Her uniform looked like it was two sizes too small, her shirt unbuttoned to expose her cleavage.
He could see she was rather excited about meeting him. He could handle calm fans but the obtrusiveness of the bussers annoyed him. Everywhere he looked he could see numerous stacks of filthy dishes on the tables as well as empty glasses, proof the girls weren't even working. He hadn't seen a single one touch a dirty plate the entire time he had been wandering around.
" Excuse me? Can you hear me? " The girl yanked at his sleeve.
He glared to her after that. He narrowed his eyes at her, the yank being the final straw. He shook her hand from his sleeve, " Shouldn't you be working? This place is filthy. "
The girl's expression turned from admiration to confusion, " What did you say? "
" I said get to work! " Branslav stepped back from the girl. " Get to work and leave me alone! "
" Asshole! " The girl punched him in the arm weakly and skittered away.
**
Betty let out a low whine as the gravity of the situation sank down on her. Once she had gotten to her table, she glanced about to find she was indeed the only one working. The tables were crowded with used dishes to the point most of the guests were standing up while they ate. ~All right. This can't be that bad, ~ Betty told herself as she took a deep breath.
She straightened her glasses and started grabbing dishes as fast as she could. Before she knew it, her cart was full though a seemingly endless ocean of dishes lay before her. She felt her panic rise but she stuffed it back down. ~We can do this... we can do this, ~ She chanted in her mind as she zipped toward the kitchen.
Her panic quickly turned to anger when she found the empty carts belonging to the other girls were still parked next to the dishwasher. She growled and grabbed another cart, determined to do the work of six people even if it killed her. ~And if it doesn't kill me, they're going to find five dead bussers in the back dumpster tomorrow morning... ~ She thought as she returned the fray.
**
Branslav shut his eyes and took a deep breath, the urge to scream nearly overwhelming him again. When he opened his eyes, he finally located his friends. They were standing off in a corner away from the rest of the crowd, eyeballing a nearby door like they wanted to run as well. He made his way towards them, the younger of the two noticing his approach.
" Can you believe this shit Branslav? " Daniel said as soon as he saw Branslav pushing his way through the crowd. The six foot five mulatto center was standing next to the other person Branslav had been desperately seeking. Daniel started to say something else but noticed Branslav's agitation and he became concerned. He glanced over at the other man, " Dude... big man's pissed. "
" Branslav, " Six foot five dark blonde point guard Robert Hughes turned his light blue eyes to the seven foot three forward and furrowed his brow. The only other time he had seen his former teammate angry was when a hard foul against him went unpunished. " You okay man? "
" We need to get out of here, " Branslav growled. " This is the worst banquet I've been to since I came to America. "
Robert nodded, " Yeah I know. I was just trying to recruit your buddy to help me find you so we could complain. "
" This shit sucks balls, " Daniel said. " Man, I've only been a player for two years and this isn’t how it’s supposed to be. These bitches around here are paid to clean up and they haven’t been doing anything all night except trying to get some digits and maybe some dick. "
Robert smacked Daniel on the back of the head, " Watch you damn mouth. You don't need to talk like that. "
" Stop treating me like a kid! " Daniel growled as he rubbed where he had been hit.
" Then stop cussing like a little fourteen year old gangsta from the slums, " Robert shot back. " Act your age and I'll stop smacking you around. "
" You're only four years older than me! " Daniel said. " You can't smack me around. "
" I can too. Someone needs to, " Robert replied.
" But this is bullshit, man! " Daniel whined.
" I know it is, " Robert began to scan the room. " But we have to remain calm. We have to sound earnest when we complain and cussing like a little shit isn't going to help. Ah, I knew it couldn't be that bad... "
Branslav followed Robert's gaze but was a little confused. " What are you looking at? " He asked.
Robert pointed to a girl with a cart she was packing with dirty dishes. Her black hair was pulled back in a tight bun and her glasses had slipped down to the end of her nose. She was working so hard, sweat was dripping from her chin and a few small locks of hair had slipped loose to stick to the sides of her face. " That right there. "
Branslav looked at the tall voluptuous woman as she moved with amazing deft and speed, clearing the table and moving to the next. A moment later, that table was cleared and she was pushing the loaded cart toward the opposite side of the room. She moved with grace and swiftness in spite of the weight of the cart, avoiding collision after collision in the crowded room. She looked a little out of place not only by being taller and bigger than the other girls but also because she was actually working.
" Wow, " Branslav breathed. " You mean her? "
" Yeah. She's busting her ass out there, " Robert said. He was slightly in awe of the woman. He thought she looked pretty good for being a tall woman but quickly pushed the thought away. He was married and tried not to look at other women except for when he had to deal with them on a business level.
" Why is she the only one of these bitches working? " Daniel glanced at Branslav then at Robert. " Damn. She IS the only bitch working isn’t she? "
Robert glared at Daniel, " Well yes. She IS the only WOMAN working. That's exactly my point. She's not some starstruck teenager. She could either be the one in charge or knows who is. "
" So you want to go catch her and ask her? " Daniel asked.
" Good boy, " Robert reached over to the closest buffet table and grabbed a cookie. He shoved it in Daniel's mouth; " You get a cookie for being right. "
Daniel took the cookie out of his mouth, " Oh. Thanks man. Can I finish this before we go after her? "
Robert rolled his eyes, not sure if Daniel was being serious or just being a jackass. " Yes. "
Branslav took a step forward, " I'll go. Don't move from this spot. I'll bring the boss back with me. "
" Branslav? " Robert started to reach for his friend but his long gait put him out of his reach in a matter of seconds. " Jeez, I meant for all of us to go. "
**
Betty wasn't really sure about how much time had passed but she had made a good-sized dent in sea of filth she had been faced with. One of the kitchen staff had been working hard to empty each cart as she brought them in and they had fell into a rhythm that had enabled her to work quickly. She decided she would have to buy the man a 'thank you' present if she survived the night. She was focused on getting the tables clean but she had managed not to run into anyone until she stepped back from a table to find her back against a wall of muscle.
The shock of someone being behind her startled her and she dropped the glass she was holding. It hit the white marble floor, the heavy glass shattering into several large pieces. " Oh I am so sorry, " Betty said as she glanced at the man before going to her knees. " Please step back while I clean this up. "
Instead if stepping back, the man joined her on the floor. " Sir, " Betty looked at him as she reached for a dirty napkin from the cart. " I can take care of this... " Her voice trailed off as her dark blue eyes locked with his hazel ones. He looked like what she had always imagined a mythical god would. She felt her cheeks become hot and glanced away when she realized she had been staring at him, " Sir... "
" Let me help, " He said gently. " You've been working hard enough. "
" But you might cut yourself, " Betty said as she reached for the biggest piece of glass. He stopped her, encasing her hand in his. The contact made her heartbeat faster but she tried to retain her composure. Her senses were scrambled by the unfamiliar warmth.
His touch made her feel warm for the first time in a long time. She had been so cold and numb since her mother died but the contact sent a jolt of electricity through her. She wasn't used to being touched by anyone except for family. He held her hand for a long time before he spoke again.
" I don't care, " He said as he finally let it go. " Your hands are too pretty for this kind of thing. Women's hands were never meant to work this hard. "
Betty watched as he grabbed a napkin and picked up the pieces, placing them in the napkin Betty had gotten. When the last piece had been placed in the napkin, the man tied the cloth up. He picked it up by the knot and held it out to Betty. " Here. This should keep it together until you go back to the kitchen. "
" Kitchen? " Betty said as she took the other napkin then remembered. She stood up quickly " Oh damn. The dishes... "
The man stood up with Betty, " That's what I came to you about. "
" Oh. Are they all gone? Do I need to go get some more? " Betty glanced around at the buffet tables. It seemed all them still had enough clean dishes on them.
She turned to look at the man and then had to look up. Although she was tall, he still stood taller than she did. He had to be over seven feet tall by her estimations. He was big but he had the gentlest look on his face as he placed his hands on her shoulders, his touch electrifying her again.
" No. I came about the dirty dishes and the state of this event on the whole, " The man looked around. " I would like to make a complaint to the person in charge. Is that you? "
Betty nodded, " I see. I'm not but if you'll give me a chance to go find him. He should be around. "
" I'll take it from here Betty, " A man's voice behind her startled her and the man-god took his hands off her shoulders.
Betty turned to find the hotel's head of the catering department standing next to along with what appeared to be two more of the basketball players. " There you are, Mr. Richards. "
Mr. Richards was an older man with graying brown hair. He looked like he came from a barbershop quartet or stepped right out of an early 1900's silent movie. He was dapper, smooth and soft spoken unless he was crossed. He was shorter than Betty by a good five inches but probably weighed the same.
She could tell he had been crossed because his normally blue eyes had taken on a darker tone, a good indication he was pissed off. She had worked with him long enough to know his expectations for his workers. " So you're the one in charge? " Branslav looked at the man.
" Yes. I had to take care of some problems but I'm here now, " Mr. Richards glanced at the two men that had walked up with him. " Mister Hill and Mister Hughes told me what was happening as soon as I passed by them over there in the corner. I'll help you out here as much as I can. "
" Help me? " Betty was overwhelmed. She had been in her own universe of extreme concentration for so long she was having trouble comprehending.
Mr. Richards looked Betty in the eye, " It's just you and me. I sent the others home... for good. "
Betty's eyes became wide, " If you think it was wise sir. "
" Sure, " Mr. Richards winked. " I think we can hack it. Now, let us each grab two carts each and sees if we can stem this carnage a bit. "
Betty nodded, " Yes sir. "
Mr. Richards took the napkin from Betty, " I'll take care of the broken glass. Now let's get a move on. "
" Yes sir, " Betty nodded then followed him towards the kitchen, glancing backwards to steal one last look at the black-haired man before she had to dive into work again.
**
Branslav watched as Betty walked away with her boss until they disappeared behind the kitchen door, noting she had glanced back at him. He stared a little longer until a slap on the back knocked him right out of his trance. " Man. Did you see that? " Daniel started then glanced at Robert. " Did you see that woman's shoulders? She must wrestle at one of the casinos when she's not working here. "
Robert chuckled, " Yeah. She looks like someone that could hold her own in a street fight if you ask me. Her arms have to be at least eighteen inches around if not more. "
" Did you see how tall she was too? " Daniel asked. " She's got to be at least six three. "
" No, " Robert shook his head. He had noticed quite a bit about the woman, more than he allowed himself to normally. In fact, he had caught himself staring at her, her beauty more apparent up close than it had been from afar. " She's as tall as us both so that would make her at least six five. "
" And did you see her boobs? They were huge! " Daniel said but Robert smacked him again. " Man! "
Robert shook his head. He had noticed but was trying not to think about her ample chest. Though it looked like she was wearing a man's uniform, it couldn't hide her womanly attributes. He sighed, " You're hopeless. "
" Man, " Daniel said. " You're married, not buried. Tell me you didn't notice them and I'll call bullshit. "
" I'm not saying I didn't notice, " Robert said. " I'm just saying you're a hopeless pervert. "
" I am not a pervert! " Daniel retorted. " A blind man could see them. "
Robert put his hand up, " Just stop. Just stop. "
Branslav glanced at them then back at the kitchen door to see only the woman's boss emerge. When Mr. Richards came closer, Branslav put his hand on his shoulder to stop him. " Where's the girl? "
" She's taking a break, " Mr. Richards pointed to the kitchen. " She deserves it too since your friend says she was the only one working. She'll be back in a bit. Those other girls won't be causing any more trouble tonight and we will do our best to keep it cleaned up. I apologize for an inconvenience you may have had tonight. "
" Right, " Branslav nodded. " Thank you. "
Robert pulled at Branslav's jacket, " Come on. Let's get the hell out of here. I need some air. "
" Yes. Air would be good, " Branslav nodded absently. He looked at the kitchen door one last time before wading through the room to the exit.
Robert looked back at Branslav, " We need to go to my room and grab our coats. It's cold out there. "
" Sure, " Branslav nodded but his mind was still on the woman.
**
Betty looked at her watch again. Her break would be over in a minute so she decided to go ahead and stand up. She kept seeing the man's face in her mind, kicking herself for not thanking him for his help. ~I hope he doesn't think I'm a bitch, ~She thought as she grabbed two of the carts. Mr. Richards had come back three times during her break but she knew there was still a mountain of dishes waiting for her.
Her heart skipped a beat as she remembered the gentle way he touched her shoulders. She shook her head and snapped out of her trance when Mr. Richards came into the room with his two carts completely loaded down. " I think I'll need your help Betty, " He said.
" Yes sir, " She nodded and took off for the banquet hall once again after she grabbed her two carts.
**
Branslav looked at his watch again. They had been on the roof of the hotel for less than half an hour, enjoying the open air and being away from the crowd. Branslav couldn't keep his mind off the woman, imagining what she'd look like with her hair down and in something more feminine than the hotel uniform. He looked at his watch again, wondering when her shift ended.
Robert looked at him, " What's up? Do you have to be somewhere? "
" I want to go back downstairs, " Branslav looked toward the door that led from the roof back to the stairs.
" Man, you couldn't wait to get out of there now you want to go back? " Daniel sounded confused. " Make up your damn mind. "
" Are you getting cold? " Robert asked. He knew that hadn't been it but he didn't want to make Branslav uncomfortable. He had noticed the woman was pretty as well and was doing his best not to think about her. Even he had to admit she was attractive.
" No, " Branslav shook his head.
" Oh man. I know what it is. You want to go talk to that girl again, huh? " Daniel said. He smirked, " I saw how you were looking at her. "
Robert shook his head, " And finally the little guy catches on. "
" I'm not little! We're the same height; " Daniel threw a pebble at Robert. Robert deflected it, sending it back to Daniel. " Man, why have you always got to be picking on me? "
" Because it's so easy, " Robert replied. He looked at Branslav but he was staring at the door intently again. " Branslav? You still with us? "
Branslav glanced at Daniel then Robert, " Yes. You can stay here if you two want to though. "
Robert looked at Branslav then at Daniel and shrugged. " Do you want us to go back with you? " He asked after Daniel shrugged back.
" Could you? " Branslav asked. " I don't know how to approach her now. The glass was a lucky accident. "
Robert smirked, " Sure buddy. We'll back you up. "
" Thanks, " Branslav nodded and headed for the door. He opened it and let the other two men in before going in himself. They walked to the elevator and pushed the 'down' button. They waited as the elevator came to the floor, the doors sliding open.
They got on and hit the button for the floor the banquet hall was on. Robert patted Branslav on the back, " Don't be nervous buddy. You've talked to girls before. "
" I know, " Branslav said as the elevator arrived at the floor the banquet was on. " I just still get nervous. "
Robert shook his head, " Whatever man. I'm sure it will go fine. "
" If you say so, " Branslav sighed as they headed back to the hall.
**
" There you are, " A man said sharply as Betty cleared another table. Her manager had been called away again but things were slowing down to a pace she could handle so she told him it was okay to go. " I can't believe how far downhill this hotel has slid. "
Betty turned to face him and found he was just a tad shorter than her. He had dark blonde hair, green eyes and was kind of handsome though he was a little fat. She pushed her glasses up, " Excuse me sir? "
" Oh don't even act like you don't know what I'm talking about. I bring my team here every year for our annual dinner and never have I seen such disrespect. I'm surprised I was even able to find a busser. I figured all of you little sluts had crawled off somewhere while the rest of us drowned in this filth, " The man continued to come closer to Betty.
.
" But sir, " Betty started as she stepped back. She had been concentrating again so she felt a little bewildered by the attack. She didn't know why he had singled her out when she had done nothing but work the entire time.
" Don't 'but sir' me. I've been watching all of you girls all night and I must say I'm disgusted with the lot of you. I'm going to the hotel manager tonight and get every last one of you fired, " He kept coming and Betty kept backing up. An English accent was coming out more and more as he got angrier, " I'll make sure every hotel in town knows about this so you'll never be hired anywhere else. This is a travesty. "
" But sir, " Betty stammered as she glanced around. People were starting to notice the confrontation and gathering around to watch. " I wasn't one of the girls bothering the players. My manager... "
" Then why did I see you talking with those three players? " The man countered sharply. " I saw you. Like I said, I've been watching all you little girls all evening. "
" But I've been working the whole night! " Betty returned the man's tone. She didn't like being called 'little girl' for she was at least eleven years older than the other girls that had been causing the problems.
" I said not to talk back to me! " The man shouted.
Betty had had enough; the strongest emotion she seemed to have left was rising and she wanted to hit the man but she knew better because there were too many witnesses. She knew he was the owner of the local team but only because he had gotten his fortune through something she knew more about, publishing. She had considered him a hero of hers but she was starting to reconsider as he berated her. She didn't have near enough of her own money to pay damages if she hit such a powerful man but it was starting to look like her only option.
She had tried to explain she had been too busy cleaning up to talk to anyone except for the player that had helped her with the broken glass but he wouldn't let her. Each time she opened her mouth, he just got angrier. She desperately wanted to tell him her side of the story but he didn't seem to care. He just wanted to yell at her as if she were involved.
" I'm going to make sure every single one of you little whores get fired. They assured ALL of us that there'd be no starstruck basketball groupies hanging around, " The man continued shouting. A crowd had gather closer to watch as he berated Betty. Some of the people gathered around glared at Betty while others were trying to get the man's attention probably to tell him he was mistaken.
Betty stared hard at him, clenching and unclenching her fists as she weighed out her options. She knew that it was probably only about five years for assault and, since she had no record, she could probably get probation instead. ~Probation won't be so bad. I'll just have to stay out of trouble and that won't be hard at all. ~
" Tell me your name! " He shouted.
**
Robert, Branslav and Daniel stopped in the hall, the sound of a man shouting coming from the banquet hall had froze them in their tracks. Robert looked at Daniel then at Branslav, " That sounds like Martin. "
Daniel nodded, " Yeah. I'd know his shouting anywhere. "
" Yeah, me too. That's one thing I don't miss, " Robert started towards the hall. " We better go see what's happening before he starts a fight. "
Daniel and Branslav followed Robert as he pushed both entry doors wide open. It only took a moment to see where all the excitement was. Martin had backed Betty up against the wall and was screaming at her. Though, instead of cowering in fear like most victims of Martin's tirades, she stood defiant in the face of his attack.
" Tell me your name! " Martin shouted Betty.
" You won't let me speak so how can I? " Betty's voice was loud, firm and even.
" Oh snap! " Daniel looked at Branslav. " She’s got balls to face off against Martin like that. She's just going to piss him off more because she's not standing down. "
" We better do something, " Robert noticed the woman was clenching her jaw and her fist. " She looks like she's fixing to hit him. Not that he doesn't deserve it but she doesn't deserve jail. "
" Shit man, " Daniel looked at Robert. " Jail doesn't deserve her. She'd take the place over. "
" Point taken, " Robert nodded. " I thought I'd never say this but let's go rescue Martin from her. "
Branslav proceeded silently, his cold expression making the crowd part before him like The Red Sea. His stony eyes were fixed on the team's owner, Martin Richardson. He was screaming at Betty like she had been involved in the activities of the other girls when it had been the opposite. His sense of fairness flared up and wanted to set the man straight.
" I want to know your name! Tell it to me or I'll go find it out from someone else! " Martin screamed.
" Look damn it, " Betty started, her fist coming up slowly as if she had decided to slug him. Her tone stayed calm and even, " If you would just shut the hell up for one moment, I'll finish telling you what happened and what my name is. "
" Stop talking back! " Martin shouted at he advanced on her and forced her to back against the wall. " You've tried to talk back to me more than three times now. I fire people that talk back to me more than once and I'm going to make sure you never work in this state again if I hear another peep from you! "
" Is there a problem? " Branslav had gotten behind Martin without him noticing, his voice making him jump. It was then he noted that Betty was doing her best to stem tears of rage. He noticed her cheeks had rivulets of moisture running down them from her beautiful dark eyes.
Martin turned to face Branslav, " Yes there's a problem. Why didn't you come to me and tell me those girls were bothering you and the others? I would have fixed this shit sooner. "
" She wasn't the problem, " Branslav motioned towards Betty. " She was working while those other girls were flirting. Are you blind? "
" I am not blind! " Martin shouted at Branslav. " I can't find any of those other girls except for her! "
" That's because the others were fired, " Robert shouted at Martin. He narrowed his eyes, " You should have let her talk. "
" I didn't want to hear her lies, " Martin said.
Branslav frowned when he heard Betty sob heavily. He looked at her and found she was crying. " Now look what you've done. You've upset her, " Branslav glared at Martin.
Daniel and Robert turned to her because she had started really crying. Daniel put his arm around her while Robert grabbed her hands and tried to get her to calm down. " Don't cry girl. It's not your fault, " He told her gently.
" Yes it is! " Martin snapped. " Why are you being sympathetic to her? "
" She was trying to fix the problem, " Robert hissed over his shoulder at Martin. " She was working her ass off! "
" What are you talking about? " Martin looked confused. " I saw her talking to you guys earlier. I even saw her drop that glass because she was so excited to see you. I saw her talking to Robert and Daniel too. "
" She dropped the glass because I startled her. She was running around here trying to get this place cleaned up and wasn't paying attention, " Branslav motioned over to Robert and Daniel. " They came over with her manager to tell him she had been the only one working. "
" Branslav, " Daniel looked at his friend " You have a handkerchief? I don't and this girl's crying a river. "
Branslav reached into his jacket and pushed Martin out of the way. " I'll take care of you later, " He said and Daniel stepped aside.
" Take care of me? What do you mean by that? " Martin started towards Branslav. " Do you really think she's worth it? "
Robert glared at Martin again, " Why don't you just back off? We'll clean this mess up just like always. You've got the situation all wrong and now you've upset the only good worker in here. "
" Man, making a girl cry is just wrong. This girl wasn't doing anything except working as hard as she could, " Daniel shook his head.
Martin growled, " Fine then. "
Robert, Daniel and Branslav watched as Martin waded out through the crowd. Robert sighed and looked at Daniel. " Daniel, " Robert looked at the younger man. " Get this lady a chair. "
" Gladly, " Daniel grabbed a chair closest to him.
" Why don't you sit down? " Robert offered after taking the chair from Daniel.
" I can't sit down on the clock, " Betty shook her head. " Not in front of everyone... "
" Sit! " Robert said sharply. " If anyone say anything, I'll deal with them. "
" Yes sir, " Betty replied.
Daniel placed it behind Betty and knelt at her right side after she sat down. " Can I get you anything else ma'am? "
" No, " She shook her head. " I think I'll be okay if I just get a few minutes to collect myself. "
Branslav began to dab the tears from her cheeks. " Pardon me but I don't want to I smear your make up, " He said gently.
Betty let out a strained chuckle, " I don't have any on. "
Branslav smiled softly, " Then the beautiful color on your cheeks is all you? "
The color of Betty's cheeks deepened, " I guess so. "
" I didn't mean to get you into trouble, " Branslav apologized.
" You didn't, " Betty sniffled. " It was those other girls. "
" But still, " Branslav realized he hadn't gotten the girl's name from her personally. He had heard it but wanted her to say it to him directly. " I'm sorry but I don't think I asked you for your name. "
" Betty, " She said quietly. She thought he had heard her name before then realized he was being polite by asking her for it from her.
" Well then Betty, " Branslav said as he hooked a finger under her chin to make her face him. " Can I do something to make all this up to you? "
" Can you make sure I don't get fired? " Betty looked imploringly at Branslav.
Branslav glanced at Robert and then at Daniel, " We will all tell your big boss you were working. "
" Yeah honey, " Daniel put his fist to his chest. " We'll tell them you were working your ass off while those bitches were trying to get some... "
Robert elbowed Daniel in the ribs, " What Daniel is trying to say is we're going to tell your boss you were not involved. "
Daniel rubbed the place where Robert's elbow had hit, " Yeah. That's what I was getting at. "
" We'll do our best, " Branslav squeezed Betty's hands. " We'll go right now and tell the biggest boss we can find. We'll write the best compliment this hotel has ever seen. "
" I'll go too, " Robert said.
Branslav nodded, " Okay. Daniel? "
" Yeah? " Daniel looked at his friend.
" Let's go write that stuff up, " Branslav glanced towards the door.
" Sure man, " Daniel gave Betty a gentle smile. " We're going to make sure they know what a good worker you are. "
" Thanks, " Betty gave them a little smile.
" You go find somewhere to hide and get yourself together, " Robert smiled at Betty. He patted her shoulder, " You're way to pretty to let everyone see you crying like that. "
" I will, " Betty nodded as she blushed. " I think I'll go to the kitchen for now. "
Branslav offered her his hands, " Would you like me to escort you to the kitchen? "
Betty hesitated then took Branslav's hands in hers, " Yes. Thank you. "
© Bekka Mouri-Hibiki 2007
(This is another stab at this original story, except maybe it'll be better this time. Again, no animes were harmed in the making of this fic. Everyone belongs to me. Don't touch, steal or use them at all. Not even if you beg for my permission, you can't have them. If you think anyone resembles anyone in RL, you're just seeing things. No one is this story is to depict anyone, living or dead, in any way, shape or form and resemblance are purely coincidental. Thanks.)
Betty! Katrina called in and we need someone to work the Prep League Basketball Player banquet tonight! When you finish setting up the tables, go get a uniform and follow the other girls' lead.
The words repeated themselves over and over in her head. That was how come she was standing with her back to the wall watching prep league players, owners and other assorted basketball types mill around the nearly packed room. Some faces she recognized from the home team but it was because they were locals. She had never bothered to watch a game except for a few minutes on break with her co-workers and then she didn't really pay enough attention to count for anything.
She did note there were quite a few good looking guys milling around but she was much too shy to approach anyone. She felt she was a total wallflower and not that attractive. She knew she had no chance in Hell of attracting anyone's attention. All of the men in the room were way out of her league and looked younger than her to boot.
She had just turned twenty-nine and still had the same job she had always had since high school. While her friends went off to college, the military or to have a bunch of kids, she was still the same old Betty. She still got carded at bars and accused of being in high school though she had graduated at sixteen. It was like time had frozen for her but went in fast forward all around her.
She had watched many friends move on with their own lives and knew they pitied her though she was happy. She liked her job and she liked to work. Her job wasn't easy and gave little reward except for good health insurance but she was satisfied.
It gave he the time she wanted to pursue her real passion, Writing. She had written from the time she could put pen to paper. Her teachers had praised her for her creativity but her circumstances had prevented her from going anywhere. She had taken the bold step of putting her family first on her list and had recently buried her mother, leaving her the only surviving member of her family.
The grief caused by her mother's passing had brought on titanic wave of writing. She had buried herself in three stories she had worked on in tandem. In fact, her mind could only focus on them, her mind processing new ideas as she set up and tore down for every event since she lost her mother six months prior. Her friends were worried about her, saying she had become too wrapped up in herself and was becoming distant.
Truthfully, she felt like she was dead to the world, simply observing everything though her glasses as if they were windows looking out the prison of pain. Work helped her ignore that pain though she was starting to feel like she had bitten off more than she could chew when she agreed to help out as a hostess. It was bad enough the other hostesses laughed at her when she appeared wearing the waiter's uniform, the only thing big enough to accommodate her six foot five height and eighteen inch arms.
She was classified as a big girl because she was tall but she wasn't fat. She had curves in all the right places though that didn't seem to matter. Most guys were intimidated by her size and finding a boyfriend was impossible. She decided men were overrated but was still holding out for a fairy tale hero anyway.
She checked her watch again; finding only forty-five minutes had passed. The function had started at 7:00 pm. but wouldn't end until midnight. ~Oh God... I'm going to die before this is over, ~She whined in her mind. She would have liked to been moving around but instead she had to stand at the wall until a table in her section cleared out and then she had to clean it as quickly as possible before someone else sat down at it.
She scanned the room for the other hostesses but they weren't standing in their positions. They were pretty much invisible except for the glimpses she'd catch of them moving around with the crowd. She couldn't believe they were brazen enough to be openly flirting with some of the more well-known basketball players after being told not to speak to anyone. ~They're going to get their asses so fired, ~ Betty bit her lip.
Although she had worked at the hotel the longest she was in no position to say anything to the girls. They were the wait staff while she was just one of the set-up crew so they felt she wasn't as important as they were. As she contemplated saying something to their boss, she saw a table clear. ~Duty calls, ~ She thought as she grabbed her dish cart and headed for the vacant table.
**
Twenty four year old Branslav Korbel wandered through the bustling crowd of basketball players and officials although he just wanted to run from the banquet hall. His tie felt too tight and it was hot with so many people crammed into one room. He ran his hand through his shaggy pitch-black hair in frustration. He saw everyone he knew but not who he was looking for.
The banquet was an event in the mid-season 'Best Of The Best' Tournament, an annual event the prep league held for the best players so they could face off as a whole. For the third year, Branslav had made it onto the the Western U.S. Squad as a starter. He was accompanied by his best friend for the third time though they no longer played on the same team. Another friend had made it as well but it was his first year.
The event happened every year in mid-January to give a majority of the players time to rest and get caught up with their families. For the handful of the best players, it was time to be their best and show off their skills. Branslav usually enjoyed it but he was uncomfortable. Something in the air made him feel uneasy, leaving him agitated and feeling twitchy.
He wondered if he could talk his two closest friends into leaving and going somewhere else but he had to find them first. He glanced around not only to locate them but also to watch out for the rabid fan-bussers that had hounded him and every other player for most of the night. He assumed they were the wait staff because they were wearing hotel uniforms but it didn't seem they were working. He had been to many functions since had come to America to play for the Supernovas but none of them had been quite like this one.
The previous venues had made sure to bring in workers who were indifferent about sports and did their jobs. He began to wonder if the real bussers were tied up in a broom closet somewhere. He almost started to consider bailing on his own and writing the night off but he knew he'd get a stern talking to by his team's owner... if he was lucky. If he was unlucky... well, he didn't want to fathom it.
He recalled the speech the owner had subjected him to about being an example. Since the 'Best Of The Best' was being held in Reno, the hometown of the team, the owner expected him be on his best behavior. Though Branslav wasn't really prone to misbehaving, the owner had impressed upon him he'd be in deep trouble he even sneezed on the wrong person's direction. Branslav doing his best to stay in the crowded banquet hall without screaming, waiting for the right moment to vanish and hopefully take his friends with him.
He continued to move through the crowd, keeping an eye out for his friends when he bumped into to someone. " Oh. Sorry, " He said as he looked down at the young blonde woman. It was one of the bussers. He was doing quite well avoiding them by moving around but it was hard to hide completely.
" Oh my God! You're so tall! " She gushed in an embarrassing fashion. " I watch you play all the time and I've always wanted to meet you! "
Branslav frowned at the pesky gnat of a girl, wondering if he really had accidentally ran into her or if she had been waiting on him. She barely came up to his elbow she was so short compared to himself. She had on too much make-up, making her look like a painted doll. Her uniform looked like it was two sizes too small, her shirt unbuttoned to expose her cleavage.
He could see she was rather excited about meeting him. He could handle calm fans but the obtrusiveness of the bussers annoyed him. Everywhere he looked he could see numerous stacks of filthy dishes on the tables as well as empty glasses, proof the girls weren't even working. He hadn't seen a single one touch a dirty plate the entire time he had been wandering around.
" Excuse me? Can you hear me? " The girl yanked at his sleeve.
He glared to her after that. He narrowed his eyes at her, the yank being the final straw. He shook her hand from his sleeve, " Shouldn't you be working? This place is filthy. "
The girl's expression turned from admiration to confusion, " What did you say? "
" I said get to work! " Branslav stepped back from the girl. " Get to work and leave me alone! "
" Asshole! " The girl punched him in the arm weakly and skittered away.
**
Betty let out a low whine as the gravity of the situation sank down on her. Once she had gotten to her table, she glanced about to find she was indeed the only one working. The tables were crowded with used dishes to the point most of the guests were standing up while they ate. ~All right. This can't be that bad, ~ Betty told herself as she took a deep breath.
She straightened her glasses and started grabbing dishes as fast as she could. Before she knew it, her cart was full though a seemingly endless ocean of dishes lay before her. She felt her panic rise but she stuffed it back down. ~We can do this... we can do this, ~ She chanted in her mind as she zipped toward the kitchen.
Her panic quickly turned to anger when she found the empty carts belonging to the other girls were still parked next to the dishwasher. She growled and grabbed another cart, determined to do the work of six people even if it killed her. ~And if it doesn't kill me, they're going to find five dead bussers in the back dumpster tomorrow morning... ~ She thought as she returned the fray.
**
Branslav shut his eyes and took a deep breath, the urge to scream nearly overwhelming him again. When he opened his eyes, he finally located his friends. They were standing off in a corner away from the rest of the crowd, eyeballing a nearby door like they wanted to run as well. He made his way towards them, the younger of the two noticing his approach.
" Can you believe this shit Branslav? " Daniel said as soon as he saw Branslav pushing his way through the crowd. The six foot five mulatto center was standing next to the other person Branslav had been desperately seeking. Daniel started to say something else but noticed Branslav's agitation and he became concerned. He glanced over at the other man, " Dude... big man's pissed. "
" Branslav, " Six foot five dark blonde point guard Robert Hughes turned his light blue eyes to the seven foot three forward and furrowed his brow. The only other time he had seen his former teammate angry was when a hard foul against him went unpunished. " You okay man? "
" We need to get out of here, " Branslav growled. " This is the worst banquet I've been to since I came to America. "
Robert nodded, " Yeah I know. I was just trying to recruit your buddy to help me find you so we could complain. "
" This shit sucks balls, " Daniel said. " Man, I've only been a player for two years and this isn’t how it’s supposed to be. These bitches around here are paid to clean up and they haven’t been doing anything all night except trying to get some digits and maybe some dick. "
Robert smacked Daniel on the back of the head, " Watch you damn mouth. You don't need to talk like that. "
" Stop treating me like a kid! " Daniel growled as he rubbed where he had been hit.
" Then stop cussing like a little fourteen year old gangsta from the slums, " Robert shot back. " Act your age and I'll stop smacking you around. "
" You're only four years older than me! " Daniel said. " You can't smack me around. "
" I can too. Someone needs to, " Robert replied.
" But this is bullshit, man! " Daniel whined.
" I know it is, " Robert began to scan the room. " But we have to remain calm. We have to sound earnest when we complain and cussing like a little shit isn't going to help. Ah, I knew it couldn't be that bad... "
Branslav followed Robert's gaze but was a little confused. " What are you looking at? " He asked.
Robert pointed to a girl with a cart she was packing with dirty dishes. Her black hair was pulled back in a tight bun and her glasses had slipped down to the end of her nose. She was working so hard, sweat was dripping from her chin and a few small locks of hair had slipped loose to stick to the sides of her face. " That right there. "
Branslav looked at the tall voluptuous woman as she moved with amazing deft and speed, clearing the table and moving to the next. A moment later, that table was cleared and she was pushing the loaded cart toward the opposite side of the room. She moved with grace and swiftness in spite of the weight of the cart, avoiding collision after collision in the crowded room. She looked a little out of place not only by being taller and bigger than the other girls but also because she was actually working.
" Wow, " Branslav breathed. " You mean her? "
" Yeah. She's busting her ass out there, " Robert said. He was slightly in awe of the woman. He thought she looked pretty good for being a tall woman but quickly pushed the thought away. He was married and tried not to look at other women except for when he had to deal with them on a business level.
" Why is she the only one of these bitches working? " Daniel glanced at Branslav then at Robert. " Damn. She IS the only bitch working isn’t she? "
Robert glared at Daniel, " Well yes. She IS the only WOMAN working. That's exactly my point. She's not some starstruck teenager. She could either be the one in charge or knows who is. "
" So you want to go catch her and ask her? " Daniel asked.
" Good boy, " Robert reached over to the closest buffet table and grabbed a cookie. He shoved it in Daniel's mouth; " You get a cookie for being right. "
Daniel took the cookie out of his mouth, " Oh. Thanks man. Can I finish this before we go after her? "
Robert rolled his eyes, not sure if Daniel was being serious or just being a jackass. " Yes. "
Branslav took a step forward, " I'll go. Don't move from this spot. I'll bring the boss back with me. "
" Branslav? " Robert started to reach for his friend but his long gait put him out of his reach in a matter of seconds. " Jeez, I meant for all of us to go. "
**
Betty wasn't really sure about how much time had passed but she had made a good-sized dent in sea of filth she had been faced with. One of the kitchen staff had been working hard to empty each cart as she brought them in and they had fell into a rhythm that had enabled her to work quickly. She decided she would have to buy the man a 'thank you' present if she survived the night. She was focused on getting the tables clean but she had managed not to run into anyone until she stepped back from a table to find her back against a wall of muscle.
The shock of someone being behind her startled her and she dropped the glass she was holding. It hit the white marble floor, the heavy glass shattering into several large pieces. " Oh I am so sorry, " Betty said as she glanced at the man before going to her knees. " Please step back while I clean this up. "
Instead if stepping back, the man joined her on the floor. " Sir, " Betty looked at him as she reached for a dirty napkin from the cart. " I can take care of this... " Her voice trailed off as her dark blue eyes locked with his hazel ones. He looked like what she had always imagined a mythical god would. She felt her cheeks become hot and glanced away when she realized she had been staring at him, " Sir... "
" Let me help, " He said gently. " You've been working hard enough. "
" But you might cut yourself, " Betty said as she reached for the biggest piece of glass. He stopped her, encasing her hand in his. The contact made her heartbeat faster but she tried to retain her composure. Her senses were scrambled by the unfamiliar warmth.
His touch made her feel warm for the first time in a long time. She had been so cold and numb since her mother died but the contact sent a jolt of electricity through her. She wasn't used to being touched by anyone except for family. He held her hand for a long time before he spoke again.
" I don't care, " He said as he finally let it go. " Your hands are too pretty for this kind of thing. Women's hands were never meant to work this hard. "
Betty watched as he grabbed a napkin and picked up the pieces, placing them in the napkin Betty had gotten. When the last piece had been placed in the napkin, the man tied the cloth up. He picked it up by the knot and held it out to Betty. " Here. This should keep it together until you go back to the kitchen. "
" Kitchen? " Betty said as she took the other napkin then remembered. She stood up quickly " Oh damn. The dishes... "
The man stood up with Betty, " That's what I came to you about. "
" Oh. Are they all gone? Do I need to go get some more? " Betty glanced around at the buffet tables. It seemed all them still had enough clean dishes on them.
She turned to look at the man and then had to look up. Although she was tall, he still stood taller than she did. He had to be over seven feet tall by her estimations. He was big but he had the gentlest look on his face as he placed his hands on her shoulders, his touch electrifying her again.
" No. I came about the dirty dishes and the state of this event on the whole, " The man looked around. " I would like to make a complaint to the person in charge. Is that you? "
Betty nodded, " I see. I'm not but if you'll give me a chance to go find him. He should be around. "
" I'll take it from here Betty, " A man's voice behind her startled her and the man-god took his hands off her shoulders.
Betty turned to find the hotel's head of the catering department standing next to along with what appeared to be two more of the basketball players. " There you are, Mr. Richards. "
Mr. Richards was an older man with graying brown hair. He looked like he came from a barbershop quartet or stepped right out of an early 1900's silent movie. He was dapper, smooth and soft spoken unless he was crossed. He was shorter than Betty by a good five inches but probably weighed the same.
She could tell he had been crossed because his normally blue eyes had taken on a darker tone, a good indication he was pissed off. She had worked with him long enough to know his expectations for his workers. " So you're the one in charge? " Branslav looked at the man.
" Yes. I had to take care of some problems but I'm here now, " Mr. Richards glanced at the two men that had walked up with him. " Mister Hill and Mister Hughes told me what was happening as soon as I passed by them over there in the corner. I'll help you out here as much as I can. "
" Help me? " Betty was overwhelmed. She had been in her own universe of extreme concentration for so long she was having trouble comprehending.
Mr. Richards looked Betty in the eye, " It's just you and me. I sent the others home... for good. "
Betty's eyes became wide, " If you think it was wise sir. "
" Sure, " Mr. Richards winked. " I think we can hack it. Now, let us each grab two carts each and sees if we can stem this carnage a bit. "
Betty nodded, " Yes sir. "
Mr. Richards took the napkin from Betty, " I'll take care of the broken glass. Now let's get a move on. "
" Yes sir, " Betty nodded then followed him towards the kitchen, glancing backwards to steal one last look at the black-haired man before she had to dive into work again.
**
Branslav watched as Betty walked away with her boss until they disappeared behind the kitchen door, noting she had glanced back at him. He stared a little longer until a slap on the back knocked him right out of his trance. " Man. Did you see that? " Daniel started then glanced at Robert. " Did you see that woman's shoulders? She must wrestle at one of the casinos when she's not working here. "
Robert chuckled, " Yeah. She looks like someone that could hold her own in a street fight if you ask me. Her arms have to be at least eighteen inches around if not more. "
" Did you see how tall she was too? " Daniel asked. " She's got to be at least six three. "
" No, " Robert shook his head. He had noticed quite a bit about the woman, more than he allowed himself to normally. In fact, he had caught himself staring at her, her beauty more apparent up close than it had been from afar. " She's as tall as us both so that would make her at least six five. "
" And did you see her boobs? They were huge! " Daniel said but Robert smacked him again. " Man! "
Robert shook his head. He had noticed but was trying not to think about her ample chest. Though it looked like she was wearing a man's uniform, it couldn't hide her womanly attributes. He sighed, " You're hopeless. "
" Man, " Daniel said. " You're married, not buried. Tell me you didn't notice them and I'll call bullshit. "
" I'm not saying I didn't notice, " Robert said. " I'm just saying you're a hopeless pervert. "
" I am not a pervert! " Daniel retorted. " A blind man could see them. "
Robert put his hand up, " Just stop. Just stop. "
Branslav glanced at them then back at the kitchen door to see only the woman's boss emerge. When Mr. Richards came closer, Branslav put his hand on his shoulder to stop him. " Where's the girl? "
" She's taking a break, " Mr. Richards pointed to the kitchen. " She deserves it too since your friend says she was the only one working. She'll be back in a bit. Those other girls won't be causing any more trouble tonight and we will do our best to keep it cleaned up. I apologize for an inconvenience you may have had tonight. "
" Right, " Branslav nodded. " Thank you. "
Robert pulled at Branslav's jacket, " Come on. Let's get the hell out of here. I need some air. "
" Yes. Air would be good, " Branslav nodded absently. He looked at the kitchen door one last time before wading through the room to the exit.
Robert looked back at Branslav, " We need to go to my room and grab our coats. It's cold out there. "
" Sure, " Branslav nodded but his mind was still on the woman.
**
Betty looked at her watch again. Her break would be over in a minute so she decided to go ahead and stand up. She kept seeing the man's face in her mind, kicking herself for not thanking him for his help. ~I hope he doesn't think I'm a bitch, ~She thought as she grabbed two of the carts. Mr. Richards had come back three times during her break but she knew there was still a mountain of dishes waiting for her.
Her heart skipped a beat as she remembered the gentle way he touched her shoulders. She shook her head and snapped out of her trance when Mr. Richards came into the room with his two carts completely loaded down. " I think I'll need your help Betty, " He said.
" Yes sir, " She nodded and took off for the banquet hall once again after she grabbed her two carts.
**
Branslav looked at his watch again. They had been on the roof of the hotel for less than half an hour, enjoying the open air and being away from the crowd. Branslav couldn't keep his mind off the woman, imagining what she'd look like with her hair down and in something more feminine than the hotel uniform. He looked at his watch again, wondering when her shift ended.
Robert looked at him, " What's up? Do you have to be somewhere? "
" I want to go back downstairs, " Branslav looked toward the door that led from the roof back to the stairs.
" Man, you couldn't wait to get out of there now you want to go back? " Daniel sounded confused. " Make up your damn mind. "
" Are you getting cold? " Robert asked. He knew that hadn't been it but he didn't want to make Branslav uncomfortable. He had noticed the woman was pretty as well and was doing his best not to think about her. Even he had to admit she was attractive.
" No, " Branslav shook his head.
" Oh man. I know what it is. You want to go talk to that girl again, huh? " Daniel said. He smirked, " I saw how you were looking at her. "
Robert shook his head, " And finally the little guy catches on. "
" I'm not little! We're the same height; " Daniel threw a pebble at Robert. Robert deflected it, sending it back to Daniel. " Man, why have you always got to be picking on me? "
" Because it's so easy, " Robert replied. He looked at Branslav but he was staring at the door intently again. " Branslav? You still with us? "
Branslav glanced at Daniel then Robert, " Yes. You can stay here if you two want to though. "
Robert looked at Branslav then at Daniel and shrugged. " Do you want us to go back with you? " He asked after Daniel shrugged back.
" Could you? " Branslav asked. " I don't know how to approach her now. The glass was a lucky accident. "
Robert smirked, " Sure buddy. We'll back you up. "
" Thanks, " Branslav nodded and headed for the door. He opened it and let the other two men in before going in himself. They walked to the elevator and pushed the 'down' button. They waited as the elevator came to the floor, the doors sliding open.
They got on and hit the button for the floor the banquet hall was on. Robert patted Branslav on the back, " Don't be nervous buddy. You've talked to girls before. "
" I know, " Branslav said as the elevator arrived at the floor the banquet was on. " I just still get nervous. "
Robert shook his head, " Whatever man. I'm sure it will go fine. "
" If you say so, " Branslav sighed as they headed back to the hall.
**
" There you are, " A man said sharply as Betty cleared another table. Her manager had been called away again but things were slowing down to a pace she could handle so she told him it was okay to go. " I can't believe how far downhill this hotel has slid. "
Betty turned to face him and found he was just a tad shorter than her. He had dark blonde hair, green eyes and was kind of handsome though he was a little fat. She pushed her glasses up, " Excuse me sir? "
" Oh don't even act like you don't know what I'm talking about. I bring my team here every year for our annual dinner and never have I seen such disrespect. I'm surprised I was even able to find a busser. I figured all of you little sluts had crawled off somewhere while the rest of us drowned in this filth, " The man continued to come closer to Betty.
.
" But sir, " Betty started as she stepped back. She had been concentrating again so she felt a little bewildered by the attack. She didn't know why he had singled her out when she had done nothing but work the entire time.
" Don't 'but sir' me. I've been watching all of you girls all night and I must say I'm disgusted with the lot of you. I'm going to the hotel manager tonight and get every last one of you fired, " He kept coming and Betty kept backing up. An English accent was coming out more and more as he got angrier, " I'll make sure every hotel in town knows about this so you'll never be hired anywhere else. This is a travesty. "
" But sir, " Betty stammered as she glanced around. People were starting to notice the confrontation and gathering around to watch. " I wasn't one of the girls bothering the players. My manager... "
" Then why did I see you talking with those three players? " The man countered sharply. " I saw you. Like I said, I've been watching all you little girls all evening. "
" But I've been working the whole night! " Betty returned the man's tone. She didn't like being called 'little girl' for she was at least eleven years older than the other girls that had been causing the problems.
" I said not to talk back to me! " The man shouted.
Betty had had enough; the strongest emotion she seemed to have left was rising and she wanted to hit the man but she knew better because there were too many witnesses. She knew he was the owner of the local team but only because he had gotten his fortune through something she knew more about, publishing. She had considered him a hero of hers but she was starting to reconsider as he berated her. She didn't have near enough of her own money to pay damages if she hit such a powerful man but it was starting to look like her only option.
She had tried to explain she had been too busy cleaning up to talk to anyone except for the player that had helped her with the broken glass but he wouldn't let her. Each time she opened her mouth, he just got angrier. She desperately wanted to tell him her side of the story but he didn't seem to care. He just wanted to yell at her as if she were involved.
" I'm going to make sure every single one of you little whores get fired. They assured ALL of us that there'd be no starstruck basketball groupies hanging around, " The man continued shouting. A crowd had gather closer to watch as he berated Betty. Some of the people gathered around glared at Betty while others were trying to get the man's attention probably to tell him he was mistaken.
Betty stared hard at him, clenching and unclenching her fists as she weighed out her options. She knew that it was probably only about five years for assault and, since she had no record, she could probably get probation instead. ~Probation won't be so bad. I'll just have to stay out of trouble and that won't be hard at all. ~
" Tell me your name! " He shouted.
**
Robert, Branslav and Daniel stopped in the hall, the sound of a man shouting coming from the banquet hall had froze them in their tracks. Robert looked at Daniel then at Branslav, " That sounds like Martin. "
Daniel nodded, " Yeah. I'd know his shouting anywhere. "
" Yeah, me too. That's one thing I don't miss, " Robert started towards the hall. " We better go see what's happening before he starts a fight. "
Daniel and Branslav followed Robert as he pushed both entry doors wide open. It only took a moment to see where all the excitement was. Martin had backed Betty up against the wall and was screaming at her. Though, instead of cowering in fear like most victims of Martin's tirades, she stood defiant in the face of his attack.
" Tell me your name! " Martin shouted Betty.
" You won't let me speak so how can I? " Betty's voice was loud, firm and even.
" Oh snap! " Daniel looked at Branslav. " She’s got balls to face off against Martin like that. She's just going to piss him off more because she's not standing down. "
" We better do something, " Robert noticed the woman was clenching her jaw and her fist. " She looks like she's fixing to hit him. Not that he doesn't deserve it but she doesn't deserve jail. "
" Shit man, " Daniel looked at Robert. " Jail doesn't deserve her. She'd take the place over. "
" Point taken, " Robert nodded. " I thought I'd never say this but let's go rescue Martin from her. "
Branslav proceeded silently, his cold expression making the crowd part before him like The Red Sea. His stony eyes were fixed on the team's owner, Martin Richardson. He was screaming at Betty like she had been involved in the activities of the other girls when it had been the opposite. His sense of fairness flared up and wanted to set the man straight.
" I want to know your name! Tell it to me or I'll go find it out from someone else! " Martin screamed.
" Look damn it, " Betty started, her fist coming up slowly as if she had decided to slug him. Her tone stayed calm and even, " If you would just shut the hell up for one moment, I'll finish telling you what happened and what my name is. "
" Stop talking back! " Martin shouted at he advanced on her and forced her to back against the wall. " You've tried to talk back to me more than three times now. I fire people that talk back to me more than once and I'm going to make sure you never work in this state again if I hear another peep from you! "
" Is there a problem? " Branslav had gotten behind Martin without him noticing, his voice making him jump. It was then he noted that Betty was doing her best to stem tears of rage. He noticed her cheeks had rivulets of moisture running down them from her beautiful dark eyes.
Martin turned to face Branslav, " Yes there's a problem. Why didn't you come to me and tell me those girls were bothering you and the others? I would have fixed this shit sooner. "
" She wasn't the problem, " Branslav motioned towards Betty. " She was working while those other girls were flirting. Are you blind? "
" I am not blind! " Martin shouted at Branslav. " I can't find any of those other girls except for her! "
" That's because the others were fired, " Robert shouted at Martin. He narrowed his eyes, " You should have let her talk. "
" I didn't want to hear her lies, " Martin said.
Branslav frowned when he heard Betty sob heavily. He looked at her and found she was crying. " Now look what you've done. You've upset her, " Branslav glared at Martin.
Daniel and Robert turned to her because she had started really crying. Daniel put his arm around her while Robert grabbed her hands and tried to get her to calm down. " Don't cry girl. It's not your fault, " He told her gently.
" Yes it is! " Martin snapped. " Why are you being sympathetic to her? "
" She was trying to fix the problem, " Robert hissed over his shoulder at Martin. " She was working her ass off! "
" What are you talking about? " Martin looked confused. " I saw her talking to you guys earlier. I even saw her drop that glass because she was so excited to see you. I saw her talking to Robert and Daniel too. "
" She dropped the glass because I startled her. She was running around here trying to get this place cleaned up and wasn't paying attention, " Branslav motioned over to Robert and Daniel. " They came over with her manager to tell him she had been the only one working. "
" Branslav, " Daniel looked at his friend " You have a handkerchief? I don't and this girl's crying a river. "
Branslav reached into his jacket and pushed Martin out of the way. " I'll take care of you later, " He said and Daniel stepped aside.
" Take care of me? What do you mean by that? " Martin started towards Branslav. " Do you really think she's worth it? "
Robert glared at Martin again, " Why don't you just back off? We'll clean this mess up just like always. You've got the situation all wrong and now you've upset the only good worker in here. "
" Man, making a girl cry is just wrong. This girl wasn't doing anything except working as hard as she could, " Daniel shook his head.
Martin growled, " Fine then. "
Robert, Daniel and Branslav watched as Martin waded out through the crowd. Robert sighed and looked at Daniel. " Daniel, " Robert looked at the younger man. " Get this lady a chair. "
" Gladly, " Daniel grabbed a chair closest to him.
" Why don't you sit down? " Robert offered after taking the chair from Daniel.
" I can't sit down on the clock, " Betty shook her head. " Not in front of everyone... "
" Sit! " Robert said sharply. " If anyone say anything, I'll deal with them. "
" Yes sir, " Betty replied.
Daniel placed it behind Betty and knelt at her right side after she sat down. " Can I get you anything else ma'am? "
" No, " She shook her head. " I think I'll be okay if I just get a few minutes to collect myself. "
Branslav began to dab the tears from her cheeks. " Pardon me but I don't want to I smear your make up, " He said gently.
Betty let out a strained chuckle, " I don't have any on. "
Branslav smiled softly, " Then the beautiful color on your cheeks is all you? "
The color of Betty's cheeks deepened, " I guess so. "
" I didn't mean to get you into trouble, " Branslav apologized.
" You didn't, " Betty sniffled. " It was those other girls. "
" But still, " Branslav realized he hadn't gotten the girl's name from her personally. He had heard it but wanted her to say it to him directly. " I'm sorry but I don't think I asked you for your name. "
" Betty, " She said quietly. She thought he had heard her name before then realized he was being polite by asking her for it from her.
" Well then Betty, " Branslav said as he hooked a finger under her chin to make her face him. " Can I do something to make all this up to you? "
" Can you make sure I don't get fired? " Betty looked imploringly at Branslav.
Branslav glanced at Robert and then at Daniel, " We will all tell your big boss you were working. "
" Yeah honey, " Daniel put his fist to his chest. " We'll tell them you were working your ass off while those bitches were trying to get some... "
Robert elbowed Daniel in the ribs, " What Daniel is trying to say is we're going to tell your boss you were not involved. "
Daniel rubbed the place where Robert's elbow had hit, " Yeah. That's what I was getting at. "
" We'll do our best, " Branslav squeezed Betty's hands. " We'll go right now and tell the biggest boss we can find. We'll write the best compliment this hotel has ever seen. "
" I'll go too, " Robert said.
Branslav nodded, " Okay. Daniel? "
" Yeah? " Daniel looked at his friend.
" Let's go write that stuff up, " Branslav glanced towards the door.
" Sure man, " Daniel gave Betty a gentle smile. " We're going to make sure they know what a good worker you are. "
" Thanks, " Betty gave them a little smile.
" You go find somewhere to hide and get yourself together, " Robert smiled at Betty. He patted her shoulder, " You're way to pretty to let everyone see you crying like that. "
" I will, " Betty nodded as she blushed. " I think I'll go to the kitchen for now. "
Branslav offered her his hands, " Would you like me to escort you to the kitchen? "
Betty hesitated then took Branslav's hands in hers, " Yes. Thank you. "