Free Cooking Up Love by Cynthia Hickey

watched Miss O’Connor meet the new arrivals. The head waitress had informed her that morning that she would remain in Topeka, but would have a new roommate. Abigail was being sent to a restaurant in New Mexico.
    As much as Tabby would have liked to move on in her quest for adventure, she vowed to be content where she was. For now. Now that she had finished her training and was moving up, she loved her job and the skills she learned each day. Skills that would serve her well if she finally settled down with a family of her own someday.
    Never before had she had the chance to make people as happy as the Harvey customers were when they finished their meals. The smiles on their faces and the thank-yous from their lips gave Tabby great satisfaction in a job well done.
    “I’ve heard great things about you, Miss McClelland.” The restaurant manager, Mr. Hastings, sidled up next to her. The scent of his hair pomade threatened to choke Tabby. “I was very glad to hear you weren’t moving on. Each day is much more enjoyable when surrounded by beauty such as yours.”
    The man’s lecherous smile made her skin crawl. “Thank you, sir. I do my best to perform my duties proficiently.”
    He nodded. “I also heard that Miss O’Connor set your points down to ten. Maybe I could put a good word in with Mr. Harvey when he visits next month. That ought to take your number down still further.” He trailed a finger down her arm, burning through the cotton of her blouse.
    Tabby stiffened and took a step away. “And what would I have to give you in return, Mr. Hastings?” Hold your tongue, remain respectful. She had heard rumors of what some girls did to gain status, things she would never contemplate. Still, it would do her no good to rile the manager.
    “I’m sure we could come up with something beneficial to us both.” He patted her folded hands and moved to where Miss O’Connor waited.
    When donkeys wore lace-up boots! Tabby shuddered. The nerve of the man. Not only had the rumors of his advances toward the other waitresses reached her ears, but tales of many clandestine rendezvous with Miss O’Connor had also. Of course, Tabby wasn’t one to listen to rumors, but the manager’s forward actions with her led her to believe that at least some of the tales were true. Did the man have no shame?
    Obviously Mr. Harvey had no idea what type of man he had hired as manager. Well, things always had a way of coming to the surface. She would leave Mr. Hastings to God and Mr. Harvey.
    She refused to dwell on such unpleasantness. Instead, she focused on providing the exemplary service the Harvey restaurants were famous for. Whether some people chose to engage in certain activities need not concern her. Still, she would steer clear of Mr. Hastings.
    Two new girls, escorted by Miss O’Connor, moved through the restaurant. Had Tabby looked that confused and nervous on her first day? She smiled a greeting as they sailed past her and prepared for the breakfast rush.
    “I’m leaving on this train.” She hadn’t heard Abigail come up beside her. “I guess it’s for the best. I still have a job, and Miss O’Connor doesn’t have to look at me.”
    Tabby wrapped her arms around her friend. “I will miss you. Please tell me you’ve learned from this experience.”
    “I have, I promise. I’ve already said my goodbyes to Ingrid.” Abigail hefted her bag. “On to better things, right? We can keep in touch by letter.” Tears shimmered in her eyes. “I hope your new roommate realizes what a treasure you are.”
    Tabby choked back tears. “God go with you, my friend. I wish I had more chocolates to send with you.”
    “Me, too.” Abigail took a deep breath and marched out the door.
    Tabby’s breath shuddered at the loss of her good friend. Life awarded so few of them, especially for the daughter of a drunken womanizer. Growing up, most of her classmates’ parents had forbidden their children to play with her. Her family wasn’t