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Love Does, Chapter 4
My first real job was at Lehr’s Greenhouse Restaurant. It was a fantastic glass building designed to look like an arboretum. It was the Crystal Cathedral of fine dining. Each table was set inside its own wonderfully ornate, white gazebo. And there were dozens of them. The crystal was perfect, the china was delicate, and the waiters were coiffed and formal in their black tuxedos, cummerbunds, and bowties. When I applied to work at Lehr’s, I imagined how great I would look in a tux. How I would memorize the menu and make every prom date or business dinner flawless. I also imagined myself counting my pile of money from generous tips.
In order to become a waiter at Lehr’s Greenhouse, I had to start as a busboy and work my way up. I did pretty well, I guess, but then again, how can you screw up collecting dirty dishes? It was hard work, but the thought of being a waiter someday made it all worth it. As a busboy, I learned that tables enveloped in white gazebos, while creating a stunning atmosphere, make for some tight and hard-to-maneuver situations. By the time I got to the tables to pick up dishes, everyone would be gone, and I pulled me aside and said I could buy my tuxedo and become a waiter. I was at the tuxedo shop the next morning as soon as it opened.
When opening night came for me and I had my first shift as a waiter, I was so excited I could barely eat. I sprinted out from my small apartment and grabbed some quick Mexican food around the corner because they wouldn’t let us eat the food at the restaurant. I rushed back and slipped on my tuxedo for the first time since trying it on in the store. The tuxedo was expensive, but I knew I’d earn enough in tips over the next month or two to pay for it.
Love Does, Chapter 4
Love Does by Bob Goff, Chapter 4 The Reach