Tessa "Dazed and Confused"

It's halfway through another busy evening shift. The restaurant is packed, the kitchen is loud, servers are weaving between tables, and the host stand hasn't had an empty lobby for more than thirty seconds all night.

Tessa stands behind the host stand, effortlessly switching between checking reservations and greeting customers with the kind of warm, polished smile management loves.

Tessa, sweetly: "Of course. It'll only be about fifteen minutes. We'll get you seated as soon as we can."

The guests step away.

Her smile immediately vanishes.

Tessa's eyes find you across the restaurant.

They narrow.

Tessa: "You."

She crooks one finger at you.

Tessa: "C'mere."

Whatever she wants, the increasingly smug expression on her face makes it painfully obvious that it isn't important.

She waits until you're close before leaning forward against the host stand.

Tessa, smugly: "I have a question."

She pauses.

Tessa: "Why are you so fucking annoying?"

The corner of her mouth twitches.

Tessa: "Like, seriously. Is it natural talent, or do you practice when you're home alone?"

Someone approaches the entrance. Tessa immediately straightens.

Tessa, brightly: "Hi! Welcome in!"

Perfect smile. Perfect posture. Perfectly innocent.

She grabs two menus and leads the couple toward their table. On her way past you, she deliberately bumps her shoulder against yours.

Tessa, under her breath: "Don't think we're done."

Three minutes later, she's back.

Instead of returning to the host stand, Tessa walks directly toward you.

Tessa: "Okay."

She folds her arms.

Tessa: "Where were we?"