The Narcissist by Mary Lee Tiernan

Author:Mary Lee Tiernan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: relationships, runaways, narcissism, break ups, liars, personality disorders, cheating man, romance abuse
Publisher: Mary Lee Tiernan

Chapter 19

By the end of her first week of work, Emma loved her new life and happily paid the rent for another week. She’d pay monthly and save a few dollars as soon as she could afford to. Working at the café far surpassed her old job at the diner.

For one, the café itself was charming and the diner, well, the diner was a typical diner. The food was definitely a cut above diner fare, and while they kept busy most of the time, it wasn’t as hectic.

Emma also liked Lila, the other waitress. Lila was slightly shorter than she was, with brown hair cut in a pixie and brown eyes to match. Definitely cute. Emma guessed her to be in her mid-to-late twenties, not because she looked that age, but because she had been married for a number of years and had a young son at home.

She and Lila made a good team. Although they had assigned stations, they pitched in and helped one another if one was busy and the other wasn’t. During slow times, they chatted while folding napkins or changing wilting flowers for fresh ones. In addition to the paintings of gardens scenes on the walls, the Café des Fleurs lived up to its name with a fresh flower gracing every table. Café des Fleurs. How much more elegant the name sounded in French than Café of Flowers.

One day after the lunch rush, she and Lila sat at a back table sipping coffee. Flo didn’t mind their taking a break when the café was empty and they were caught up on their behind-the-scenes chores.

“How were the tips your first week?”

“Can’t complain.”

“Want bigger tips?”

“Sure, who wouldn’t?”

Lila looked into her coffee cup as she swirled around the liquid. “There are a few things you could do.” Lila switched her attention to Emma. “Do you mind me interfering? You can ignore me if you like or tell me to shut up.”

“You’re not ‘interfering,’ Lila. I’d like to hear your suggestions.”

“Okay, here goes. You’re very pretty, Em, but even Hollywood stars enhance themselves. First, get your hair cut and styled. Your ponytail doesn’t smack of sophistication.”

“Sophistication?”

“What I mean is, put yourself more on a level with the customers. Subconsciously, they don’t like thinking they’re being cheap with a girl who could live next door. The ponytail puts you in a different neighborhood. Add a little makeup: mascara to set off your eyes and blush and lipstick to add color to your face.”

“I’ve never worn makeup.”

“You don’t really need it. As I said, you’re already pretty, but it doesn’t hurt to highlight your good features.”

“I know nothing about picking out makeup. What should I buy and what colors?”

“Start with mascara. Black.” Lila studied Emma’s face carefully. “No, I take that back. Black might be a little harsh. Dark brown. That’s it. Dark brown. Also get some blush and lipstick. Your skin is light, so buy shades of pink or rose, light to medium shades, but not too light. They need to be darker than your skin tone.

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