CHAPTER SEVENTY EIGHT

ELLA'S POV

I rushed into the restaurant, already running late after staying behind at school. As soon as I stepped inside, the workers who were wrapping up for the night immediately stopped what they were doing. Hushed murmurs rippled through the group.

"Oh my god, do you see how handsome he is?" one waitress whispered loudly to her friend, fanning herself. "I wouldn't mind him taking my order, if you know what I mean."

Her friend giggled before leaning in. "I heard he's coming in to look for work here. Can you imagine having someone like that on our staff?"

Who were they talking about? I frowned slightly, turning to try and spot the supposed new potential hire. That's when the harsh voice of Agatha cut through the chatter.

"You," she barked, jabbing a finger at me. "Why are you stumbling in this late? Your shift started over an hour ago."

I swallowed hard, caught off guard. "I'm so sorry, Agatha. I had some delays after school that set me back and--"

"We don't allow lateness here,"