tennis slash - The International Diner (9)
Title: The International Diner (9)
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Pairings: Andy Roddick/Marat Safin/Roger Federer
Other Players: Sam Querrey, John Isner, Lleyton Hewitt, Andy Murray, Gilles Simon, Fabrice Santoro
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: This did not happen.
Summary: AU. ATP in a diner.
Author’s Note: I am perfectly aware there’s been a lack of actual threesome to this story. That’s what this chapter is for :) Good news is that this chapter is also a lot longer than anticipated.
Chapter 9 - How to Make Everyone Act Irrationally (The Santoro's Connection)
Andy Roddick has learned that Roger can be quite shifty on occasion. Normally, it’s Marat he has to be concerned with playing games but that’s not usually the angle Roger uses. It’s more about how he simply won’t admit that he’s not perfect, that he can be antagonized or annoyed or upset.
When Roger returned from work that night, Andy was getting this feeling there was something he didn’t want to admit. Roger was also exhausted, as it turned out to be a busier than usual night and Roger would prefer manning the counter to waiting tables with a shorthanded crew.
Andy had to let it go at the time but was sure they were going to address this later in the day. He hoped to be able to wait until he was alone with Roger but it didn’t take long to realize that would be impossible.
The one thing that Roger did tell him was he hired a new waiter who would be working the next morning. That Andy didn’t have to worry about training him because he was leaving it in Murray’s hands. Frankly, that was enough to set off low-volume alarms.
Andy is talking to the cooks, mainly just Sam but he doesn’t want to make that obvious. “I know you guys like to haze but don’t today. Roger insisted not to scare this one off.”
Sam pretends to be offended. “We have been on our best behavior. Have we yet pulled a prank on Tommy?”
John reminds him, “Yeah, but he also went out with Lleyton last night so there’s still some cruelty involved. Then again, you did that, not us.”
Andy chuckles, having forgotten all about that. “True. So how did the date go?”
Lleyton shrugs. “It was okay.” His mind is on getting the baked goods started for the day while Sam and John are setting up for the meals.
Andy Murray walks in at that moment with the new guy, Gilles, behind him in time to hear Sam ask, “Is Tommy a good kisser?”
“Wouldn’t know.”
“Lousy date then.”
Roddick stares at Sam and fake-whispers, “Somebody needs to get kissed and it’s not Lleyton.”
Everyone laughs. Sam notices Murray’s arrival and snaps, “Yeah, but I thought we weren’t talking about Other Andy right now.” He sees the unfamiliar face. “Good morning, dear. I see you’ve met Andy and not gotten scared away.”
Gilles appears confused by the comment but says, “Hello.”
Andy Murray points to the notepad in Gilles’ hand, indicating to him to write. “Okay Gilles. Rule Number 1: Ignore Sam. Everyone else does.”
Gilles looks from Andy to the cook who greeted him, assuming he is Sam. Sam says, “Ah, so that’s the game. Rule Number 2: Rudeness is contagious. So avoid him.”
Andy Roddick lets out a loud sigh. “It’s too early to deal with you two.” He walks over to Gilles and holds his hand out to shake. “Hi. I’m Andy. You’ve already met the other Andy already.” Pointing to the cooks, “Surfer Sam, John, Lleyton. Marat will be here shortly; he’s the host this morning. Breakfast is generally the craziest, since that’s where the reputation has been built.” He hands a menu to Gilles. “A lot to study but we’re pretty accommodating with substitutions, assuming we have it in the kitchen. Baked goods rotate, special order can be done, but those in the display sell well because Lleyton is our secret weapon. So let him know if we’re running low. Pretty much everything else is self-explanatory in terms of ingredients.” Andy knows he sounds as if he’s the one training Gilles but he doesn’t understand why Roger wanted Murray to do it in the first place so he’s hedging.
There a loud slam coming from the dining room and Marat bellows, “Roddick. Outside. Now!” The door swings open and Marat strides past everyone to the back door, determined look in his eyes making it clear to Andy this is serious.
“Okay. Er, I guess I’ll be back. Murray, you can continue with him,” then reluctantly follows out the back door.
Gilles looks at the still-swinging kitchen divider. “What was that?”
Lleyton mutters, “Lovers spat, I assume.” Then realizes it’s too early to explain that mess in detail. “That was Marat. I haven’t seen him this mad in a long time. Usually, if there was a fight outside of here, it’s only about evil glares. Unless it’s related to the diner.” More yelling outside interrupts him but it’s too muffled to understand.
John helpfully answers, “To answer the next question, yes this place is an insane asylum if you couldn’t tell. Have you worked in a diner before?”
“Well, no. I served at a French restaurant. Santoro’s down on Atlantic.”
Sam and Lleyton stop everything they’re doing. “Excuse me?” Sam says, shaking his head as if he heard wrong. “I could have sworn you said Santoro’s.”
Gilles misinterprets the shocked expressions. “Yeah. The same place Andy worked before coming here. We sort of knew each other…”
Andy Murray hadn’t thought to tell Gilles not to mention any of that. He quickly mutters, “Let’s go over the layout,” and leads the confused newcomer out of the kitchen.
Sam stares at the swinging door, then the back door. “Other Andy worked at Santoro’s? That explains why I’ve always thought he was a prick.”
John asks, “What’s going on?” He suspects there’s a message that he has missed.
Lleyton says, “We didn’t get to Rule Number 3: Do not mention Santoro’s. Shame too. Marat might have liked the French tart.”
* * * * *
“Roger is fucking unbelievable!” Marat exclaims once he and Roddick are outside.
“Calm down.” Andy leads Marat to the bench. He is somewhat relieved to hear that he isn’t the cause of the anger. He’s running every possibility through his head and he has no clue what is going on.
Instead, Marat is speaking fast, the accent getting thicker as he goes on. “So I get a morning wake up call from Novak, asking if I’d be able to stay an extra hour or so if he couldn’t get off the court in time for the bus. He mentions the new guy, saying that he’s French and had worked at Santoro’s with Murray at some point. I tuned out the rest, figuring Novak must be trying to rile me up so I’d forget what he asked me in the first place.”
Andy does a double take. “Wait. Repeat that,” hoping it’s obvious what part to repeat.
“That’s exactly what I said! Novak was standing right there when Roger said it. I called Roger and, of course, he pretended it was no big deal but that he told Murray to keep his mouth shut because he knew we’d make it a big deal.”
“I wondered why Roger told me to let Andy train him. That fucking liar! Roger said he was over Fabrice.” Just because Andy isn’t as emotional as Marat doesn’t make him calm about any of this.
Marat shakes his head. “It explains a lot about Murray. I should have seen the signs. Picky about presentation. Accurate on orders to an obsessive fault. Typical French rudeness. Too young to be so diligent a waiter. He threw me off because he knew Spanish. I was blinded by a common language!”
“It’s not worth getting mad at Andy. He was simply following orders. We have to band together to fight the common enemy. That would be Roger.”
* * * * *
Just because Andy Roddick and Marat called a temporary truce does not mean that the tension doesn't linger throughout the shift. Both working the same shift while simultaneously being mad at Roger is a rare experience. The customers would never know there was a problem because both are being overly nice to them, possibly overcompensating until they can face the issue.
Roddick also decides to keep to the promise to not scare off Gilles. As a result, he ends up taking out his frustration by muttering under his breath whenever he enters the kitchen.
That transfers over to Sam being a pain whenever Murray enters with an order. Lleyton tries not to add on but they're all annoying him and Murray does like to egg Sam on, making a bad situation worse.
That's what starts the blow-up. Andy Murray is sitting in the kitchen, waiting for orders. He's been keeping an eye on Gilles all morning and, while he's getting the hang of the job, there are misunderstandings as well and they keep bumping into Roddick. That, plus the long hours from the previous day, is starting to catch up with him.
Sam says, "So you decided to station yourself here so you can keep your surveillance skills sharp?"
Andy lets out a deep sigh. He hasn't recovered from the long workday yesterday and he's too tired for whatever nonsense Sam has conjured up. "What are you talking about?"
"You've been laying low all these months, which I can respect, but you know this is your chance now that we're all focused on the newbie."
"Is he serious?" Andy asks John and Lleyton.
John is as lost as Andy, both needing vital pieces of information to understand but Sam has yet to fill them in. "He might be."
Sam shakes his head. "You know, it was bad enough when that dirt bag swiped the head cook from us. Or when he convinced his waiter to get hired here and steal my specials. Good thing Lleyton doesn't do authentic French desserts or else he'd have sued that jackass during the marketing fiasco. We don't need any of their spies to infiltrate our ranks, as if they're playing James Bond. Not even good Sean Connery edition but the Timothy Dalton version."
Andy says, "I suppose I should be honored to be compared to James Bond in any context, no matter how off-the-wall. It's also nice I was able to annoy you, independent of theories that prove you're off your rocker. That I even have to say that I'm not a French spy is the most asinine thing that I've ever uttered here and indicates you're nothing but a prat."
Sam slams the spatula on the counter, startling everyone. His voice is a low growl. "Be glad I already took my break, kid. I'd enjoy a one-on-one match with you. I don't condone violence but I'd be willing to make an exception. You wouldn't be missed around here."
There's a loud sound of wooden spoon hitting repeatedly against a metal pan. Sam stops and stares at Lleyton, who is shaking his head in disbelief then says, "Andy, don't do this, not today. Marat and the Andy at the tables are annoying enough for all of us. Sam, I am reasonably sure that," Lleyton leans in close and pulls Sam down so he can shout in his ear, "He doesn't fucking know!"
John probably should have known better than to ask but it's already lingered too long. “I’ve had their food once and it’s pretentious but the service is top-notch. Why does Santoro need to steal from us? We are a diner, not a French restaurant.”
Andy holds his hand out, thankful there's at least one person seeing the faulty logic. "Thank you, John."
Roddick had entered and is fixing shelves, unable to stay still as he replies, "Roger was supposed to help Fabrice financially. He wasn't involved with the diner at that point, so he offered ideas. Next thing you know, Roger is shut out of the deal but Fabrice used his suggestions to great success. Neither has let it go since, as today clearly proves. Now, is that grilled chicken ready or would you rather reminisce?"
Lleyton points to the plate already set, then pleads, "Talk to Roger."
"Preparing already." As Roddick leaves with the plate, he's muttering under his breath, "Rich bastard, cares more about reputation than people..."
Sam laughs despite himself, breaking the silence. "Andy Roddick is the only person I've ever met who prepares what he'll say when telling someone to fuck off. It will be a thing of beauty, assuming it happens here." He slams two plates down. "Sausage-and-American with fries, Sausage-and-Swiss with potatoes ready to go." Andy Murray jolts up, startled by the change in mood, then stands and takes the plates out.
Lleyton softly says, "You may need to apologize to him."
Sam shakes his head. "Other Andy doesn't care. Slides right off."
"Calling him that is not conducive..."
"Since when do you take his side?"
Lleyton has this sense that Andy is probably not fine about anything that's happened today. That Andy does care about the people here or else he wouldn't have gone out of his way to help get Lleyton's date with Tommy to happen last night. "Since everyone is suddenly judging him by his previous employer. He wants to be at the diner. Andy quit that Santoro's job!"
Sam shrugs. "Wouldn't be the first. Gilles hasn't even quit there yet. He's supposed to make the call once they open for lunch but doubt he will."
John interjects, "I doubt he'll quit there either, after the way his first day here has been."
* * * * *
Andy Roddick and Marat are on their break, sitting in the back seat of the car. Andy knows if he didn't lead Marat here, there would be trouble. Any unsuspecting person in his path could be in danger at this point.
"I hate to sound whiny," Marat starts. "But why must he pursue this? He promised!"
"I know," Andy says. "I've put up with a lot, usually caused by you," lighting shoving Marat to try to loosen him up. "But Fabrice pisses me off."
Marat laughs at a distant memory. "I know. It was amazing when you'd asked Roger if he'd ever literally fucked the troll. I have never heard someone so elaborately tell someone to fuck off as you did with Roger that day. I'd never been prouder of you."
Andy is surprised by the sudden praise but brushes it off so he doesn't change the subject. "Roger hurt you over this mess. He shouldn't have tried to get you to distract him."
"He didn't want to hear that Fabrice is only interested in unattainable women." Lower, with a smirk on his face, "I mean, I could attain them but not him..." Marat shakes his head. "Or that the entire situation was a long, disgusting competition."
Andy closes his eyes. "This just stinks. I really hope there's an explanation that's better than what we're thinking."
"If there's not... I might quit."
"The job or Roger?"
Marat shrugs. "I can make better money bartending."
Although Marat is only talking about the job, Andy knows this can be quite serious. Nearly all of the times when Roger and Marat have broken up, it was caused by Marat pushing things too far and Roger getting annoyed. The one time that wasn't was because of this battle. Marat stayed at the diner out of spite, completely ignoring Roger in anything beyond a boss-employee context. Yes, it led to Andy and Roger getting closer and the jealous mad man causing havoc with his serial flirting (as collateral damage from that, two waiters quit and the friends-with-benefits deal with Lleyton which could have ruined the diner) but again, Andy wasn't actually involved with them at this point.
Andy blasting off at Roger was a year later, after the new hire infiltrated their ranks and swiped Sam's specials. Roger was plotting something involving Andy instead of Marat (Roger fearing for his safety) and Andy had had enough. As far as they'd known, Roger never got payback and Fabrice never did anything else.
That's what made today so difficult. They both needed desperately for Roger to set this straight.
* * * * *
The hours seem to drag and Roger deciding to take his time to arrive today, of all days, isn't helping matters. So when Roger does enter, Marat is ready to pounce.
But Roger must have known that would happen because he holds up a hand. "Not a word until the staff meeting in the kitchen in one hour," and walks away before Marat can recover.
He tries to do the same thing to Roddick, who is stunned but does manage to ask, "Are you going to ignore everyone until then?"
Roger shakes his head. "No, I have paperwork for Gilles to fill out. That should take up the time." He gives Andy a pointed look. "Assuming he wants to stay, of course."
"Hey, I held to my promise, despite better judgment."
Luckily, an hour later, there are no customers. He has Gilles standing by the swinging door, just in case.
Roger looks around. Sam and John are stretching out on a makeshift bench behind the grill, Lleyton is half paying attention while cakes are baking, Marat is positioned awfully close to the back door and both Andys are on the stools appearing uncomfortable. Yup, pretty much what he expected to be see.
He takes a deep breath then begins, "Okay, while there's no interruption, just want to remind everyone about the annual party here Sunday night. Doors closing to the public at seven. Guests allowed, if you let me know by the end of tonight. I'll be here later to tell the evening staff." Everyone nods. "But that's not what everyone wants to hear. Rumors spread quickly whenever Santoro is involved. Maybe I haven't been clear but that is a problem in the past. I hired Gilles, not to spite Fabrice, but because I know that if he's survived a year there and wants out, he had to become a very good waiter. Plus, he was trained by Andy so that was a bonus."
Andy Roddick raises his hand. Roger tries not to laugh but he plays along. "Yes, Mr. Roddick?"
"You told Andy not to say he worked there. Sounds a bit like a guilty conscience to me."
Roger counters, "Was anyone called a French spy today?"
Roddick glances at Sam, who's suddenly very fascinated with the unoccupied grill.
Roger snaps his fingers. "Okay then." Now he knows he has to tell the story and prepares for the fallout. "It's a little more complicated than that. I admit I was skeptical when I got Andy's application..."
"You're not going to tell everyone that story!" Andy Murray blurts out, staring coldly at the owner.
Roger sighs loudly then says to Roddick, "That is the other reason nobody has known. That, in order to explain why I hired him, the story is required to prove this isn't about payback. Problem is, he hates the story."
"Fine, if you must." Murray stands up, then asks Roger, "Is there anything in this meeting not related to Santoro's?"
"No."
"I'll cover the front door." Gilles quickly moving away from the door so Andy can pass.
Sam can't help but call out, "Are you planning to take Santoro’s newly-vacant waiter position?"
The door is still swinging but Andy hasn't moved away. He slowly returns, his stare bearing down on Sam. "No, I would rather make you miserable than work for that lowlife again," then retreats to the dining area.
Lleyton mutters, "I'm not so sure you'd win that fight anymore, Sam. What you have in height and range, he makes up for in lethal stare and flat out hating your guts."
John nods. "In fact, I'd say he looks as annoyed as those two," pointing to Roddick then Marat.
Roger says, "Fabrice has screwed a lot of people, Andy included. Assuming he doesn't interrupt, I'll continue. Skeptical about the application. Nobody survives a year and half there, much less some kid calling himself head waiter. So I called Fabrice, to check the accuracy of the job history. He tells me that is the truth, that Andy was a very good waiter but he wanted nothing further to do with him and I could hire him without worries. I ask if he was so good, why did he finally quit. Fabrice says that it's complicated but it wasn't a work issue; it was personal differences. I tell Andy that I won't hire him unless he tells me the reason. That's when he mentions his mother inviting her friends to that restaurant. Unlike here, she usually laid low, as the place is too expensive, but after all this time she wanted to see him in action. Fabrice spent the entire time being his rude self from the bar, ordering everyone around, complaining about minor details."
Marat begins laughing suddenly, having figured out exactly the direction Roger is going with this. Everyone else stares at him, thinking he's gone hysterical. "Unattainable women!" Marat blurts out.
Roger nods. "Correct." He sees everyone else's confused reactions and explains, “So Fabrice spends their dinner being especially harsh to his staff, including Andy. Andy's mom gets mad and starts complaining, to which he responds by asking her out. She's insulted, he keeps talking and…” He hesitates, thinking of how to phrase what happened next.
Roger gets an unexpected assist, as Gilles merrily finishes, "She slaps Mr. Santoro across the face and leaves." He sees everyone staring at him in shock and nods quickly. "I was working that night. It was so beautiful. But I didn't know that was Andy's mom. Though that does explain later that night. Fabrice called her some foul names in French as we were cleaning up. Andy picked up just enough to be furious and - looking at it now and having had a full year of dealing with Fabrice - awesomely told him off, then quit and stormed out. Though at the staff meeting the next day, it was changed from 'quit' to 'fired' and told everyone to not get so complacent about their jobs because anyone is replaceable."
Even Roger is surprised by the ending, muttering, “He only told me the first part. I didn’t know there was a later confrontation.”
Marat is shaking his head, absolutely stunned. He quietly says, “I knew Fabrice was a creep but that’s just wrong for so many reasons.”
After that, nobody says anything until the timer goes off and Lleyton bounces up to deal with the desserts. At that point, Sam breaks out into a wide smile, lets out a hoot then can’t stop laughing as he says, “I can't believe that we… that totally rocks.”
Roger holds his hand in front of his mouth but can’t hold back that he’s smiling. “I suppose I won after all.”
* * * * *
Roger is talking to Sam and John about Sunday night, since they’re the ones who need to prepare before the party. Marat and Roddick are throwing in their two cents about making mixed drinks as Gilles sits in to listen to the details. Lleyton has desserts ready for the display so he sneaks out of the kitchen. He knows his role regarding the party - one large vanilla cake and something rich and chocolate.
Lleyton has the tray and passes Andy Murray at the counter, who is dealing with a businessman with a cup of coffee and asking about desserts. The businessman is the only customer in the diner.
The man says, “I guess I’ll have the apple spice…” then lets out a loud sniff. “Do I smell Vermont maple syrup?”
Andy glances toward Lleyton, nods slightly as he sees the cake about to go in the display. This one hasn’t been made in months, after Marat complained about the smell that lingers in the display case and the fact the item doesn’t really sell. It also was the one that Andy would sneak a piece of at the end of the night, so he silently wished for its return to the rotation. “Yeah, Jim. Maple Blueberry Coffee Cake.”
“I’ll have that.”
Lleyton lays the trays down on the counter. Andy grabs the tongs, sets a square piece on a plate and returns to the businessman. While Andy is focused on the customer, Lleyton arranges a second plate and sets it on the counter, then kneels down and returns to the glass display, switching out trays.
The customer takes a bite and, realizing the cook is still there, makes sounds to indicate how good the cake is. Lleyton grins then gestures for Andy to come over, while still focused on the display.
“Yeah?”
“You were hoping Mr. Federer would shut up so those guys could keep thinking you don’t care. He called your bluff. You weren’t fooling me and now they’re in on the truth as well. I understand the game.”
Andy crosses his arms over his chest. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Stop playing. You were insulted when you were accused earlier of being a spy. I told Sam then he needed to apologize. Not sure he’ll do that but he does want to know the next time your mom shows up here because he’d love to congratulate her for giving Fabrice the beatdown.” Lleyton is satisfied with the display then stands and sizes up Andy.
“Of course.” Andy rolls his eyes, not backing down even though he’s amused by Sam’s reaction to the information.
Lleyton slides the plate toward Andy, practically daring him. “So just enjoy the cake I know you secretly like because that’s the closest to actually saying sorry you’re going to get from the kitchen. I’m not a fucking gentleman,” then smiles when the color drains from Andy’s face. Lleyton leans in closer to whisper, “Yeah, Tommy told me what you said. Too bad your matchmaking didn’t work,” before taking the trays and retreating to the kitchen.
Chapter 10 - The Drinking Pool
Author: Kris S.
Fandom: Tennis RPS
Pairings: Andy Roddick/Marat Safin/Roger Federer
Other Players: Sam Querrey, John Isner, Lleyton Hewitt, Andy Murray, Gilles Simon, Fabrice Santoro
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: This did not happen.
Summary: AU. ATP in a diner.
Author’s Note: I am perfectly aware there’s been a lack of actual threesome to this story. That’s what this chapter is for :) Good news is that this chapter is also a lot longer than anticipated.
Chapter 9 - How to Make Everyone Act Irrationally (The Santoro's Connection)
Andy Roddick has learned that Roger can be quite shifty on occasion. Normally, it’s Marat he has to be concerned with playing games but that’s not usually the angle Roger uses. It’s more about how he simply won’t admit that he’s not perfect, that he can be antagonized or annoyed or upset.
When Roger returned from work that night, Andy was getting this feeling there was something he didn’t want to admit. Roger was also exhausted, as it turned out to be a busier than usual night and Roger would prefer manning the counter to waiting tables with a shorthanded crew.
Andy had to let it go at the time but was sure they were going to address this later in the day. He hoped to be able to wait until he was alone with Roger but it didn’t take long to realize that would be impossible.
The one thing that Roger did tell him was he hired a new waiter who would be working the next morning. That Andy didn’t have to worry about training him because he was leaving it in Murray’s hands. Frankly, that was enough to set off low-volume alarms.
Andy is talking to the cooks, mainly just Sam but he doesn’t want to make that obvious. “I know you guys like to haze but don’t today. Roger insisted not to scare this one off.”
Sam pretends to be offended. “We have been on our best behavior. Have we yet pulled a prank on Tommy?”
John reminds him, “Yeah, but he also went out with Lleyton last night so there’s still some cruelty involved. Then again, you did that, not us.”
Andy chuckles, having forgotten all about that. “True. So how did the date go?”
Lleyton shrugs. “It was okay.” His mind is on getting the baked goods started for the day while Sam and John are setting up for the meals.
Andy Murray walks in at that moment with the new guy, Gilles, behind him in time to hear Sam ask, “Is Tommy a good kisser?”
“Wouldn’t know.”
“Lousy date then.”
Roddick stares at Sam and fake-whispers, “Somebody needs to get kissed and it’s not Lleyton.”
Everyone laughs. Sam notices Murray’s arrival and snaps, “Yeah, but I thought we weren’t talking about Other Andy right now.” He sees the unfamiliar face. “Good morning, dear. I see you’ve met Andy and not gotten scared away.”
Gilles appears confused by the comment but says, “Hello.”
Andy Murray points to the notepad in Gilles’ hand, indicating to him to write. “Okay Gilles. Rule Number 1: Ignore Sam. Everyone else does.”
Gilles looks from Andy to the cook who greeted him, assuming he is Sam. Sam says, “Ah, so that’s the game. Rule Number 2: Rudeness is contagious. So avoid him.”
Andy Roddick lets out a loud sigh. “It’s too early to deal with you two.” He walks over to Gilles and holds his hand out to shake. “Hi. I’m Andy. You’ve already met the other Andy already.” Pointing to the cooks, “Surfer Sam, John, Lleyton. Marat will be here shortly; he’s the host this morning. Breakfast is generally the craziest, since that’s where the reputation has been built.” He hands a menu to Gilles. “A lot to study but we’re pretty accommodating with substitutions, assuming we have it in the kitchen. Baked goods rotate, special order can be done, but those in the display sell well because Lleyton is our secret weapon. So let him know if we’re running low. Pretty much everything else is self-explanatory in terms of ingredients.” Andy knows he sounds as if he’s the one training Gilles but he doesn’t understand why Roger wanted Murray to do it in the first place so he’s hedging.
There a loud slam coming from the dining room and Marat bellows, “Roddick. Outside. Now!” The door swings open and Marat strides past everyone to the back door, determined look in his eyes making it clear to Andy this is serious.
“Okay. Er, I guess I’ll be back. Murray, you can continue with him,” then reluctantly follows out the back door.
Gilles looks at the still-swinging kitchen divider. “What was that?”
Lleyton mutters, “Lovers spat, I assume.” Then realizes it’s too early to explain that mess in detail. “That was Marat. I haven’t seen him this mad in a long time. Usually, if there was a fight outside of here, it’s only about evil glares. Unless it’s related to the diner.” More yelling outside interrupts him but it’s too muffled to understand.
John helpfully answers, “To answer the next question, yes this place is an insane asylum if you couldn’t tell. Have you worked in a diner before?”
“Well, no. I served at a French restaurant. Santoro’s down on Atlantic.”
Sam and Lleyton stop everything they’re doing. “Excuse me?” Sam says, shaking his head as if he heard wrong. “I could have sworn you said Santoro’s.”
Gilles misinterprets the shocked expressions. “Yeah. The same place Andy worked before coming here. We sort of knew each other…”
Andy Murray hadn’t thought to tell Gilles not to mention any of that. He quickly mutters, “Let’s go over the layout,” and leads the confused newcomer out of the kitchen.
Sam stares at the swinging door, then the back door. “Other Andy worked at Santoro’s? That explains why I’ve always thought he was a prick.”
John asks, “What’s going on?” He suspects there’s a message that he has missed.
Lleyton says, “We didn’t get to Rule Number 3: Do not mention Santoro’s. Shame too. Marat might have liked the French tart.”
* * * * *
“Roger is fucking unbelievable!” Marat exclaims once he and Roddick are outside.
“Calm down.” Andy leads Marat to the bench. He is somewhat relieved to hear that he isn’t the cause of the anger. He’s running every possibility through his head and he has no clue what is going on.
Instead, Marat is speaking fast, the accent getting thicker as he goes on. “So I get a morning wake up call from Novak, asking if I’d be able to stay an extra hour or so if he couldn’t get off the court in time for the bus. He mentions the new guy, saying that he’s French and had worked at Santoro’s with Murray at some point. I tuned out the rest, figuring Novak must be trying to rile me up so I’d forget what he asked me in the first place.”
Andy does a double take. “Wait. Repeat that,” hoping it’s obvious what part to repeat.
“That’s exactly what I said! Novak was standing right there when Roger said it. I called Roger and, of course, he pretended it was no big deal but that he told Murray to keep his mouth shut because he knew we’d make it a big deal.”
“I wondered why Roger told me to let Andy train him. That fucking liar! Roger said he was over Fabrice.” Just because Andy isn’t as emotional as Marat doesn’t make him calm about any of this.
Marat shakes his head. “It explains a lot about Murray. I should have seen the signs. Picky about presentation. Accurate on orders to an obsessive fault. Typical French rudeness. Too young to be so diligent a waiter. He threw me off because he knew Spanish. I was blinded by a common language!”
“It’s not worth getting mad at Andy. He was simply following orders. We have to band together to fight the common enemy. That would be Roger.”
* * * * *
Just because Andy Roddick and Marat called a temporary truce does not mean that the tension doesn't linger throughout the shift. Both working the same shift while simultaneously being mad at Roger is a rare experience. The customers would never know there was a problem because both are being overly nice to them, possibly overcompensating until they can face the issue.
Roddick also decides to keep to the promise to not scare off Gilles. As a result, he ends up taking out his frustration by muttering under his breath whenever he enters the kitchen.
That transfers over to Sam being a pain whenever Murray enters with an order. Lleyton tries not to add on but they're all annoying him and Murray does like to egg Sam on, making a bad situation worse.
That's what starts the blow-up. Andy Murray is sitting in the kitchen, waiting for orders. He's been keeping an eye on Gilles all morning and, while he's getting the hang of the job, there are misunderstandings as well and they keep bumping into Roddick. That, plus the long hours from the previous day, is starting to catch up with him.
Sam says, "So you decided to station yourself here so you can keep your surveillance skills sharp?"
Andy lets out a deep sigh. He hasn't recovered from the long workday yesterday and he's too tired for whatever nonsense Sam has conjured up. "What are you talking about?"
"You've been laying low all these months, which I can respect, but you know this is your chance now that we're all focused on the newbie."
"Is he serious?" Andy asks John and Lleyton.
John is as lost as Andy, both needing vital pieces of information to understand but Sam has yet to fill them in. "He might be."
Sam shakes his head. "You know, it was bad enough when that dirt bag swiped the head cook from us. Or when he convinced his waiter to get hired here and steal my specials. Good thing Lleyton doesn't do authentic French desserts or else he'd have sued that jackass during the marketing fiasco. We don't need any of their spies to infiltrate our ranks, as if they're playing James Bond. Not even good Sean Connery edition but the Timothy Dalton version."
Andy says, "I suppose I should be honored to be compared to James Bond in any context, no matter how off-the-wall. It's also nice I was able to annoy you, independent of theories that prove you're off your rocker. That I even have to say that I'm not a French spy is the most asinine thing that I've ever uttered here and indicates you're nothing but a prat."
Sam slams the spatula on the counter, startling everyone. His voice is a low growl. "Be glad I already took my break, kid. I'd enjoy a one-on-one match with you. I don't condone violence but I'd be willing to make an exception. You wouldn't be missed around here."
There's a loud sound of wooden spoon hitting repeatedly against a metal pan. Sam stops and stares at Lleyton, who is shaking his head in disbelief then says, "Andy, don't do this, not today. Marat and the Andy at the tables are annoying enough for all of us. Sam, I am reasonably sure that," Lleyton leans in close and pulls Sam down so he can shout in his ear, "He doesn't fucking know!"
John probably should have known better than to ask but it's already lingered too long. “I’ve had their food once and it’s pretentious but the service is top-notch. Why does Santoro need to steal from us? We are a diner, not a French restaurant.”
Andy holds his hand out, thankful there's at least one person seeing the faulty logic. "Thank you, John."
Roddick had entered and is fixing shelves, unable to stay still as he replies, "Roger was supposed to help Fabrice financially. He wasn't involved with the diner at that point, so he offered ideas. Next thing you know, Roger is shut out of the deal but Fabrice used his suggestions to great success. Neither has let it go since, as today clearly proves. Now, is that grilled chicken ready or would you rather reminisce?"
Lleyton points to the plate already set, then pleads, "Talk to Roger."
"Preparing already." As Roddick leaves with the plate, he's muttering under his breath, "Rich bastard, cares more about reputation than people..."
Sam laughs despite himself, breaking the silence. "Andy Roddick is the only person I've ever met who prepares what he'll say when telling someone to fuck off. It will be a thing of beauty, assuming it happens here." He slams two plates down. "Sausage-and-American with fries, Sausage-and-Swiss with potatoes ready to go." Andy Murray jolts up, startled by the change in mood, then stands and takes the plates out.
Lleyton softly says, "You may need to apologize to him."
Sam shakes his head. "Other Andy doesn't care. Slides right off."
"Calling him that is not conducive..."
"Since when do you take his side?"
Lleyton has this sense that Andy is probably not fine about anything that's happened today. That Andy does care about the people here or else he wouldn't have gone out of his way to help get Lleyton's date with Tommy to happen last night. "Since everyone is suddenly judging him by his previous employer. He wants to be at the diner. Andy quit that Santoro's job!"
Sam shrugs. "Wouldn't be the first. Gilles hasn't even quit there yet. He's supposed to make the call once they open for lunch but doubt he will."
John interjects, "I doubt he'll quit there either, after the way his first day here has been."
* * * * *
Andy Roddick and Marat are on their break, sitting in the back seat of the car. Andy knows if he didn't lead Marat here, there would be trouble. Any unsuspecting person in his path could be in danger at this point.
"I hate to sound whiny," Marat starts. "But why must he pursue this? He promised!"
"I know," Andy says. "I've put up with a lot, usually caused by you," lighting shoving Marat to try to loosen him up. "But Fabrice pisses me off."
Marat laughs at a distant memory. "I know. It was amazing when you'd asked Roger if he'd ever literally fucked the troll. I have never heard someone so elaborately tell someone to fuck off as you did with Roger that day. I'd never been prouder of you."
Andy is surprised by the sudden praise but brushes it off so he doesn't change the subject. "Roger hurt you over this mess. He shouldn't have tried to get you to distract him."
"He didn't want to hear that Fabrice is only interested in unattainable women." Lower, with a smirk on his face, "I mean, I could attain them but not him..." Marat shakes his head. "Or that the entire situation was a long, disgusting competition."
Andy closes his eyes. "This just stinks. I really hope there's an explanation that's better than what we're thinking."
"If there's not... I might quit."
"The job or Roger?"
Marat shrugs. "I can make better money bartending."
Although Marat is only talking about the job, Andy knows this can be quite serious. Nearly all of the times when Roger and Marat have broken up, it was caused by Marat pushing things too far and Roger getting annoyed. The one time that wasn't was because of this battle. Marat stayed at the diner out of spite, completely ignoring Roger in anything beyond a boss-employee context. Yes, it led to Andy and Roger getting closer and the jealous mad man causing havoc with his serial flirting (as collateral damage from that, two waiters quit and the friends-with-benefits deal with Lleyton which could have ruined the diner) but again, Andy wasn't actually involved with them at this point.
Andy blasting off at Roger was a year later, after the new hire infiltrated their ranks and swiped Sam's specials. Roger was plotting something involving Andy instead of Marat (Roger fearing for his safety) and Andy had had enough. As far as they'd known, Roger never got payback and Fabrice never did anything else.
That's what made today so difficult. They both needed desperately for Roger to set this straight.
* * * * *
The hours seem to drag and Roger deciding to take his time to arrive today, of all days, isn't helping matters. So when Roger does enter, Marat is ready to pounce.
But Roger must have known that would happen because he holds up a hand. "Not a word until the staff meeting in the kitchen in one hour," and walks away before Marat can recover.
He tries to do the same thing to Roddick, who is stunned but does manage to ask, "Are you going to ignore everyone until then?"
Roger shakes his head. "No, I have paperwork for Gilles to fill out. That should take up the time." He gives Andy a pointed look. "Assuming he wants to stay, of course."
"Hey, I held to my promise, despite better judgment."
Luckily, an hour later, there are no customers. He has Gilles standing by the swinging door, just in case.
Roger looks around. Sam and John are stretching out on a makeshift bench behind the grill, Lleyton is half paying attention while cakes are baking, Marat is positioned awfully close to the back door and both Andys are on the stools appearing uncomfortable. Yup, pretty much what he expected to be see.
He takes a deep breath then begins, "Okay, while there's no interruption, just want to remind everyone about the annual party here Sunday night. Doors closing to the public at seven. Guests allowed, if you let me know by the end of tonight. I'll be here later to tell the evening staff." Everyone nods. "But that's not what everyone wants to hear. Rumors spread quickly whenever Santoro is involved. Maybe I haven't been clear but that is a problem in the past. I hired Gilles, not to spite Fabrice, but because I know that if he's survived a year there and wants out, he had to become a very good waiter. Plus, he was trained by Andy so that was a bonus."
Andy Roddick raises his hand. Roger tries not to laugh but he plays along. "Yes, Mr. Roddick?"
"You told Andy not to say he worked there. Sounds a bit like a guilty conscience to me."
Roger counters, "Was anyone called a French spy today?"
Roddick glances at Sam, who's suddenly very fascinated with the unoccupied grill.
Roger snaps his fingers. "Okay then." Now he knows he has to tell the story and prepares for the fallout. "It's a little more complicated than that. I admit I was skeptical when I got Andy's application..."
"You're not going to tell everyone that story!" Andy Murray blurts out, staring coldly at the owner.
Roger sighs loudly then says to Roddick, "That is the other reason nobody has known. That, in order to explain why I hired him, the story is required to prove this isn't about payback. Problem is, he hates the story."
"Fine, if you must." Murray stands up, then asks Roger, "Is there anything in this meeting not related to Santoro's?"
"No."
"I'll cover the front door." Gilles quickly moving away from the door so Andy can pass.
Sam can't help but call out, "Are you planning to take Santoro’s newly-vacant waiter position?"
The door is still swinging but Andy hasn't moved away. He slowly returns, his stare bearing down on Sam. "No, I would rather make you miserable than work for that lowlife again," then retreats to the dining area.
Lleyton mutters, "I'm not so sure you'd win that fight anymore, Sam. What you have in height and range, he makes up for in lethal stare and flat out hating your guts."
John nods. "In fact, I'd say he looks as annoyed as those two," pointing to Roddick then Marat.
Roger says, "Fabrice has screwed a lot of people, Andy included. Assuming he doesn't interrupt, I'll continue. Skeptical about the application. Nobody survives a year and half there, much less some kid calling himself head waiter. So I called Fabrice, to check the accuracy of the job history. He tells me that is the truth, that Andy was a very good waiter but he wanted nothing further to do with him and I could hire him without worries. I ask if he was so good, why did he finally quit. Fabrice says that it's complicated but it wasn't a work issue; it was personal differences. I tell Andy that I won't hire him unless he tells me the reason. That's when he mentions his mother inviting her friends to that restaurant. Unlike here, she usually laid low, as the place is too expensive, but after all this time she wanted to see him in action. Fabrice spent the entire time being his rude self from the bar, ordering everyone around, complaining about minor details."
Marat begins laughing suddenly, having figured out exactly the direction Roger is going with this. Everyone else stares at him, thinking he's gone hysterical. "Unattainable women!" Marat blurts out.
Roger nods. "Correct." He sees everyone else's confused reactions and explains, “So Fabrice spends their dinner being especially harsh to his staff, including Andy. Andy's mom gets mad and starts complaining, to which he responds by asking her out. She's insulted, he keeps talking and…” He hesitates, thinking of how to phrase what happened next.
Roger gets an unexpected assist, as Gilles merrily finishes, "She slaps Mr. Santoro across the face and leaves." He sees everyone staring at him in shock and nods quickly. "I was working that night. It was so beautiful. But I didn't know that was Andy's mom. Though that does explain later that night. Fabrice called her some foul names in French as we were cleaning up. Andy picked up just enough to be furious and - looking at it now and having had a full year of dealing with Fabrice - awesomely told him off, then quit and stormed out. Though at the staff meeting the next day, it was changed from 'quit' to 'fired' and told everyone to not get so complacent about their jobs because anyone is replaceable."
Even Roger is surprised by the ending, muttering, “He only told me the first part. I didn’t know there was a later confrontation.”
Marat is shaking his head, absolutely stunned. He quietly says, “I knew Fabrice was a creep but that’s just wrong for so many reasons.”
After that, nobody says anything until the timer goes off and Lleyton bounces up to deal with the desserts. At that point, Sam breaks out into a wide smile, lets out a hoot then can’t stop laughing as he says, “I can't believe that we… that totally rocks.”
Roger holds his hand in front of his mouth but can’t hold back that he’s smiling. “I suppose I won after all.”
* * * * *
Roger is talking to Sam and John about Sunday night, since they’re the ones who need to prepare before the party. Marat and Roddick are throwing in their two cents about making mixed drinks as Gilles sits in to listen to the details. Lleyton has desserts ready for the display so he sneaks out of the kitchen. He knows his role regarding the party - one large vanilla cake and something rich and chocolate.
Lleyton has the tray and passes Andy Murray at the counter, who is dealing with a businessman with a cup of coffee and asking about desserts. The businessman is the only customer in the diner.
The man says, “I guess I’ll have the apple spice…” then lets out a loud sniff. “Do I smell Vermont maple syrup?”
Andy glances toward Lleyton, nods slightly as he sees the cake about to go in the display. This one hasn’t been made in months, after Marat complained about the smell that lingers in the display case and the fact the item doesn’t really sell. It also was the one that Andy would sneak a piece of at the end of the night, so he silently wished for its return to the rotation. “Yeah, Jim. Maple Blueberry Coffee Cake.”
“I’ll have that.”
Lleyton lays the trays down on the counter. Andy grabs the tongs, sets a square piece on a plate and returns to the businessman. While Andy is focused on the customer, Lleyton arranges a second plate and sets it on the counter, then kneels down and returns to the glass display, switching out trays.
The customer takes a bite and, realizing the cook is still there, makes sounds to indicate how good the cake is. Lleyton grins then gestures for Andy to come over, while still focused on the display.
“Yeah?”
“You were hoping Mr. Federer would shut up so those guys could keep thinking you don’t care. He called your bluff. You weren’t fooling me and now they’re in on the truth as well. I understand the game.”
Andy crosses his arms over his chest. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Stop playing. You were insulted when you were accused earlier of being a spy. I told Sam then he needed to apologize. Not sure he’ll do that but he does want to know the next time your mom shows up here because he’d love to congratulate her for giving Fabrice the beatdown.” Lleyton is satisfied with the display then stands and sizes up Andy.
“Of course.” Andy rolls his eyes, not backing down even though he’s amused by Sam’s reaction to the information.
Lleyton slides the plate toward Andy, practically daring him. “So just enjoy the cake I know you secretly like because that’s the closest to actually saying sorry you’re going to get from the kitchen. I’m not a fucking gentleman,” then smiles when the color drains from Andy’s face. Lleyton leans in closer to whisper, “Yeah, Tommy told me what you said. Too bad your matchmaking didn’t work,” before taking the trays and retreating to the kitchen.
Chapter 10 - The Drinking Pool