CHAPTER SIXTEEN – SOMETHING’S GOT TO GIVE

As Cassie tied on her apron, she caught sight of Lisa watching her from across the restaurant, a look of disbelief and anger on her face. The next few days were a test of Cassie's endurance. True to form, Lisa seemed determined to make Cassie's life miserable. She "accidentally" spilled drinks on Cassie's uniform, spread rumors among the staff that Cassie had begged for her job back after failing at her "fancy new gig," and consistently gave Cassie the worst sections and shifts. Through it all, Cassie gritted her teeth and endured. She reminded herself that this was familiar territory, that she knew how to handle Cheesy Fingers and its challenges. It wasn't glamorous, but it was stable, and right now, that's what she needed. One particularly busy afternoon, Cassie was rushing between tables when she overheard Lisa in heated conversation with Mr. Thompson. "I'm telling you," Lisa was saying, her voice low and urgent, "something's not right. The register's been short three times this