The smug expression she had drifts away, replaced by genuine panic. For the very first time, Heather is left speechless.
The silence that follows is thick and suffocating. For a brief moment, nobody moves.
Then, boom—applause erupts. My team cheers, clapping and hollering like we’ve just hit the jackpot.
Jack gives me a pat on the back, Maria lets out a jubilant shout, and Sarah is whooping like her team just scored the winning goal. The sound reverberates throughout the restaurant, drowning out any feeble attempts Heather might’ve made to salvage her pride.
Heather’s face flushes intensely, embarrassment painted all over her.
She stands there, mouth half-open, her mind racing for something—anything—to hold onto, but there’s nothing left. Her confident facade has crumbled entirely.
Jack steps forward, beaming. “You’re looking at the best boss we’ve ever had,” he declares, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.
“She’s out here cleaning tables because she genuinely cares about us. She could’ve left Beth hanging, but that’s not who she is.”
Heather stumbles for a response, but before she can speak, Sarah interjects. With arms crossed, her voice sharp and unwavering, she adds, “Maybe it’s time for you to leave,” her eyes narrowed on Heather.
“We don’t need anyone with a nasty attitude ruining our day.”
Heather’s bravado shrinks away completely. She glances around the room, her friends retreating, no longer laughing or providing support. “I… I didn’t mean anything by it,” she mutters, though her fight has evaporated.
She knows it’s over.
I step closer, not to gloat, but to bring closure. “Heather, it’s fine. But maybe next time, think before you speak.” My tone is steady, devoid of malice—just the truth.
She stares at me, wide-eyed with disbelief and shock.
For the first time, I believe, Heather Parker is left speechless.
With that, they gather their things and scurry out the door without another word. The bell jingles above as they leave, and the atmosphere lightens, as if a burden I hadn’t realized I was carrying has been lifted.
The place buzzes with excitement, and a smile spreads across my face uncontrollably. Jack winks at me, and Sarah smirks.
“Now that was something,” she shakes her head. “Talk about instant karma.”
I chuckle, feeling a swell of pride within me. Years ago, I would have done anything to escape the likes of Heather.
But now? Now I stand here, surrounded by people who value me for who I am, in a place that belongs to me.
“Karma,” I say, laughing softly, “served with a side of justice.”
