From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )

"I don't have a cellphone," Anthea admitted with unaffected honesty.

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Weston, "Oh, sorry about that."

"It's no big deal."

Harriet had noticed the uptick in customers over the past few days too. Their little rotisserie had always done alright, but this was the first time they'd seen a line out the door.

Could Anthea be the reason? Ever since she started here, the number of diners had surged day by day.

So, beauty wasn't entirely useless after all.

With this thought, Harriet softened her gaze as she looked at Anthea, "Hey, if you're feeling wiped, take a break, no sweat. I'm not one of those slave-driver bosses."

"Thanks," Anthea replied, her relief evident.

"Don't mention it," Harriet said, giving Anthea's hand an encouraging pat.

Just then, a young woman dressed to the nines in designer gear strolled by and caught sight of Anthea clearing a nearby table. She nudged her pixie-cut companion with an elbow, a puzzled look on her face, "Hey, Mae, who is that?" © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Mae slapped a hand over her mouth, shocked. "Holy cow! Is that Anthea?"

"Let's go check it out."

Both women could hardly believe the transformation in Anthea. It had only been a few weeks, but the change was dramatic.

"Anthea?"

Anthea looked up, her long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings, leaving the two women dumbfounded. Was this Anthea?

Flashes of information about the two women surfaced in Anthea's mind.

They were Mae and Alicia.

The original host had been known for her heavy makeup and revealing outfits, a style largely influenced by her so-called friends.

Mae and Alicia were from decently wealthy families in Cloudcrest, but they couldn't hold a candle to the Morris family. They'd always been green with envy over previous Anthea's good looks and privileged background. They'd cozied up to her, using her status to boost their own and taking advantage while they could.

The original Anthea had been an easy mark, swayed by just a few flattering words.

They said heavy makeup suited her, so she caked it on. They told her she looked good in skimpy outfits, and she'd bare more skin.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Anthea asked with indifference.

"Oh, nothing, just wanted to chat for a second," Mae forced a smile, "Ann, we've missed you since you left! What's with the makeover? Ditching the glam, huh? You've gone too plain!"

Once Alicia caught on to Mae's insinuation, she quickly chimed in, "Exactly! Ann, you look downright dowdy now! We barely recognized you!"

A sardonic glint flashed in Anthea's eyes before she looked up at them with a touch of feigned helplessness, "Truth is I'd love to look nice and wear makeup! But you both know the life I'm living now. Guess I'll just have to keep on being plain."

That just wouldn't do! Mae, alarmed, hastily pulled a wad of cash from her purse and pushed it into Anthea's hands, "Ann, if it's money you need, use this to get yourself some makeup!"

Anthea demurred, "I can't take your money."

"Just take it," Alicia insisted, stuffing the cash into Anthea's hand, her tone brooking no argument, "We're all besties, aren't we? Mae and I want you to shine like you used to, all dolled up and turning heads."

With seemingly no choice but to accept, Anthea took the money with a show of reluctance, "Thanks! You're the best friends I could have!"

As Anthea capitulated, Mae and Alicia exchanged looks brimming with scorn.

Anthea was a fool, forever and ever.