Beverley 06: Stripped Server

Author Notes: Everyone in this story is more than 18 years old.

This is the sixth Beverley story, but each story can be read on its own.

There is no sex in this one.

* * *

"That's great news, ma'am," said Jeremy, clenching both fists in his enthusiasm. "Raleigh area is where we all live and work. Chapel Hill, mostly, but Elisa and Larry are in Durham. All of us within a dozen miles or so."

Beverley had met Jeremy coming out of Home Depot and stopped to talk to him. He and five of his class fellows had made up the second batch in the soft skills course run by CB Solutions, the company owned by Beverley and her partner, Chris. They had all been in their Senior year of college then. Initially sceptical about the value of the course, they had developed a deep respect for Beverley and her teaching as the course progressed.

"It'll be nice to meet you all again, if that's possible," said Beverley, smiling. These six students had been friendly and had remained in touch by messaging after they left town for their careers. "I have a business meeting in the afternoon, but I should be free in the evening."

"I'll let the others know," said Jeremy. "They'll all be thrilled. Will you stay over?"

"I could, yeah," said Beverley, thinking. "I'm there on work, so I can book a hotel. Yeah, that'll be nice -- I won't have to drive at night after meeting you people."

"Look, I'm not expecting a big elaborate plan, Jem," she went on, after a moment. "Just getting together and ordering take-out will be fine. I'm happy to just meet you people."

Jeremy waved his hand dismissively. "Ah, we don't need to think about all that, ma'am. Eli will come up with something, I guess."

"That's what I'm afraid of!" Beverley smiled, and then joined Jeremy in full-throated laughter. Elisa was the only girl in their group of six, and de facto leader. Her daredevilry often created stressful situations. "The last time she made a plan, I ended up tied nude to a pole in that garden cafe."

"Ha, ha, ha!" Jeremy chortled. "That old lady was a terror. She'd have called the cops on us if old Wayne hadn't done his cop act."

"Yeah, Wayne thought and acted quickly," said Beverley, nodding. "Well, then, see you on Monday, Jem."

Beverley was humming as she walked to her car and placed her bags in the boot. It would be good to meet her former students. She was only half a dozen years older than most of them, but they showed her enormous respect. If only they didn't come up with so many ways of getting her out of her clothes and into awkward situations...

* * *

"Yeah, it was a good meeting," answered Beverley, as she settled on the couch in Larry's apartment. "Our company does some translation work for these people, and they renewed our contract for the next two years."

She looked around the room and was pleasantly surprised to see so much affection in her former students' expressions. She had taken them through the course her partner Chris had devised, completing it in eight lessons. They had graduated into a tough economy and many of their colleagues were still at a loose end. She was gratified that they credited the soft skills teaching to their own success at job interviews.

"Great that you came to Raleigh, ma'am," said Colin. "It gave us a chance to get together."

"Ok, Eli's on the way," said Wayne, putting his phone down. "Said she had an urgent call from a friend and got delayed."

"It's very good of you all to drop everything to meet me," said Beverley, looking at the five young men in Larry's living room. "It's rare for students to be so nice to a teacher."

"Teachers like you are rare, ma'am," said Derek. "No one else taught us as you did."

"All right!" said Beverley hastily, holding up a hand. "No need for more detail." She looked around at the grins on five faces. "You tricksters are way too much."

Larry went to open the door as a knock sounded and a moment later, Elisa swooped in and wrapped Beverley in a warm hug. Beverley had wondered how such a beautiful girl spent so much time with five young men without any sexual tension, before realizing Elisa was into girls. Beverley was reminded of the younger girl's sexual orientation as the hug stretched a little longer than expected and she felt hands exploring her butt.

"Behave, Eli," said Colin, who was standing behind Beverley and had a view of Elisa's wandering hands. "You're scandalizing your friend."

"Oh, yes," said Elisa, releasing Beverley and turning around. She waved to a petite Asian girl who had come with her. "You all know her. Ma'am, this is my friend Trinh. Her kid brother works with me. Trinh, this is our teacher, Beverley, who taught us the soft skills course."

"Yeah, we met at the party at your home," said Wayne, nodding. "The Mid-Autumn festival you told us."

"That's right," said Trinh, with an effortful smile. "I am pleased you remembered."

"How could we forget?" exclaimed Derek. "That was the best Asian meal any of us have ever experienced!"

"Trinh is a chef," explained Elisa to Beverley. "She's opening her own Vietnamese cruising restaurant tomorrow. Uh, actually, that's where she needs some urgent help."

"Sure!" said Jeremy, enthusiastically. "We'll book a table for tomorrow's first seating. Happy to do it."

"Uh, no," said Elisa. "Yes, we'll have dinner tomorrow, of course, but Trinh needs help today." She looked at Trinh, encouraging her to speak.

"The opening is tomorrow, but I need some publicity, you know? We must have full tables on the first few days." Trinh spoke in a low voice, and the group had to strain their hearing to hear her. She stopped, and looked to Elisa for help.

"She's invited influencers, food bloggers, and the Eating Out columnist of the Triangle Dispatch for dinner tonight," Elisa said. "Good write-ups will generate some buzz for the place, and once people eat there once, they'll come again. You know how good a cook Trinh is."

"No doubt. Absolutely." Derek put in. "Seems a good idea."

"Yeah, so these influencers were playing hardball. Wouldn't commit to coming, so Trinh tempted them by saying they would be served by an exotic nude woman. So they've committed to come, and the woman who'd agreed to serve them has chickened out."

"Can understand," said Wayne. "A mob of bloggers and influencers can be scary."

"It's just six people," said Trinh, softly. "And two of them are women."

"Anyway, Trinh is in the soup," said Elisa. "And she asked me if I knew any good-looking woman who could be a server for dinner. And I thought..." She broke off, looking at Beverley.

"No!" Beverley said immediately. "Not for me, thanks. I'm not exotic, anyway. Very local."

"Ah, if that's the only objection, ma'am," said Elisa, continuing even as Beverley shook her head vigorously and tried to speak. "I don't think those guys will have any objections once they see that magnificent body."

"That's not the only objection," said Beverley, angrily. "I'm not going to serve food in the nude to a bunch of unknown people."

"Trinh's put in a lot of risk for this restaurant, ma'am," said Elisa, looking at Beverley. "Her staff have all given up existing jobs to join her in this venture. If it doesn't take off everyone will be in trouble."

"She'll just have to manage with regular servers," said Beverley stubbornly. "These bloggers are all getting the meal free, aren't they? I'm sure they'll write good reviews."

"If they don't get what they were promised, they'll be pissed," said Elisa, putting her arm around Trinh's shoulders. "Bad reviews on social media will sink Trinh and her crew before they have a chance."

"I didn't create this problem," said Beverley firmly, looking away from Elisa. "I'm sure your friend will do well without this outrageous stunt."

"Trinh has taken a big loan from her bank to finance this, and..." Elisa went on as Beverley looked like a deer caught in headlights. Trinh moved to stand next to her friend and advocate, and the five men subtly moved to stand so that Beverley could not see their expressions. They watched as Elisa, the irresistible force, worked her persuasive sorcery on Beverley, the movable object.

* * *

Beverley tossed her bag onto the couch and frowned petulantly. "Next time I visit you guys, I'm going to lock myself into a suit of armor and leave the key at my bank," she muttered, as the five men tried to hide their smiles. Elisa had stepped out of the apartment to see Trinh to the elevator.

"Trinh apologized for rushing away," Elisa announced, coming back into the living room. "But she has to start cooking soon. The seating is at seven, so she's a bit rushed."

"Yeah, she got the main attraction of the evening sewed up," said Colin, grinning. "But she'll have to put something on the plates."

"Don't say that, Colin," said Elisa, shaking her head. "Trinh is a really good chef, and she's put a lot of money and effort into this new place of hers. This little publicity push will get her up and running."

"I don't know how I got involved in this," said Beverley, glaring at Elisa. "Next time something like this comes up, you do it."

"She promised these guys a beautiful nude server," said Jeremy, smiling at her. "That description pretty much has your name written on it. I don't know anyone who looks more beautiful without clothes than you, ma'am."

"Absolutely!" said Larry, thumping the dining table. "No one else comes close. No disrespect to you, Eli."

"You're never going to see me nude," said Elisa, smiling back at him. "So no offense taken."

"That's not the point!" said Beverley, frowning. She shook her head to clear it and went on. "I feel safe around you guys even if I'm nude. It's fun and exciting. I'm not sure about these media people. And I don't know how many staff Trinh will have."

"Didn't think of that, ma'am," said Elisa, looking somewhat guilty. "Trinh was so weepy and panic-stricken. I just wanted to help her." She paused, thinking. "Trinh wants these guys to have an exclusive dining experience, so we can't be there," said Elisa. "But we can be at some joint nearby and check in with ma'am in the kitchen. Or by phone."

"Yeah, it'll be comforting to know you're nearby," said Beverley, nodding. "Have you met any of Trinh's employees?"

* * *

"Oh, thank you, thank you!" Trinh almost sang as Elisa and Beverley walked through the door of her restaurant. "I was so worried you might not come."

"Yes, well, ma'am said she would, and here she is." Elisa was looking around the main dining hall as she spoke. "It's lovely, Trinh. The traditional Vietnamese pieces are exquisite."

"Thank you, Eli," said Trinh, formally, before stepping forward to hug her friend. "And thank you for helping me out. It would have been a PR disaster otherwise."

"Hey, it's okay. That's what friends are for." Elisa stepped back and gestured to Beverley. "Just take care of ma'am. What are these bloggers and influencers like?"

"Seem to be decent people, Eli," said Trinh. "The two influencers are actually a married couple, and the bloggers are nice, too. I met them all a few times at the place I was working earlier."

"That sounds good, Trinh," said Beverley, looking relieved. She turned to Elisa. "I have my phone, so I'll call you when we're done here."

"Yes, we're at the steak house just down the street, so we'll pick you up when you call." Elisa put her arms around Beverley and kissed her on the lips. "Mmm, you taste wonderful. Why don't you get nude now?"

"Now?" Beverley raised her eyebrows. "But the guests aren't expected for another half hour, at least."

"I think it will be good, Beverley," said Trinh. "You'll get used to being nude, and my staff will also get used to it. Everyone will be comfortable when the guests are here."

"I'll help her," volunteered Elisa. She walked with Beverley through the kitchen and into a small room designated as the staff resting area. "Yeah, ma'am, I'll fold your clothes."

Beverley unbuttoned her dress and took it off over her head and Elisa took it from her hands and began folding it. She gave a low whistle as Beverley unhooked her bra and slid it down her shoulders. Beverley stuck her tongue out at her and slid her panties over her hips and down her legs.

"Ooh, ma'am, you're lovely," whispered Elisa, stepping behind Beverley and hugging her from behind. Her hands moved up Beverley's flanks to cup her lovely firm breasts. Trapping the pink nipples between her fingers, she squeezed them gently, eliciting a small yelp. "No matter how often I see you, I always fall in love again."

"Move on, you little liar," said Beverley, turning her face to look at the younger girl. "But thanks. Do you think my clothes will be safe here?" She put her phone under the small pile of clothes on a side table.

"Should be ok. The entrance here is through the kitchen, so guests won't be in." She squeezed Beverley's breasts again and kissed her neck from behind. "Oh, how I wish you liked girls, ma'am."

"He, he, he! Beverley giggled, stepping forward to free her breasts from Elisa's hands. "I'm straight, but you know I'm not hardcore about it when you're concerned." She looked toward the kitchen and shuddered. "Time to go and meet Trinh's staff."

"Thanks for agreeing, Bev," said Elisa softly. "It was a stupid stunt Trinh thought of, but I'm glad you're helping her avert disaster. I'll send Trinh in to you." With a last kiss on Beverley's cheek, Elisa passed through the kitchen and out of sight.

"Wow!" said Trinh, entering the staff room a moment later. "You're spectacular, Beverley. Eli told me you were lovely, but ..." She trailed off, lost for words.

"Well, thanks, Trinh," said Beverley, smiling through her nervousness. "So how shall we do this?"

"I'll introduce you to the staff," said Trinh, putting her arm around Beverley's bare waist and guiding her towards the kitchen. "Then I'll tell you a little about our menu and the dishes we're serving today, so you can answer any questions from our guests."

Beverley had passed through the kitchen earlier, but the busy restaurant staff hadn't paid attention to her. Now, however, as Trinh guided her to the center of the kitchen, everyone stopped what they were doing to look at the beautiful nude woman. At 28, and after a child, Beverley was still exceptionally slender and she was aware her firm breasts and tapering pink nipples had drawn every gaze. She moved closer to Trinh, finding solace in being close to the Asian girl as six strangers feasted their eyes on her naked body.

"Everyone, this is Beverley, who is helping us out today," Trinh said to her staff, before speaking a few words in Vietnamese. She beckoned to a middle-aged Asian man, who came forward. "Beverley, this is Hao. He's the manager of the restaurant. He'll look after everything out front while I'm busy in the kitchen."

Hao shuffled forward and shook hands. Beverley knew he had run his eyes all over her breasts, belly, and below earlier, but appreciated his effort to smile at her and meet her gaze.

"And this is Quang," Trinh continued as a young man stepped forward. Having less control than Hao, his eyes kept dropping to Beverley's nipples even as he shook hands with her and tried to make conversation. "He's my assistant chef. And this..."

One by one, the other staff came forward and shook hands with the nude woman. Beverley tried to remember the unfamiliar names. She smiled and nodded at all of them, knowing they had put a lot of faith in Trinh by leaving their previous jobs to join her.

One by one, the staff returned to their work. Beverley was struck by their politeness and restraint in this highly unusual situation. Working here this evening might not be too bad an experience. She looked at Trinh, who was working with Quang at one of the platforms.

Beverley had worked as a server at an Italian eatery during her college years, but Asian cuisine was unfamiliar territory. She hoped Trinh would find some time to explain the serving protocols to her before their guests arrived.

Hao bustled over to her and requested her to follow him to the main dining section. "We have a couple of private dining rooms, also,' he explained. "But we're going to seat these people in our main room. It's more impressive, and there won't be anyone else, so they'll be exclusive."

Beverley followed Hao around the room as he showed her the various serving stations, drawers with cutlery and flatware, and the warm and cool stations. He was delighted to learn that Beverley had worked in food service before. "That makes it easy, Miss Beverly. Trinh and I have decided we will serve Asian cuisine but with American service protocols and methods in our restaurant."

Beverley was glad to be away from the several pairs of eyes in the kitchen as she talked with Hao about the evening's proceedings. He opened a cabinet and took out a beautiful decanter. "This is an antique Waterford crystal decanter," he explained, pouring a dark red wine into it. "The broad base allows the wine to breathe and enhances it."

Trinh came into the dining room just then, bringing a strong aroma with her. She noticed Beverley's startled look and grinned. "I was making the fermented fish sauce for Banh Mi. Pretty strong smell, but tastes like heaven."

Beverley nodded and smiled at her. "That's all right. Just took me by surprise, that's all. Can you tell me about your menu? The guests might ask me about the dishes, and I don't know much about your cuisine."

"No, you won't need the menus," said Trinh. "We're giving them a fixed taster menu -- small portions of three appetizers, five mains, and two desserts. So you won't have to take orders or explain the menu."

"That's a relief," exclaimed Beverley. "I was wondering how I would cope with any queries about recipes and ingredients." She was also happy she wouldn't have to stand close to them for the interminable minutes while they read the menu and agonized about their order. She had faced a lot of that while working as a server, but had always been dressed. Standing around nude while diners took their time ordering would be terrible.

"No, I'll handle all that. I know a little about our food," said Hao. He showed them a remote control that he pulled from his pocket. "This rings a chime in the kitchen. If there's a question about the food that I can't answer, this will bring either Quang or Trinh out to answer it quickly."

"Let's run through the dishes we're serving," proposed Trinh. "Banh Mi, which I mentioned is like a hamburger, but more balanced. Not all meat, it has pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro, and other flavors, in a soft baguette. People think Vietnamese food is all about Pho, so we're not serving that, but Cao Lau is noodles with barbecued pork and ..."

Trinh went on to describe the dishes the bloggers and influencers would be enjoying. Being nude in a semi-public place, Beverley had half her attention on other sounds and her heart jumped as she heard voices and footsteps in the passage outside the restaurant. All three turned to the door as it opened and their guests poured in.

"My God!" a tall, blond man came to a sudden stop as he saw the three people moving to welcome them. His eyes fixed on Beverley's nude body, as did all the others. "I thought it was a joke. But you actually have a nude server!"

"Yes, well, we want you all to have a fun, memorable experience here," said Trinh, and Beverley noticed how poised and assured she sounded. It was so very different to the shy, uncertain behavior at Larry's apartment. "I'm Trinh; owner and head chef. Hao is our very experienced restaurant manager. And this is Beverley, who will be taking care of you this evening."

"I'm Troy," said the blond man, shaking hands with Trinh. "And this is my other half, Rosalie. We're influencers on Insta and other channels."