Kevin stepped out of the kitchen after the training session, wiping his hands on a towel. The afternoon sun felt warm on his face as he stood just outside the front door, taking a moment to breathe in the fresh Toontownsville air and admire the big clam-shaped sign on its iron post.
While he was enjoying the quiet, a figure approached.
An anthropomorphic robin in her early 20s walked up, looking a little nervous but determined. She had vibrant red and white feathers. The lower portion of her head and the front of her body were snowy white, while her hair, arms, back, and tail feathers were a rich red. Two brown comma-shaped markings sat on each side of her head. She had a grey, curved beak and long, thick grey legs with two toes and black stripes. She wore a simple casual outfit, a light jacket over a t-shirt and shorts.
She stopped in front of him and asked hesitantly, "Uhmm… Is this the Krusty Krab?"
Kevin smiled, glanced back at the large sign, then back at her. "It is, yes."
"Thank god, I thought I was getting lost," she said with visible relief. "Do you work here? I just want to speak with the owner. I'm trying to apply for a position."
Kevin's smile widened. He extended his hand for a handshake. "I'm the owner of the restaurant, Kevin Harlan."
Her eyes widened in shock and she stuttered, "N-Nice to meet you, sir! My name is Margaret Smith."
Kevin nodded warmly. "Nice to meet you too, Margaret. Let's go to my office. I'll interview you there."
Margaret followed him inside, her eyes growing wide as she took in the interior. "Wow… this place looks amazing," she murmured, marveling at the steering-wheel tables, barrel chairs, and the nautical theme.
Kevin led her to his office in the corner of the first floor and gestured for her to sit in the barrel chair. He opened her resume on the computer and began the interview.
"So, Margaret, what made you want to apply here?"
"I saw the posting and the location is really convenient," she answered honestly. "I've worked as a waitress before in smaller cafés and I'm good with customers. I learn fast and I'm reliable."
Kevin nodded. "How do you handle busy rushes and difficult customers?"
"I stay calm and smile through it," she said. "Even when things get chaotic, I try to keep the energy positive. I'm also good at remembering orders and upselling when it fits."
"What about working late hours or doing closing duties?"
"That's fine with me. I don't mind staying late if needed."
Kevin asked a few more questions about her availability, teamwork, and whether she was comfortable with a fun, cartoonish atmosphere. Margaret answered confidently and politely.
After a few minutes, Kevin smiled and extended his hand across the desk.
"Welcome to the Krusty Krab, Margaret. You're hired."
Margaret's face lit up with pure joy. "Really? Thank you so much!"
Kevin slid a simple contract over. She signed it quickly, still beaming.
"Great. Come with me, I'll introduce you to the team and explain your duties."
He led her to the kitchen where SpongeBob, Squidward and Colette were still organizing supplies.
Kevin clapped his hands. "Everyone, this is Margaret Smith our new waitress. Margaret, this is SpongeBob, Squidward and Colette."
SpongeBob waved enthusiastically. "Hi Margaret! Welcome to the team!"
"Hi'" Squidward said.
Colette gave a small nod. "Hello."
Kevin then explained her role clearly. "As a waitress, you'll take orders, serve food, keep the dining area clean, and help with closing. Tomorrow is our soft opening, and right now you're the only waitress we have. It might be a little tough at first, but I'll help out wherever I can."
Margaret nodded earnestly. "It's okay, sir. I can handle it. Thank you again for the opportunity."
Kevin smiled. "Good. We open tomorrow at 11 AM. Come in a bit early so we can do a quick run-through."
After walking Margaret out, Kevin returned to his office and sat down at the sea-trunk desk. He opened his computer and started designing simple flyers for the grand opening.
An hour later a knock sounded on the door.
"Come in," Kevin called.
SpongeBob and Squidward entered. SpongeBob was fidgeting, pointing his two index fingers together nervously.
"U-Uhmmmm… Bosss… there is s-something we want to say…"
"Yeah, what is it?" Kevin asked.
SpongeBob opened and closed his mouth a few times but no words came out. Squidward facepalmed and finally spoke up.
"Boss, we want to request an advance on our first salary."
Before Kevin could ask why, Squidward continued, "You see, we just got here and don't have a place to stay yet. We hope to find somewhere to settle down… because we won't have a place to sleep tonight."
Kevin's eyes widened in realization. "Oh right!"
He had completely forgotten. Even though they were summons and loyal to him, they were still living beings with free will and real needs.
"Don't worry," Kevin said quickly. "I'll give you the advance. As for a place to stay you can use the unused rooms at the Ink & Paint Club next door. I know the owner, so it's no problem. Stay there for now. It's almost night anyway. You can look for a permanent place tomorrow or whenever you have free time."
SpongeBob immediately perked up, turning bubbly again. "Thank you, boss!!"
Squidward actually smiled a rare, small one. "Thank you, boss."
The two left the office, closing the door behind them.
Kevin leaned back in his chair and muttered to himself with a soft chuckle, "Even I still don't have a real home…"
He was currently staying in Holli's room at the club, but it didn't quite feel like his own place yet.
"Let's find one after the opening," he said to himself. "Focus on this first."
He turned back to his computer and continued working on the flyers, a determined smile on his face.
The Krusty Krab's first day was almost here.