What started as a three week store opening, turned into hotel quarantine 1,500 miles from home.
Sunday's training went exceptionally well! I was so nervous going into the day because we were officially starting the Hooters Girl Behind the Bar training. I mean, know what I’m doing back there, but I kept doubting my own skills and knowledge. I should have been more confident in myself. After all, they did fly me down to Texas from Michigan and they wouldn’t have invested that type of money in me if they didn’t trust me.
Aside from the fear of imperfection, the day turned out better than I could have imagined. I had answers to all of their questions and the only struggle we had was the struggle to keep their attention. I don’t blame them to be honest, but I put a lot of effort into being extra energetic to keep them entertained and I’m hoping it was at least somewhat appreciated.
After what seemed like an eternity inside the store, we got back to the hotel. This was set up to be a really good night. Jesse made us a signature mac and cheese with crab and shrimp and we were all going to smash it in the lobby. He was taught the recipe from another store opener, Sugar Bear. Together, the two have made modifications the amazing item that graces the secret menu these two trainers have put together. (Not available in stores!) But, when I offered up the mac and cheese party that I had envisioned in my head, no one seemed all that interested. Which was fine….I guess. I changed my plan to just eating it by myself in my hotel room. Whatever. I can party by myself then.
When I got back up to room X09, I immediately put the macaroni in the microwave as the anticipation of this yummy, delicious treat (Jesse Trademark Pending) was too much for me. Hell, the microwave barely had time to beep before I had the bowl in my right hand and fork in my left.
To make the experience complete, I grabbed a soda, sat down and put on Netflix before committing my hunger to the seafood masterpiece. The first bite went down without even touching my tongue. I guess I was just too excited. So, I slowed down for the second bite to give myself some time to really enjoy it. But I still didn't really taste anything.
So that’s really weird, right? I totally felt like this should have a decently strong seafood taste, you know, since it is a seafood mac and cheese. Third bite - nothing. Fourth, fifth, some extra shrimp, only shrimp: still..nothing. It was at this moment that I said, “Oh no.”
I called up my mother because mom's know everything and informed her of my newfound problem. We determined that the mac must just be a little lackluster in flavor. It was at that point that I realized that even my can of Coca-Cola doesn’t have a ton of flavor. It seems like only the carbonation is noticeable. I don’t know if you’ve ever had a can of Coca-Cola, but it has a pretty distinct and strong flavor to it. I grabbed a coffee out of the fridge and a Mediterranean pasta salad, both with the same end result: I didn't taste a thing.
I already knew. I already knew the cause of this loss of taste, but I refused to believe it to be true. However, I knew had to start figuring out my next step. I walked downstairs to head outside but got caught by all of the trainers sitting together in the lobby. I was trying not to be weird, but I knew I was failing. I pulled a chair out, and then pulled it out a little more in order to sit a few feet back from the table. I had texted my Training Coordinator (TC) to make sure she was free for my concerned phone call, and walked outside when she gave me the okay.
Following our discussion, I returned to the table of my peers and stood behind the chair I had earlier placed far away from them. I fought with my longing to stay and hang out, but I knew that staying would be extremely irresponsible. With an awkward goodnight, I returned to my room and searched for a testing site. I made an appointment for the morning and figured I should get some sleep.
My TC woke me up at 8:17 a.m. Monday morning to check in on my well-being and to ensure that I was still getting tested.
Did I want to?
No.
No, I did not.
Did I know that I had to?
Yes.
I was not happy about it.
But where was I just after 10 a.m.? Sitting inside the urgent care getting a swab shoved up my nose, damn near touching my brain. I swear, another inch and some part of my body would have started twitching like a marionette doll. This was my second test and, while it was a worse feeling than my first test, it still wasn’t as bad as everyone says it is. But that doesn’t make it any less of a shitty way to start out the week.
10:36 a.m.
“Hello, is this Farrand? I was calling to let you know that we have your test results and you have tested positive for COVID 19. I do have..”
The rest of that phone call was mostly a blur. I knew it was just a matter of time before the virus finally got to me. I worked all through the state shut-down and I do work with the public everyday. But it had to happen NOW?!
I have been in close contact with a team of trainers and a group of trainees since Thursday. We have been in vehicles together, taking breaks together, we have been in close contact for 4 days constantly while I have apparently been carrying the virus of the decade. What’s going to happen now? Everyone will have to get tested. Everyone will have to quarantine. I have just ruined this experience for so many people including the money that the company has put into it.
My mind was racing a million miles a minute while I was comprehending the fact that I have to figure all of this out while being 1,500 miles away from home.
What happens next?
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