Chapter 4 — Madame André

Madison Williams

The rich aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread enveloped Madison as she stepped through the doors of Madame André for her first official shift. The subtle hum of conversation mingled with the clinking of glasses and the gentle scrape of cutlery against porcelain plates. The air carried the faint scent of buttery croissants and tangy citrus, adding another layer of warmth to the space. The restaurant was intimate, elegant yet unpretentious, with polished wooden floors reflecting the soft, golden lighting overhead. Small round tables were adorned with crisp white linens and single candles flickering gently in their glass holders. Despite the inviting charm, the restaurant’s finely tuned atmosphere only heightened Madison’s nervousness. It felt as though she were stepping into a perfectly choreographed performance, unsure of her place on stage.