Tess moves from her rural hometown to New York City with a dollar and the simple dream to something with her life, even though she doesn't quite know what that something is yet.

After countless interviews at multiple restaurants, she walks into 5-star, pristine restaurant to interview with Howard, a quiet man with a secret smile and nice nails.

Although it seems as if Tess bombs the interview, after one thing leads to another and a polite smile and a compliment are exchanged here and there, Tess gets the invitation to train as a back-waiter by midnight.

However, her training was nothing like the interview to Tess's dismay. In this new, fast-paced and commonly rude profession, Tess is simply the wide-eyed newbie whose charm would no longer cut it.

She meets Will, her kind but impatient trainer. Sasha, a Russian waiter and prospective ally, who responds positively to her kindness by returning the favor when she starts bleeding.

Tweedle-rude and Tweedle ruder, two waitresses who tag team in constantly insulting her to her face. Simone, the mysterious maternal figure who seems to have her life completely together and treats everyone else like children.

And lastly, she meets the sweet and edgy, mystery-guy waiter who shares an oyster with her in a closet that opens up a whole new sensory door for her.