Lucy took tables four order and returned to the kitchen as she blows a sign of relief.
'He wouldn't stop starting at you" The Alex whispered as he eyed Lucy up and down.
'Who?" She questioned not sparing whoever it was, as much as a glance.
"The guy in black suit"
"Oh my gosh, Alex—I completely forgot about him. Lucy said a small prayer as started to arrange his order on a tray.
"Hope I don't lose my job because of this," she whispered.
"Girl, seriously you need to stop worrying besides," Alex added with a mischievous grin, "I think he likes you."
Lucy froze, her hands gripping the tray. "Why would you say something like that?" she asked, suspiciously.
"Because, girl, you've got your head so far up your own ass you haven't noticed he's been here every night—just sitting there, staring at you."
She sighed. "I don't know what his deal is. He doesn't talk, he doesn't smile—he just watches me like a lost puppy and it gives be the creeps."
she took the tray and begin making her way to his table,
Lucinda reflects on a mysterious figure who has been a regular at the same table for nearly two months, always ordering the same drink and maintaining a silent demeanor. Despite his unremarkable presence, she begins to question whether the man is intimidated or if there is something deeper at play. This shift in perception creates an atmosphere of intrigue, suggesting that the man's consistent behavior might conceal a more complex story. The overall vibe is described as strange, hinting at an unspoken connection or tension.
But I had to play it cool. I needed this job. It wasn't glamorous, but the pay was decent, and decent meant survival.
As she neared his table, she forced a smile to her face—polished and professional, the kind of smile she had mastered in that line of work.
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting longer than expected," she said politely, placing the drinks in front of him.
"Is this how you guys do things around here? " His friend questioned giving lucy a strange look
"It's not a big deal," he said casually, flashing a smile that was both unexpected and oddly disarming. His teeth were perfect—too perfect, like he'd stepped straight out of a high-end commercial.
"What your deal man? We have been sitting here for almost ten minutes without our drinks and your letter her off the hook so quick?"
"Not cool man" he added disapprovingly
The man wore a tailored charcoal suit, the kind that clung perfectly to tall, sharp frames. His shirt was black, his tie blood-red, and his cuff links sparkled like cold stars. He didn't belong in Eastman Bay. He didn't belong in Velvet Ember. He belonged in magazines and marble offices. But there he sat, leaning back in a leather chair, watching her.
Lucy made her way back to table six and set down the orders. "This is not what I ordered," the playful guy declared, speaking loudly enough for Henry to catch wind of their predicament. "I apologise, but you requested a peach margarita, and that is exactly what I ordered. It's possible that the bartender mixed up your order," she replied, attempting to ease the tension in the situation.
"It's all good, no need to make a scene," the third person said while giving his friend's shoulder a tap.
"Yeah right" he sneered emptying the content of his glass all over her garment.
Lucinda screamed as the cold liquor run down her face. Her face become pail instantly as humiliation sense kicks in, she wanted to curl up in a ball and cry, but she was brave.
"I believe it would be advisable for you to depart," a firm and authoritative voice articulated, altering the ambiance immediately.
Lucy's gaze tracked the crowd until it landed on those familiar eyes from table six; he was standing tall at the far end of the room. He took four long strides as he marched to table four and insisted once more, "Did you not hear me?" "Hey man, we're leaving," the third guy replied, quickly getting to his feet and hurrying out of the bar with his friends.
Henry heard the commotion and rushed over to the table, but he was a few seconds late to the party.
"What happened here? "He questioned shooting Lucinda a dirty look
Before Lucinda could respond, the man from table six spoke again, "Is this how you treat your staff?"
"Uh no sir, I will make sure she receives all the necessary care," came Henry's reply.
Lucinda observed as Henry's entire attitude shifted immediately when the man next to her spoke, and she realized that he was not someone to be trifled with.
Lucinda gave a grateful smile to the man who stood up for her, struggling to hold back her tears.
"When does your shift end?"
"I'm sorry?" Lucy replied, gazing into his eyes.
"You heard me, when does your shift finish?"
"She can go now," Lucy heard Henry say softly as the man came closer to her, gripping her elbow and murmuring, "I can give you a lift home."
"That's not needed; you've already done enough for one evening."
"Let me help."
Lucy believed that her pleas would not be heard, so she chose to give him the benefit of the doubt. She went to her designated locker to get her bag and mobile phone, then returned to the main area, but the stranger from table four was missing. Lucy made her way to the parking lot, where she noticed a black SUV flashing its lights at her. She cautiously walked towards the vehicle.
"Hop in," he said, leaning over to open the door for her on the passenger side.
Lucinda scanned the interior of the car and its occupants before questioning "Where's your friend? "
"He had an emergency"
"Oh okay" She added bucking up her seatbelt.
"You need to put your address in the gps"
"Oh sorry" she punched her address into the car gps and he Spead off in the direction of her apartment"
The uncontrollable vibration of his phone caused lucy to wonder who it was, but she didn't allow that taught to consumer her because it was none of her business.
"I think you should answer that"
"It's not important" he snapped
"What_"
Lucy's phone began ringing cutting the stranger off rudely, he turned to her with an impatient frown. she knew what he meant but it was her mother, it was strange because she had never called lucy after 9pm.
Lucy listened to her mother's silent sobs as she recounted the events of the day. "What's wrong, Momma?" she asked in a panic, feeling the warmth of tears rolling down her face. "Is Lucas okay?"
"No and yes, you need to come now!!" is all she said as the line went dead