Chapter 4

Selena froze. Hot blood rushed through her veins as her father’s presence loomed behind her. She glanced at Jenny, catching the pity in her friend’s eyes before Jenny quickly looked away.

The noisy restaurant suddenly felt like a graveyard. Customers laughed and clinked glasses, but Selena knew it was only a matter of seconds before they all turned to watch her get scolded—again.

For the hundredth time that day, she wished Mikey would walk through the door. His money had a magic way of softening her father; as long as she was with him, lateness didn’t matter. Anger flared hot in her chest. Mikey had chosen work over her. Again. She’d begged for one day together, and he’d brushed her off with excuses. She’d told herself his job was important, that he was building their future—but standing here, facing potential humiliation, those excuses rang hollow. Mistrust crept in, sharp and unwelcome.

Slowly, she turned, forcing a bright smile. “Hello, Dad!”

His face was grave, etched with thin lines that hadn’t been there last year. A sneer twisted his mouth, and Selena’s legs felt rooted to the spot. She braced for the lecture.

“Yes! Nice to see you too!” he growled.

“Uh… I… I…” she stammered.

Then his expression shifted. The sneer vanished, replaced by a genuine smile. “How are you feeling now, Selena?”

It sounded more like a statement than a question. “You had me worried. I told Jennifer to call you, but she said you didn’t pick up.”

Selena blinked, confused. The shift was so sudden she almost laughed. “Sorry, Dad. My phone was on silent. SHIT!” She glanced at the screen—8% battery. “It’s dying.”

“What’s wrong?” he asked, smile widening.

“Battery’s almost dead.”

“Oh.” His grin grew. “Guess you had a great time with him.”

“Yeah… it must’ve drained while I dozed off with the game on.”

“Dozed? Game?” Surprise flickered across his face. “You mean you weren’t with him?”

“Who?”

“Michael Dangoat, of course.”

“Uh… no. I was home.”

His smile faded instantly, replaced by his usual stern business look. Selena understood why—without Mikey in the picture, she was just another employee running late.

“Anyway, hurry and get to work. No time to waste. Make sure the Pillows are served properly, yeah, Jennifer?” He gestured toward the VIP section, where a well-dressed family waited.

“Yes, sir!” Jenny replied.

With that, he strode off to the far corner, already barking orders at a group of waitresses.

Selena turned to Jenny, catching the quiet sigh of relief that escaped her friend.

“He thought I was with Mikey,” Selena whispered. “That’s why he didn’t call me out.”

“Yeah… I think so.” Jenny hesitated. “Do you think he really likes him, or is it just the money?”

“I don’t know anymore.” Selena forced a grin to change the subject. “How’s business been?”

“Same as always. But oh—!” Jenny grabbed Selena’s arms, eyes wide with excitement, pulling her back a step. Selena knew that look—something juicy.

“Just some idiot who got too boozy and knocked wine glasses off Zendy’s tray—right onto me. Had to change my uniform and reapply perfume.”

Selena finally took in her friend’s appearance: short, red-dyed dreads coiled tight, bright dark eyes, small nose above red lips that parted to show neat white teeth. The standard uniform looked fresh.

“Oh no! Did anyone see?”

“Everyone saw. I wanted to die. But then a prince charming saved me.” Jenny blushed. “He covered for me, made it look like nothing happened. Oh—and he caught me when I almost fell. By the time I cleaned up, he was gone. Didn’t even get to thank him.”

Selena smiled. “You sweet thing. I’m sure he’ll come back. First time you’ve seen him?”

“Yes!” Jenny answered before Selena finished.

Selena opened her mouth to tease, but spotted her father across the room. “Dad’s watching. Better get moving.”

“You bring your charger?”

“Nope. Didn’t realize the battery was low till now.”

“No problem. I have mine. Let’s change into your uniform first.”

“Sure!”

They wove through the crowded tables toward the staff room. Selena noticed something different about Jenny—a spark she hadn’t seen in ages, not since that awful breakup. Her friend was falling for someone again.

As Jenny pushed open the dresser-room door, Selena hoped this time it was the right guy. Until she met him, though, she couldn’t fully approve.

But deep down, watching Jenny glow, Selena felt a quiet ache. When was the last time someone made her feel that way—protected, seen, without strings or money involved?

Maybe never.