Eight

JOJO:

My first stop the next day was the restaurant. Today was supposed to be payday, it gladdened my heart. I was going to keep my mind on that positive thought and nothing else. Nothing, and I mean, absolutely nothing, could ruin my day for me.

I met Viktor at the counter with my sincerest smile after I had changed into my uniform. He immediately assigned me to some table. The restaurant was particularly busy this morning. All the tables were filled up and I know what that meant; more tips and a generally good mood.

Dear goddess, what did I do to be so lucky? I also noted that Viktor was here on time. Today was going to be a wonderful day, all the signs were clear.

My gaze swept around the room. The restaurant's owner was seated at the far end of the room, alone, her head buried in a book as usual. For some reason, I had always been drawn to this woman. I told myself it was because she was always a tad bit too kind. But, I couldn't help but feel it was more than that.

On my way to my last designated table, Mel ran up to me.

"Could you please cover table 15 for me, JoJo? Shawn is outside and I need to go now." She pleaded, using my own puppy dog eyes as weapons against me. I did agree anyway, even though my feet hurt badly. I mean, who can say no to puppy eyes?

I noticed how happy Mel was these days. No doubt, it was the "Shawn" effect. I loved my best friend, but I couldn't help but wonder what it was about penises that made females so giddy. It was just how my mother used to be before my father showed his true self.

Granted, there were good men, like the one who saved me that night - who I still haven't found a way to get to - but, even he must have his demon. He sure knew how to throw punches.

I pulled away from my thoughts as I approached table 15. My nostrils were immediately greeted by the scent of the strong cologne, definitely designer, of the domineering male figure. Thick and broad shoulders that threatened to bulge out of his shirt, and long and veiny arms. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to his elbows. I swallowed hard and staggered back. There was a lady beside him, with a frown on her face.

His date, I presumed.

An epitome of beauty and elegance, even as she frowned, just like the ladies in magazines. However, I couldn't miss the tension at the table. It was so thick I thought I could reach out and grab it. I couldn't handle this. All the sexiness and power oozing from this table was too much, even for me. I made my way to head back to the table, but the woman caught sight of me before I could move.

I froze at the spot, eagerly searching for my voice.

"Um, welcome to The Diners, can I take your orders?" I could swear that I was mumbling, it was a miracle they had heard me.

LAKE:

"Get me the veggie salad and a glass of water."

Jessica, the girl my grandmother had tactically forced me to go on a date with, said out loud. I hated the way she batted her lashes, as though she could get whatever she wanted.

Truth be told, I did not want to be seated there. I would have rather been sipping coffee in the office or playing video games with Kenji.

This was a waste of my time.

"S... sir?"

I did not know why the waitress stuttered, but I ignored it and replied.

"I'll have the Fettuccine Alfredo."

I saw her look over me. Her eyes held a strange expression in them like she was lost in a maze.

I shouldn't have felt anything. I was too used to being looked over by women, but something about her eyes filled me with…content, and power.

She nodded, swallowed hard, and scurried away from us. I watched her walk away. There was something about her, something I could not quite lay my finger on.

She looked too much like someone I had seen before; someone I had once met. She had the same color of hair and eyes as the woman I had saved some nights ago, but it had to be a different person.

The woman I met that night was a whore, she was a waitress…and a shy one at that.

They couldn't be the same.

Jessica was still talking. I knew because I saw her lips move as she spoke, but I could barely hear a word that was being said because I wasn't listening.

In front of us, the waitress returned with our tray of food.

She must have moved too fast, as soon as she crashed into the table, the glass of water tripped from the tray and spilled all over Jessica.

Her hands began to shake. She was able to save the glass from shattering and tried to save Jessica's shirt with her napkin.

I would have intervened, but I was interested in seeing how it would all play out. I watched Jessica carefully, her face was beetroot red, fuming with anger.

Jessica didn't think her too much of a heroine, the resounding slap she plastered on her cheek was more than enough proof of that.

I narrowed my eyes at Jessica while leaning into the chair I relaxed on. Jessica had exploded, just like I wanted her to…like I expected her to.

It was a good enough reason for me to dust my shoes and take my leave. She did not have any control over her anger. Either that, or she did not have any respect for the woman standing in front of her.

"You good for nothing swine! Do you have any idea how much this dress you just ruined cost?!" Her eyes blazing with anger, Jessica yelled.

"It's...it's just... just water, ma'am. I promise I can dry it off. We have spare clothes you could use until—"

She packed a handful of her veggie salad and flung it toward the waitress's face.

"You, stupid waiter, this suit of mine is worth a year of your salary. Don't presume that this matter will end like this."

My fists curved into a firm ball. I had seen enough. As if the slap that not annoyed me, she had the guts the throw food at the woman.

"I don't want your dirty clothes!" She cried out. Jessica held the woman by her collar and pushed her down. Her back hit the ground with a loud thud.

I felt my stomach revolt against me. I couldn't watch this, not anymore.

"That's enough."

Jessica shot daggers at me, but I ignored her.

I leaned into her and stretched my hand. She stared at me, uncertain if she should accept my help, or not.

I was going to draw my hands back if she didn't take it.

Fortunately, I didn't have to.

She placed her soft palm in mine. I tried to pull her up as much as I could. And that was when it hit me. It was her, my Mate!

"Thanks." She looked into my eyes as she spoke.

I did not reply. I only pulled out a wad of cash from my side pocket and placed it on the metal table.

"Compensation for her behavior."

She stood there with wide eyes, and so did Jessica.

"What? She was the one who threw water on me!" Jessica screamed maniacally.

"And your fingers are on her face, there's salad on your hand. That is not something to be proud of."

I was out of the restaurant with that short statement, at the edge of my self-control.

I hoped Jessica wouldn't try to come too close to me after this. There was no telling what I'll have to do to get her off my back.