Chapter Five

        I turned away from the beautiful man at my back, and dread and embarrassment filled me. It was my ex-boyfriend. I just had to go and think about him. It was like those thoughts summoned him here to torment me. He was the only boy I have ever dated. I did everything in my power to forget him. He was the one who ruined the rest of high school for me. Once he took my virginity, he dumped me right away. He wasn’t even done buttoning his pants when he ended it. I hated his beautiful face. He made my junior year of high school hell. My senior year was just as horrible, thanks to him. Even though he did not go to my school, he made sure people knew about it and made fun of me for it. I never understood the point in all of that. To make me miserable. But what hurt the most was losing all of my friends, including a childhood best friend, Sarah. She believed his lies and turned against me, leaving me alone in the midst of all the rumors and mockery. She even helped him make my life hell. 

       Fucking Chad Lockwood, he stared at me with a mocking smile on his face as he had two giggling blonde women on each arm. He could go straight to hell. What did I ever see in him?

        “Oh, Chad, you’re so bad, hehehe,” one blonde girl snickered, giving him a playful smack on his arm.

         “Oh, Chad, you don't mean she is a... You know what? I didn't think the Holloways would allow that kind of trash up here,” blonde two asked in a shocked tone.

        “Oh, I do, ladies. The Holloways must be really desperate for workers to hire her. A desperate human bottom feeder. She is poor as trash, too.” Chad spoke to the two girls with such an arrogant attitude that I wanted to slap him. However, I refrained because I didn’t want to cause problems for Phil and his family. I knew Chad’s family had money and was influential in the town where they lived. So, it would start unnecessary issues for them if I did. I would never want to cause harm to the only family I had left, no matter how much I hated Chad. In Chad fashion, he couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

         I had no idea what they were going on about really, or what I ever did to deserve such hatred from Chad. Why did he have to go so far out of his way to make my life worse than it already was? I know I was poor, but what did that matter? I quickly grew angry with how much Chad was bad-mouthing the Holloways, though. I couldn't care less what he said about me. Yes, it hurt, but I was the idiot who slept with him. Why did he have to badmouth them? They were nothing but pleasant, and they never treated people poorly. Before I could regret bad mouthing Chad while I was on the clock, the man behind me growled out in a menacing tone that sent shivers down my spine.

       “The only disgraceful person here is you, Chad.” The handsome man moved into a protective stance in front of me. I don’t know why he would. He didn’t know me. Something instinctively told me the stranger would never let me get hurt while he was around. It was a confusing feeling.

       I did not know what to say after that. He did not know me, but he must have known Chad. So maybe he already had issues with him? Perhaps that’s why he is practically growling at Chad, and it had nothing to do with me. Even though the stranger was in front of me, I felt like I couldn’t speak or move. I had to get going, though; Kelly would be looking for me if I didn’t return soon. I had no idea how to defuse this strange standoff that these two guys were having. I felt like I should do something, but I couldn’t. Nothing like this ever happened to a girl like me. I was feeling like a fish out of water.

         “Hey now, this is not the place to have a pissing contest.” A familiar male voice said in a playful tone I’d recognize anywhere. The handsome man moved before me like he was blocking me from anyone approaching me.

        “I agree. I do not want my employee under unnecessary stress. So, knock this shit off right now.” Joel stated angrily. I knew it had nothing to do with what I did. I turned to see the Holloway brothers standing side by side. Joel watched the two sets of guys glaring at each other. He didn’t try to look at me; he was too busy staring down at the two guys. Jordan noticed my glance his way and gave me a wink. I smiled to myself at his easy demeanor. I relaxed knowing they were here. Their protecting me made sense.

         “Jordan, please escort Miss Danniella to the elevator so she does not have any further trouble with the guests here,” Joel commanded. I silently thanked whoever was looking out for me for that saving grace.

         Jordan just nodded his head at his brother, then nudged his head at me towards the elevator. I got the diner cart and headed towards the elevator and Jordan. About halfway to the elevator, I turned back to steal one last glance at the most handsome man I have ever seen. If I could, I would bet on the fact that I would probably never see him again. I was shocked to see he was watching me with wide eyes. He looked like he wanted to say something or come running after me. I doubted he would. Joel looked pissed, and that stopped anyone from doing anything. But part of me wished he would, that he would defy Joel and come after me.

         Jordan just put his arm around me and turned me back around, and moved me to the elevator. So off I went. Once inside the elevator and the doors closed, Jordan let go of a long breath. One I didn’t realize he was holding.

         “Well, that is not how I wanted things to go,” Jordan said, sounding defeated.

        “What do you mean by that?” I asked him, confused.

        “I had Kelly send you up. I wanted to see you,” Jordan admitted. He moved closer to me, wrapping his arms around me. His warmth surrounded me. He was the more affectionate of the two brothers. I accepted his hug, and I wrapped my arms around his back. He always made me feel safe.

         “I have been feeling bad for not seeing you sooner. It has been a few months, but I have been so busy with work... And well, I know Joel has been feeling the same way. Even though I doubt he will ever admit to it. So what better way to see you than having you come up to the floor we work on,” Jordan admitted.

          “I have missed you guys, too. I understand your job here can keep you busy, but I have also not been myself since... Well, you know...” The rest of my words got caught in my throat at the thought of my dad.

        “All the more reason we should have been there for you.” Jordan squeezed me before letting go. A moment later, the elevator door opened.