CHAPTER 16

AMARA'S POV****

I got the job on a random day.

I wasn't dressed fancy. Just jeans, a plain top, and sneakers that had seen better days. I walked into the café. The bell rang. Like it was announcing my arrival.

The place was small, warm. It smelled like coffee and baked bread. It was comforting.

I looked around, the place was packed. It was rush hour. People stood in a line. Then I saw a woman behind the counter. She looked up at me. Her hair was quite a mess. She looked tired, the dark circles under her eyes confirmed it.

“Pleaes stand in the line ma'am,” she said. “It will get to your turn soon.”

“Oh no. I am here for the Job,”

She stared at me wearily.

“It was listed online and a signboard outside the cafe said the same,” I continued.

“Oh, pardon me,” she said. “Are you experienced?”

“No. But I'm a fast learner.”

She sighed and glanced at the line.

“Can you start today?”

“Today?” I repeated.

“Yes. As you can see we're short staffed.”

“Okay. I can…ummm start now.”

“Good,” she said. “Apron's there. My name's Rosa.”

“I'm Amara.”

No interview. No warning. Just pure chaos.

“You can handle the table orders. I'll take the lines,” she instructed.

Five minutes later, I was already confused.

“Two cappuccinos, one no sugar!” someone yelled.

I turned to the girl beside me. “Which one is cappuccino again?” I knew which was cappuccino. My mind is blank. This is chaotic.

She stared at me. “Seriously?”

“I'm new,” I said quickly.

She just rolled her eyes. “Watch me.”

I tired. I really tired. But I just kept mixing orders. I have latte to the wrong person. Almost dropped a tray when someone bumped into me.

“Sorry!” I said so many times it stopped sounding real.

A man frowned at his cup. “This isn't what I ordered.”

“I– I'll fix it. I'm so sorry.” 

Rosa looked at me from the counter. “Breathe,” she said. “You'll survive.”

I took a deep breath and continued.

By the time the rush slowed down, my legs was hurting, my head was spinning. But I was still standing. 

Finally, the cafe was almost empty. I went to the kitchen and sat down. Trying to get some rest.

“You did okay,” Rosa said. I didn't know when she came in.

“Thank you.”

I took out my phone to check if Dorian texted me. But nothing. I really should stop this. I thought his absence will help me get over this feeling but it only made it worse. I feel empty.

Rosa told me to go home early since I did well on my first day. I couldn't be more thankful. I was exhausted. So I went back home. To get a little sleep before going to the club.

I felt fulfilled. I had a normal day. I liked my new job.

—-

I stepped into the club. Same music. Same vibe. Nothing’s changed.

I went on the stage to dance. I was tipped. I went back to the dressing room to rest but I fell asleep.

I woke up to see it was 7am already. I can't believe I slept till. “When did I fall asleep?” I murmured.

I quickly grabbed my things and headed home. The café opens at 9am. I can't be late. That's a bad second impression. 

I showered and quickly grabbed my bag as I'd be going to the club from the café. I checked my phone once again. And I saw a text.

From Dorian.

I stopped in my tracks. My pulse picked up. 

"I'm back. I'm at the airport."

I kept staring at the phone. Blinking repeatedly.

What do I do?