One

Ivy's Pov

“Looks like you have a new admirer.” My co worker Jenny, whispered to me.

I knew what she meant. I glanced at the far end of the restaurant.

A man sat alone at a table near the back. He’d been there for hours, absentmindedly stirring a bowl of soup that had long gone cold, while his eyes were fixed on me. I was use to men staring. A lot of them often complimented my looks, and some even mistook kindness for an invitation until I firmly reminded them to keep their hands to themselves.

But this man's stare wasn’t like usual stares. It was creepy and made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

“He looks rich, why not go and say hi? It might lead to something.” Jenny continued.

I shook my head.

“No thanks. I have a boyfriend. I don’t plan to cheat on him.”

“Well, maybe you should. All these wealthy guys that come in every evening. I’m sure you’ld have gotten quite a few interested in you if you gave them the green light. Then you won’t have to struggle and stress so much about your grandma’s medical bills.”

“Not interested Jenny.” I said, irritated about being reminded of my grandmother’s medical bills. “I am working to cover the bill. I don’t need the help of any rich jerk.”

She rolled her eyes.

“ Being a goody-goody doesn’t pay the bills, Ivy. Sometimes you have to bend the rules if you want life to finally bend in your favor.”

“Well that’s not me. I have no intention of cheating on Joe. We love and trust each other.”

She shook her head as if I was a lost cause and moved away. I glanced at the man. He was still staring. I ignored him and finished cleaning the table. Business was slow tonight, I guessed because it had been raining all afternoon. Since there was nothing to do, I snuck off to the bathroom and called Joe.

“Hey babe, how is your shift?” He asked.

“Boring, and I’m worrying about you. How are you feeling?” I asked. He’d cancelled our dinner date earlier because he had an upset stomach.

“Worse. I think it’s all that pizza I had last night. But I’ve been to the pharmacy and gotten some medication that will help.”

“Poor you. Are you sure I shouldn’t come over and make you feel better?” I teased.

He laughed softly. “No sweetheart it’s okay. You don’t get off till midnight remember? It will be too late. I’m off to bed right now, I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you too. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I hung up smiling. No matter how sad, bored, or tired I was, talking to Joe always cheered me up.

I went back to the restaurant. The creepy man was still there and resumed staring as I came in. I sat with my back to him, wondering how to kill boredom. I decided to call Chloe my best friend. I'd gone to see her that afternoon and she'd flashed a huge diamond ring in my face.

“He proposed!” She yelled in excitement.

I knew she meant her fiance. He lived in New York and I’d never met him, but Chloe talked about him all the time, and showed me all the expensive gifts he’d given her, including paying for her very comfortable apartment.

“Congratulations!” I exclaimed admiring the beautiful ring.

I was thrilled for her but running late for my shift, so I promised to call. Now I was keeping my promise, but she wasn’t picking up.

She was probably out having a solo celebration. I would get the details tomorrow. I glanced at the time. 9pm. Three hours before closing time and not much to do. I looked back to see Mr. Creepy was gone. He must have left while I was on the phone. Good riddance to creepy rubbish. I thought.

The manger came over.

“Guys, since there isn't much business tonight, you all can clean up and head home.”

We almost cheered. We hurriedly cleaned up and left the restaurant.

“Want to join us for a movie?” Jenny asked as I waited for a cab

“No. I’m going to see Joe. He isn’t feeling too good. I want to keep him company.”

“Ok lover girl. Good night.”

I rolled my eyes and took a cab to Joe’s apartment. I was happy to see his lights were still on. He was awake. I let myself in with my spare key. The plan was to sneak into his bedroom, undress and lie on his bed. I almost laughed thinking how surprised he’d be.

But as I entered the hallway he was coming out of his bedroom, stark naked.

“Ivy? He asked wide eyed, “what the hell are you doing here?”

“Surprise.” I laughed a little. “My shift ended early so I came to make you feel better, like I promised.”

“I told you not to come. Why don’t you fucking listen?”

My smile faded.

“I was worried about you.” I said, wondering why he was so agitated.

“Babe? Who are you talking to?” A female voice called from the bedroom.

I paled.

“Joe, who is that in your room?” I asked. I could feel my blood pressure rising.

I didn’t wait long for an answer. Chloe walked out of the bedroom wearing his T.shirt.