Chapter 2: Hurdles

**Laura's POV**

I can't believe it! Mr. Custos gave me such an awesome opportunity! I am so excited! He is such a sweet man; I must buy him a thank-you gift. I sang to myself as my heart beat with joy from these overwhelming emotions. Things are finally working out. Just don't screw this up, Laura Ash! I squealed to myself whilst, cleaning the counter.

"Someone seems to be in a good mood," said a male voice, ripping me from my thoughts.

"Morning Jacob, yup! I spoke to Mr. Custos, and in three days' time I am officially working in the kitchen," I proudly announced flashing a toothy grin.

"That's fantastic news! See I told you! Liam is a cool boss, he always opts to help his staff pursue their careers. Just like Sheryl, a month ago he sponsored her education so that she could become an accountant. That's just one of many examples."

"He really is a good heart. I'm finally living the dream!" I laughed like a little girl when I thought of him. I don't know why, but when I spoke to Liam, earlier my heart fluttered, and I felt so shy. I wanted to stay longer for coffee, but he is my boss. He might see it as being courteous, but I on the other hand have a bit of a crush on him. I can't jeopardise my career, it's best to keep my distance and remain professional.

Jacob stared at me somewhat strangely, then quickly cleared his throat. "I'll catch you later sweets, I need to steal a bite before Joey serves the buffet trays, want me to get you something?"

"I'm good!" I sang then returned to my thoughts as Jacob disappeared.

Although starting late at twenty-four, if I work hard and play my cards right I should get there somewhere in my mid-thirties. No matter what, I will become an executive chef!

I have only been working at the Snug Bistro for five months with nothing to my name. I am soon to change my position from waitress to kitchen porter. That's something, right? I'm not going to give up on my dream, I will show my parents. They only let my younger brother go to college, because they believed him to be the breadwinner of the family; while it was expected of me to find and marry a rich man so that I would not be a burden to them. At least they permitted me to finish school, I guess I shouldn't be resentful or act all entitled. Enough about them, I promised myself I would stop dawdling in the past.

As time passed, the bistro started becoming its usual busy self. I had just served my regulars, and now occupied setting a table that had just been cleaned. I was suddenly pulled away from my thoughts, when a voice called for service. I turned to face the woman and I froze for like two seconds until a large smile crept over my lips.

It was my boyfriend, Michael, standing at the entrance whilst holding another woman with a lazy arm around her waist, close to him. He looked at me as if I was a piece of dirt, then returned his affectionate gaze back to the woman. She was a stunner, with long chocolate brown hair, green eyes, full red lips and a body I thought only existed in magazines.

Three days, just three days then I'm in the kitchen—my happy place, I said to myself. The other customers in the room looked completely shocked, except for one smirking figure in the dark far corner. I on the other hand remained calm. I can do this, I cried enough. Treat this like a normal day at work. Michael is now just another customer, I cheered myself on, refusing to show any hint of weakness.

"Welcome, right this way please," I said sweetly catching Michael off guard. You didn’t expect that reaction from me, you cheating pig, I said to myself feeling suddenly empowered.

Michael having another woman is nothing new to me. I had known of his cheating ways since six months ago but decided to keep it to myself, hoping he might find what he was looking for and be the bigger man and let me know himself.

When I first found out, of course I was distraught, heartbroken, and overwhelmed by all the yucky emotions associated with worthlessness and betrayal. Michael was my first love, the only man I had slept with, and we had been together for four years. I genuinely believed he loved me and we had something special. Fortunately, as time passed, I managed to endure and accept my new reality. I decided to let karma take its course, hoping it would be on my side for once.

I let it be and still remained with that traitor. It had its perks, for you see Michael is quite a well-known face. He has affluent and well-respected parents. People feared Michael and his erratic spoiled temper, so no one dared to mess with me and treat me poorly like some used to before I met him—especially my family. However, I knew I needed to become independent, so I decided to get a job at the bistro. I was anyways close to ditching this dick, but now he has made it so easy for me.

As I led the couple to the table I had just cleaned, the woman clung to Michael, her piercing green eyes fixed on me with an expression of triumph. She was truly gorgeous. Michael, on the other hand, wore a confused look, as if he was waiting for a reaction from me. Not today, or ever, arsehole, I thought to myself. Then I took out my notebook and pen and asked, "Can I get you anything to drink while you decide on your meal?"

"I'll have the fruit cocktail," said the woman, visibly wrinkling her nose at me as if I were trash.

"You know what I usually order, Laura," Michael said smugly.

"Apologies, I serve many people, so you'll have to jog my memory," I replied, maintaining a straight face.

"Latte, are you being difficult?" he asked, annoyance creeping into his voice as his temper began to unravel.

"Oh, not at all. I just want to make sure you haven't changed your preferences in drinks as well. Besides, this is the first time you've come to eat here. Anyways, I'll bring your orders shortly," I said sweetly, unfazed, even though I could feel the eyes of the other customers on us. I quickly made my way to the fridges and then to the barista, Bethany, to place Michael's order.

"Hun, what the hell is going on?" Bethany asked concerned.

"Yeah, like what the fuck? Did you break up and not tell me?" Jacob exclaimed shocked and hurt as he crept up from behind with a tray under his arm.

"I'll fill you two in on the details later," I said cheerfully, but Bethany only shook her head as she continued preparing Michael's latte. A few minutes later, I returned with their drinks, only to find them displaying elaborate public displays of affection. It was quite embarrassing and somehow hurtful. Michael had never been that loving towards me out in the open; hell holding my hand was too much for him. Fucking arsehole.

"Here are your drinks. Do you know what you'd like to eat, or should I give you more time to decide? We also have a buffet today," I said trying very hard to act unaffected.

"Oh my, we got carried away and forgot to look at the menu," laughed the woman, glancing at me with a hint of vindictiveness.

"No problem, I'll give you more time," I replied.

Just as I was about to turn and walk away, Michael asked angrily, "Aren't you going to say anything?"

"In regards to what, sir?" I asked innocently.

"Don't act stupid, Laura. You're just going to pretend you’re unfazed?"

"I’m happy for you—I'm even happier that you finally came out of the closet—but now is not the right time. I have work to do."

"What does she mean by finally?" The woman asked Michael.

"Six months, nine women, or should I say ten now," I replied with a smile and loud enough for others to hear.

Michael's face became bleak, "Y-you knew?"

"WHAT?!" the woman snapped.

"Seems as though this one finally gave you the balls to come clean. She must be special," I said with sweetly garnished venom. I then turned my attention to the woman. "Congratulations! I'm truly happy for you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other customers waiting," I said, turning to leave. It was becoming increasingly difficult for me—shit I'm not as strong as I thought I was.

"You fat bitch! You knew he was over you, yet you kept him shackled to you, driving him to do this?"

"Amber, babe it's okay," Michael started, trying and calm down his now Karen.

"Oh, I was giving him the opportunity to figure out what he truly wanted in life and to be the bigger person by telling me the truth. I thought it was a generous approach, especially since we have been together for four years. Now, if you will please excuse me, I prefer not to mix personal affairs with work. Your new server will come to take your orders."

Michael looked around, noticing the angry stares directed at him. Some of his closest friends shook their heads in disappointment. I could see he was becoming anxious and was on the verge of yelling at me when a deep, stern voice interrupted.

"Is there a problem here?" I turned to look in the direction of the voice, it was Liam! My heart fluttered as I took notice of his ash blond hair and dark blue concerned emerald eyes.

"Sorry, who are you?" Michael asked quite belittling.

"I am the owner," he replied, looking undeniably handsome. For a moment, I nearly forgot my troubles. Ugh, this breakup crap is seriously messing with my head!

"Aww, Liam, are you going to continue to ignore little ol' me?" Amber purred, causing Michael to glance at his new flame in surprise.

"I'd rather do that than embarrass you in front of your new deserving victim. I am here to kindly ask, to let my employee do her job. If you have an issue, I’d be happy to have you eat elsewhere.

"Come, Laura. Today is the day you start your training in the kitchen. I’ve already asked Chef Joey to prepare your new tasks," said Liam, placing his hand gently on my back and guiding me away before Michael and Amber could say anything else. I was incredibly grateful for Liam’s presence; I was on the verge of losing my composure. He is such a gentle giant, and just having him near makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside—my hero!

As we reached the kitchen, Liam asked as he grabbed my hand, "Are you alright? If not, I can give you the day off." This surprised me, especially because of his gentle and caring demeanour. He is known for his kindness, but this felt somehow on a deeper level. On the other hand, I might just be oversensitive.

"I am a tough cookie, Mr. Custos; there's no need to worry. In fact, I feel elated as if a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Besides, I’m excited about starting in the kitchen."

Liam carefully observed me—I think he could see that I wasn’t completely fine—then said, "Hey, you don't have to act tough around me. I’m here for you whenever you need an ear to listen to."

I think my eyes visibly widened at his gentleness because his handsome smile deepened. He then pulled me into a deep embrace. "T-thank you, Mr. Custos," was all I could say.