Chapter 3: Arrangements

"What a fucking dick!" Bethany exclaimed in pure disgust and anger.

"Wow, I can't believe you stayed with him all those months. You should have told me, sweets. I could have helped you and been there for you when you needed someone to lean on," Jacob said, looking at me with sympathy.

"Thanks, guys, but really I am fine and happy it’s all over. On a positive note, I phoned some estate agents and Liam said I can take off tomorrow to view them."

"What about tonight? You seriously not going to sleep there in the dirty ogre's lair?" Bethany asked anxiously while Jacob nodded with a worried expression.

"Where should I go? I don't have much of a choice; I'll be fine—"

"I don't think that's a good idea,’ Bethany interjected. “Oops, I see some customers at the coffee bar. I'll be back soon," she added, then rushed off.

"Come stay at my place," Jacob insisted. "I know Jerry won't mind and if he does, I'll kick him out," he laughed.

I gave a grateful smile, but, I could not inconvenience my friend. "Thanks, Jacob, but I can't do that to you."

"Fine, at least let me give you a lift home today, I see the wind's picking up and the clouds look pregnant with rain, as if it's going to pour any moment," he asked with a begging look.

Walking in the rain felt quite fitting, considering my mood. "I'll be—" Before I could finish my sentence, Bethany appeared.

"Lau, Keres has requested your presence," she said sarcastically. "It's weird, I told him you were not here, but it's like he knew and demanded I stop lying and call you. I tried hun sorry!"

I threw my head back and groaned. He was the last person I wanted to deal with right now. "Sorry Jacob, let me just get this over with," I sighed and started walking.

"I'll see you after work," Jacob replied, and I waved my hand in acknowledgement.

A tall slender pale man sat in the darkest corner of the bistro, staring at me intently. I could feel his eyes locked on me as soon as I entered. I am sometimes amazed at how he always knew from which direction I came from. It is increasingly unsettling. Every time I have to face him, it almost makes me feel claustrophobic. Hopefully, today will be the last time.

Keres has a handsome face with slicked-back, midnight-black hair subtly combed to the side. His pale blue eyes are striking, and he has slightly pointy ears along with a clean-shaven, square-shaped face. He always appears so bleak, though it oddly suits him. If I had to guess, I'd say he’s in his mid-thirties.

As I approached, I felt a growing sense of dread about what this conversation would bring. I know he has been trying to get with me, and I refused countless times; using my fictional relationship with Michael as an excuse. Fuck now that, that's out of the window. What am I going to say now? I need time to heal, and sort my shit out? I am now playing for the other team? I shuddered at the memory of his grinning face when Michael came here to humiliate me this morning. Sigh, I guess I'll go with the healing crap; it's better than nothing.

His goatish expression changed to looking at me sympathetically, and he silently gestured for me to come to him. Seriously, am I not close enough? I cried to myself from anxiety but complied nonetheless. As I took one step closer to him, Keres stretched out his hand for mine, which I hesitantly took. He squeezed my hand and drew it in for a kiss, then placed his thumb over it to preserve it. His touch is unnaturally cold!

"Hi Keres, I'm sorry, but I'm no longer a waitress. However, I can take—"

"My honeycomb, I'm so sorry about what happened this morning. I wanted to reach out to you sooner, but I had to rush to a meeting that kept me occupied all day. I came back as soon as it finished. How are you holding up? I can't believe you're still at work. Such a strong woman you are." His eyes were fixed on me. He might have looked concerned, but I could see beneath that mask, he was grinning like a Cheshire Cat. Creep!

"I’m doing okay. My employer wanted me to take the day off, but I decided to stay. Being here helps me forget things; besides, this is my happy place. Also, I’m working in the kitchen now, so I can take your order, but someone else will serve you from now on."

I’m not sure if I was imagining it, but Keres looked somewhat pissed for a moment, though that expression quickly faded. "I know your heart is broken, and healing takes time," he said. "But remember that I’m always here for you, my honeycomb."

"Thank you for your kind words Keres," I said, hoping he would finally let go of me now so that I could return to work.

"Where are you staying tonight? If you need a place, I have plenty of rooms at my large abode," he said with an eerie glint in his eyes while sensually fondling my captured hand. “I can also help you find a place of your own.”

I managed a forced smile, but I felt so uncomfortable that I was sure my lips looked crooked from the attempt. Desperate to free my hand from this awkward hold, I gave his icy fingers a gentle squeeze in return and tried to pull away, but he only tightened his grip. Shit. "That's very kind of you, but I am staying with—"

"Laura! I need you in the kitchen," called Liam quite sternly, I turned with almost a jump, my hand still trapped, in Keres's firm grasp.

"I'm coming Mr. Custos!" I said as I saw him nearing. Shit he looks pissed. Great, what a way to blow my first day in the kitchen.

"I need to go now Keres," I pleaded anxiously, but he only stared at me as if Liam's presence didn't matter. I tugged my hand back, but the creep really was holding on tightly. I was about to retort, then he suddenly placed another yet this time prolonged kiss on my hand. As Liam approached, Keres gingerly let go of me.

"My honeycomb, I'd like to finish our discussion later," he said tenderly, while casting a noxious glance at Liam.

Liam placed a firm hand on my shoulder. I felt goosebumps and butterflies fluttering in my stomach, but I quickly snapped out of it when I heard his harsh, angry voice. "I called you, Laura. Joey is looking for you!"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Custos," I said out loud, but I mouthed "thank you" so Keres couldn't see me. It took Liam by surprise, but his frown remained, making me hurry to the kitchen with my head down. Dammit, I'm going to lose my chance to be a porter as well; I can never catch a break!

I looked for Joey, our chef, but he was nowhere in sight. As I was about to head to the locker room, I heard Liam storm into the kitchen. "Laura, what was going on back there?" Liam asked harshly, cornering me. I had never seen him like this, and it scared me shitless.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Custos. When you called me the first time, I tried to return to work, but Keres wouldn't let me go."

"What were you doing there in the first place? Flirting with customers is unethical! You of all people should know that!" he spat angrily.

"Keres called for me; you know he always asks for me when he comes here," I explained in a panic.

"Really? Holding hands was your way of offering your services?" he asked sarcastically. I swear I could hear a low growl escape his lips as he further cornered me with his large, intimidating frame.

"I was only going to let him know I work in the kitchen, but he then asked about what happened today. I promise I tried to keep it brief." I clarified tears on the verge of falling from my eyes. Why is he suddenly acting like this?

Liam's expression softened, revealing hurt. He quickly pulled me into a tight embrace. At first, I shat myself by how quickly he grabbed me, but then I melted as I felt his head rest on top of mine. He felt so warm and smelled nice.

"I know Keres has had his eyes on you for a long time, but now that you're single again, don't make any rash decisions, especially with him. I know he has treated you well and promised you the world, but he is not your soulmate. Okay? The right man is out there, just give it some time, it is all I ask."

My eyes widened in shock; I could not believe what I had just heard. Unknowingly, I leaned further into his embrace and began to cry. "Thank you, Mr. Custos. I really appreciate your kind words and advice. I’m not going to date anyone—not until I sort out my career first. I just want to be in the kitchen and then study to become a chef," I sobbed uncontrollably, as my emotions got the better of me, what’s more, it felt like I could trust Liam with my troubles.

I felt Liam gently stroking my back, and his body language was awkward as he held me. "Do you have a place to stay?"

"Thank you, Mr. Custos, Jacob offered, so I decided I'll crash at his apartment until I find a place of my own," I sniffled.

“Come why don't you and Jacob take off now and get yourself sorted, I'm sure you want to move out from your ex's apartment as soon as possible?"

"Thank you, Mr Custos," I said sheepishly, I couldn't help but gape at this beautiful man holding me. Get your head out of your arse! You are going through an emotional breakdown!

"Please call me Liam," he said gently as he slowly released me and wiped the tears from my eyes. I can't explain it, I feel so safe in his arms, he feels like home. If he asked me now, I would date him in a heartbeat. Damn, these female emotions!