The enchanted ring

Willow watched him enter the diner, there was a hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach. A chill in the air made the hair on the back of her neck stand up. She could feel that something was not quite right but she couldn't put her finger on it.

She stared at Gregory Green and his group of associates,crossing her fingers that someone else would wait on them tonight.

She had been their waitress for the last six months, she wondered if it was coincidence or sheer luck that she would be the only waitress available.

The Denny Diner was small but it was always busy. They sold good food and the atmosphere was always cheery.

She guessed that was the reason that a billionaire like Gregory Green was here every Tuesday.

Willow hated Tuesday's, it meant that she had to wait on Gregory Green and his crew, hand and toe making sure they were satisfied with their service. She didn't mind for the first five months, the tips were great, but since last month, Willow's instinct urged her to be careful.

Gregory Green was devilishly handsome with jet black hair and a fine set of pearly white teeth, any woman would want to be in his bed.

At the age of twenty nine, Gregory was one of the most richest bachelor's in the United States.

Mr Pennington whistled , from the corner of her eyes she saw his movements. He was signaling her to serve Mr Gregory Green.

Reluctantly, Willow walked over to their table, pulling out a pad and pen.

" Good afternoon, gentleman." She greeted half heartedly, faking a smile.

"Ah, looks like babygirl is back at work!" Gregory commented and the men chuckled.

Willow controlled herself from rolling her eyes.

"What can I get you today,Mr Green."

"Call me honey!" Gregory said with a wink.

Willow squeezed the pen tightly,trying to hold herself back from pinching him in the face.

"Mr Green, what can I get for you today?"

"By the end of the night, you will be calling me honey!" Gregory said,ignoring her question.

She almost turned green from his arrogance,he was making her sick to her stomach.

"What can I get you guys?" She directed her question to his guests.

Looking around at their faces , taking their orders , she saw a new face. It wasn't one of the usual men that Gregory often occupied the diner with.

She stared at him for a brief moment before breaking eye contact. A feeling of sudden doom flooded her heart.

Her hands shook, and she steadied them quickly before returning to the diner kitchen to place the order.

Willow watched the men from afar,in between their chattering, Gregory and the new guest stole glances at Willow.

Willow being an orphan from a young age was very street smart ,she could smell trouble from mile away and today every fibre in her body was telling her to leave the diner. She really wanted to listen to her instinct but the rent was over due and Gregory Greens generous tip would solve her problems.

Willow picked up the plates that were ready and placed them on the table, thinking about the land lord hounding her for the rent, she smiled widely hoping that he would forget her attitude from earlier.

" Have a seat", he patted the cushion next to him.

" Sorry, I'm working!" Willow replied ," Do let me know if you need anything else."

Before she could turn to leave, Gregory Greens muscular hands , grabbed her firmly and placed her on the seat.

Willow sat stunned for a moment.

Mr Pennington rushed over," is everything alright,Mr Green? Is their a problem with Willow"

" Indeed, there is a problem with Willow!", Gregory said seriously.

"Sir , there is no problem!" Willow said quickly. Now was not the time for Gregory Green to cause a drama in her life .

"I am asking you Willow!" Mr Pennington said strictly.

Willow kept quiet, she could not understand how people would change for money.

"Willow here has declined my invitation to have a small bite before her shift ends. She is afraid she will lose her job." Gregory said looking at Willow.

The new guest sat with a coin between his fingers. Willow watched as his lips moved but no words came out .

" Me? Deny Willow the opportunity to dine with such lovely company? Willow dear, please join Me Gregory.", Mr Pennington said in a robot like voice.

Willow watched as the coin dropped on the table and Mr Pennington returned to his old self.

The odd feeling in her gut propelled her to run but her feet now felt heavy.

Thoughts raced in her head and her mouth went dry.

Gregory raised his hand slightly and another waitress fluttered to their table, rolling her eyes when she looked at Willow.

"One special please." Gregory said in a powerful voice.

The waitress nodded , turning around to leave, she made no effort hiding her jealousy as she tramped Willow's foot before she left.

Willow bit her lip in pain.

"You will be writing the check later babygirl." Gregory whispered in her ear.

Willow could not understand his riddles and shifted herself to lean away from him.

She looked across the table at the new guest as she watched him toss the coin and catch it in the air, their eyes met.

Willow felt as if the world stopped rotating, ever particle moved in slow motion. She looked around and watched the customers eating in slow motion, every sound could be heard, from the chewing of food to the chopping or lettuce in the kitchen.

Her brows knitted in confusion.

Looking at her dazed state,Oz caught the coin in hand and slammed it onto the table.

"She has reached the state of ecstasy,my job here is done." Oz declared before taking his bag stack of cash to leave.

"Wait, I can't have her hypnotised forever." Gregory grabbed his arm.