Chapter 9 Chapter Nine
"Did you see what the boss drove here this morning?" Akilah asked as we both cleaned the standing fridge together.
I did see what the boss drove and I was puzzled because he didn't seem too rich and plus, this business is slow.
"I saw. I wonder where he got the money from," I said before heading into the storeroom for the box juices and a few bottles of water.
"Perhaps he borrowed it from the bank," she said, helping me stock the fridge.
"I don't see why though. If it were me, I'd keep driving the car I had. Then I'd borrow the money to expand my business, maybe add another storey and serve a wider variety of meals. Maybe even have a bakery too," I replied with a small smile.
During my time working here, her personality was the top thing I admired about her. She was cool and easy to talk to. If persons spend more time smiling and being friendly to others, they wouldn't be grumpy and sulking all the time.
"Damn! I love the way you think. I wish the boss had brains like yours," she said with a small chuckle at the end.
"What's so funny?"
We both turned as I closed the fridge and saw a tall guy standing there with a pair of glasses pushed up on his forehead. He wore a sexy smile, though I noticed he wasn't looking at me.
"Jeff, I didn't know you were back in New York," Akilah said, walking over to his side. They started chatting, and I watched as he ran his fingers across her lips. I quickly turned away to give them some privacy.
I went to the back to see Nolan and Erin cooking away. Rocco wasn't here today which I was kind of thankful for. He's just too grumpy and it drains my energy.
"Vanessa, guess what?" Erin said eyeing Nolan for a second before looking back at me. Something was off because Nolan wasn't in the slightest happy and this was not necessarily him.
"What?" I asked looking at him.
"Nolan is going to be a daddy!" Erin replied. Nolan glared at him before leaving the kitchen. I didn't know what to say. I mean, it was none of my business.
"That's nice... but he doesn't look happy," I said, glancing at the clock on the wall. It was after ten in the morning and we still hadn't have a single customer.
"He's not happy because he doesn't love the girl. You see, Nolan's a player and I told him numerous times that he should stop. I just don't think it's right playing with girls hearts and now he has gotten one pregnant and her parents told him that if he doesn't marry her and accept the child, they will take him to court," Erin ranted, not leaving anything untold.
I let it all sink in.
This was a really sticky situation. Well, it was Nolan's problem and he has to decide what to do. I left the kitchen a few seconds later and went to sit on a stool. Akilah and the guy were nowhere in sight. I saw that she left her apron so she must have left the restaurant.
The bell rang, signaling that someone had entered. I looked up and was met with a pair of blue eyes that belonged to none other than Mordechai. I was surprised he had even noticed this place, rich people don't usually eat at local spots.
He stopped in his tracks when his eyes met mine. I held his gaze, matching the serious expression he was giving me. A few seconds passed before he slipped his hands into his pockets and began walking around the place, glancing here and there.
I didn't think he wanted to actually eat anything. So, you're telling me he only came in here to look around? He sat by the window before meeting my eyes for the second time. I turned my head away, proving that he was not worth my attention or time.
I heard some shuffling before a strong perfume filled the air, hitting my nose and making me moan as my eyes fluttered shut. The scent was intense. When I opened them again, he was right there in front of me, sitting on a stool, staring straight into my eyes, challenging me once more.
"Look, if you came here to just look into my eyes-
"-You still haven't answered my questions from the party," he cut me off. His deep voice sent shivers down my spine, leaving me momentarily stunned.
His face remained unreadable as he clasped his hands together on the counter in front of me.
"If I tell you what you need to hear, will you leave me alone? Your presence is quite unbearable," I replied without thinking.
Maybe I shouldn't have said that but I was not taking it back. I still haven't forgotten what he did to my arm.
"Why wouldn't I want to not leave you alone? You're no one special and I don't know what you said to my mom or did to have her notice you. We don't mix and mingle with people like you-
"-People like me?" I cut him off, feeling my anger growing. I knew that Nolan and Erin was standing wondering what the hell was going on here but I didn't care, I still wanted to tell Mordechai my mind.
"First of all, I didn't blackmail your mom or anything of the sort. She offered me a place to stay and I appreciate that. And for your information 'people like me' don't mix and mingle with people like you either because you think you're all that because you're rich and have it all! You don't know anything about me Mordechai and I would appreciate it if you stay away from me."
I didn't wait for his reaction. I didn't care.
I left the stool and went to the bathroom before slamming and locking the door.
I exhaled deeply and slid down the wall, pulling my knees to my chest. I didn't know what I was feeling, a tangle of anger and hurt. I couldn't believe I had just lashed out like that in front of everyone.
What kind of person did that make me? His words shouldn't have affected me, yet they did. I knew I wasn't wealthy, but… I was still human.
"Essa?"
It was Akilah. I got up and went to open the door. She was standing there looking worried, but she had no reason to be. I was fine, just a but shaken up that's all.
"He's gone," she said softly.
I sighed in relief but I still had this uneasy feeling that something was not right.
I pushed it to the back of my mind.
I left the bathroom and went to attend to some new customers. I plastered on my fake smile and got to work.
For the next few hours, I worked as best as I could. My shift finally ended, and now it was time to go home.
"Look, don't worry about anything okay? Go home, get some rest and relax. If that guy comes to bother you again tomorrow, we'll fight him together."
Akilah offered me a hug, and I chuckled softly from her statement. I was suprised to hear her say that because she looked so innocent but then again, you can never be too sure with people.
"See you tomorrow," she said before going off the opposite direction.
I started walking, hoping I get a cab before it gets too dark. I reached the taxi stand before sitting down and looking around. The streets were always busy with people even late nights.
"Wow!"
I looked up to see the same guy I was dancing with at the party.
Just great.
He seemed so happy and took off his jacket before sitting next to me.
"Vanessa, you left without even giving me your number. I never thought I would see you again. Seems like faith brought us together don't you think?" he said with a small smirk.
I looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
His eyes were fixated on my lips. I watched as his tongue reached out and licked his bottom lip.
"It was only a coincidence," I replied, scooting a few inches away from him.
"Why are you trying so hard to resist the connection we have?" he said next leaving me stunned.
Was he serious?.There was no connection between us. I saw a cab and got up before hailing it. I was thankful that it stopped. His hand grab mine before turning me to face him.
"I'll let you go this time Vanessa, but next time I won't until you allow me to take you out."
He released my hand and I walked away quickly before going into the cab. He had a smirk on his face as it drove off.
Why are so many guys going after me? It's New York for christ sake! There's way too many women here. Women that are willing to give in and date easily. Why does Reid, Hans and now Keith has their sights on me?
This just doesn't make any sense.
Too bad I wasn't the one to give in and I was going to show them how much I was not interested.