Chapter 7: Joe's Steakhouse

Its probably midnight by now and I'm no night owl, but in this case, I don't mind being up this late. Me and Jordan have been talking for a few hours, mostly me catching him up on the who, what, when, where, why, and how I was lead to crying that day at the cafe. I was blunt and straightforward with him. Though I barely know this stranger of a man, I feel like I can trust him. Once we got passed the sob story of my emotionally and spiritually abusive ex, we stirred up new topics of the basic "get to know one another" questions and conversation starters. I honestly really enjoyed talking to him, and i felt closer to him than i ever did with Rickey.

The following morning I woke up late. "I must've slept through my alarm", I thought to myself as i quickly fed my cat and got ready, not even in that much of a rush at this point for I'm already 2 hours late for work. I reply to Jordans sweet good morning text and grab my car keys. I ran a redlight and two stop signs trying to make it to Joe's Steakhouse to clock in the remainder of my shift. At 4pm I walk inside trying to sneak past my manager and co-owner, William.

3 long hours go by and i finally clock out.

"Thats the fourth time this month miss Preston", William says to me as i head towards the back doors, hence I always park my truck in that area. I make my way into the empty kitchen (all the chefs had clocked out already) whilst listening to William lecture me about punctuality and responsibility. "We dont tolerate that kind of behavior here, you know that Asia. Every action has a consequence".

"Please, this is my only source of income Mr. Jones. I cant get fired. It was hard enough applying with my record", I continue to try to convince William as he steps closer to me. I started to get this weird feeling in my stomach when he didnt stop walking in my direction.

All the other employees had gone home for I always closed and stayed after a little longer to make a few extra cash. It was just me and William. We were barely feet apart from each other and my back is already against the counter, "I'm afraid i don't have a choice but to make a strict call here Asia", William says as he doesnt stop inching towards me.

He raises his hand and gently caresses my face and whispers, "Unless we agree to take matters into our own hands".

The weird feeling in my stomach intensifies.