Chapter 2

Aurora

By 9pm I was already leaving for my night shift at the "Smokes on the water" bar, it was one of the best bars in our small-town Greenville County, and although they usually do not hire anyone without proper training, I was the exception. Nash, the manager of the place was generous enough to get me the job of a table attendant five years ago and since then, I've stuck around. Not that I had much choice, but I'm grateful for this job. With all the hefty tips these rich assholes give me, it makes the job worth all the indecent comments they make about my body. Amelia stays the night until I come back home, which I am very thankful for, I wouldn't want my mom to be alone if things go south at night. I walk in through the back door of the bar and am immediately met with the smell of expensive liquor and money. "Thank God you're here" Nash exclaimed with an exasperated sigh, I frowned "but I am right on time, see" I showed him my watch that clearly shows 9:30pm. "I know Aurora but Sophie just called in sick and we are less on staff, you'll have to cover for her as well" Nash informed and I shrugged and said, "Okay" more money for me. "You're an angel" Nash said with a small smile. Overall, Nash was a superb boss to work with, he turned 28 just last week and gave us all a bonus on his birthday, which was definitely great, considering my financial condition is piss worthy. With his dark brown hair and emerald green eyes, Nash gets quite the female attention, I have no idea why he is so hung up on Sophie though.

I tighten my apron and get to work, tonight is going to be considerably long, and I didn't exactly prepare for it. The first table I've been allotted to, is bearable enough because they are a family of five and not some arrogant rich assholes. After that, the night flows by with a flurry of new and regular customers coming in and leaving the bar. All in all, it's been a pretty uneventful night, with only five arrogant men asking if I was up for a night of pleasure. I very politely declined their intrusive offer and asked for their orders. By the time it was 12am, almost most of the place was empty with only a few tables filled. I cleaned my hands on the apron and made my way towards Nash's office, "I'm done for the day Nash" I said, standing near his office door, he looked up from his computer and replied "no, actually you're not" my eyes widened in disbelief. "Nash, I have my mother to take care of, the nurse will leave as soon as I reach home, I can't keep her waiting" I explained in the most patient voice but really, on the inside I was fuming. I worked an extra shift for his freaking girlfriend and he has the audacity to ask me to wait for longer than necessary? Nash sighed and shook his head. "Don't get me wrong Rory, I am just trying to help you. I've a business meeting with two high end clients, and you are my best attendant right now, if they are impressed by you then you'll probably get a hefty tip." He shrugs and then continues, "If you don't want that kind of money, then I'll ask Jake to fill up for you" manipulative bastard, I gritted my teeth, I really wanted to go home but if the money is really as huge as he says then… he knew I couldn't say 'no' to extra cash. Resigned with my situation, I said "I'll do it", he muttered "perfect, they'll be here in five minutes" and went back to work on his computer.

I waited inside the breakroom for exactly five minutes and then made my way to the V.I.P section where Nash held all of his meetings, as informed, there were two more men in suits just like him, rich bastards. I made my way to their table and put on my fake ass smile, "what can I get for you gentlemen?" I said brightly, taking in their appearance. My smile dropped and my heart stopped beating. There is no way this was happening, there is no way he could be here, no…no…no, this cannot happen. For a second, I thought I might faint and embarrass myself, my legs were shaking, if I stayed here any longer, I might die from hyperventilation. "Oh Rory! Finally, why don't you get me a glass of whiskey" Nash ordered in an overly enthusiastic tone, I turned to look at the third mystery man, "Are you on the menu, love?" he asked in a thick British accent, for a moment, I forgot who was around me and all I could feel was anger for this man. I took a deep breath and replied, "Unfortunately, for you sir, I am not" I cast him a glare and he laughed like it was the funniest joke. "Vodka" he finally said and I nodded, I gulped in air and willed myself to look at the third and the most difficult man I've ever known. Michael Calloway. My first love, my only love was back in town looking like Greek God incarnate and I was ones again reminded of all the precious things I lost in life, Michael Calloway topped that list because I was stupid enough to let him walk away from me, it was my fault and I was paying dearly. "Bourbon for me" he said with a southern drawl and every inch on my body shivered with anticipation. But then they went right back to discussing business and I was left to wonder if he even remembers me anymore, I shook my head and made my way to the bar to pick up their orders. I might just be a lost memory to him but he was my everything, no, he 'is' my everything.