Chapter 3

Diya's Pov.

"May I come in?", I nervously knocked at the manager's cabin door. "Yes", Roberts commanded. I opened the door and went in. He was sitting in the manager's chair. He looked at me with a smile, and it made my heart skip a beat. What's this weird feeling?.

"Take a seat Ms. Diya", he said. I sat in one of the chairs across the table. "So Diya, Ms. Kim said to me that although you are a part-time staff, you make the best cocktails. Is that true?", he started, as soon as I sat.

"I should thank Ms. Kim for her kind words, but I wouldn't say I'm the best", I replied.

"Humbleness, as all doctors should be", he replied. So, he knows about me. "How do you like this job, Diya?. Please be honest with your answer. I would appreciate that", he asked again. "I just wanted a well paying part-time job when I started looking for work. But ever since I started working here, I felt more at ease. The place and the staff here are like family to me. I will always be grateful for that", I replied.

"That's a beautiful answer, just like you", he said with a smirk on his face. "Uhmmm.... Thanks Mr. Roberts", I answered awkwardly. Stop being awkward, he's just being polite, I said to myself.

"Stephen. You can call me Stephen. And looking at your expression, I know, you're thinking that I was just being polite. But no, I never lie to a woman about her beauty. You're beautiful. The most beautiful one", he said without even blinking.

Is he a mind reader ?. How could he say the exact words that I was thinking?. I froze. He was staring at me. I couldn't stop looking at his hazel brown eyes. Oh dear lord, save me from this awkward interaction, I said to myself.

He cleared his throat bringing me back from trance. "If the conversation is over, may I go back to the bar?", I asked. I cannot feel awkward anymore.

"Not yet, I have one last question. Are you single?", he asking without any expression on his face. I nearly choked. How can he be so straightforward?. He started speaking again, "Don't be surprised. I just heard a lot of people are dating one another at this place. It's against the company policy".

"No, I'm not dating anyone", I answered. "From this workplace?", he continued asking. "I'm not dating anyone", I said that again. He gave an understanding nod. "You may leave Diya".

That was the most awkward interaction I ever had with any human being ever. "That was quick", Sarah said as she grabbed my hands. "It took him 10 to 15 minutes, to interview every one of us, but only 5 minutes with you", she stated the details.

Only 5 minutes?. Those felt like an eternity to me. "Just the regular drill. So it didn't take much time. Im not that important person at this workplace. So there is no need to waste time on me, I guess", I answered. "Diya, you're the star bartender here. We have repeated customers only because of your cocktails. Don't underestimate yourself sweetie", Sarah patted on my shoulders.

The night ended slowly since we didn't had a busy night. We closed at 10.30 pm. Sarah was the first person to leave after cleaning the place. She gave me kiss on my cheeks and bit her goodbye. Trevon and I were the last I thought, until Roberts showed up from his cabin.

"All done?", he asked, as he was walking towards us. "Yeah, the usual thing", Trevon replied. I left silently to the staff room, to change from my all black uniform to my usual clothes. A pink top and a brown pants. I was walking towards the entrance as I noticed Trevon has already gone, but Roberts was standing Infront of his car in the parking lot.

I didn't dare to speak, so I just walked past him. "I could drop you", Roberts said I was walking. "Thanks Mr. Roberts, but I just live 10 blocks from here. I don't need a ride for that", I replied without looking at him. I don't want to get drowned in his eyes again.

"But, it's dark and unsafe for a beautiful lady like you to walk alone", he was looking at me. More like scanning me completely. I could feel that.

"I know most people from this neighbourhood, Mr. Roberts. It's safe", I replied, still not looking at him.

"You know most people, but not everyone. Also, I would love to be called by my first name", he said politely.

"Ok Stephen, but I know my way around ", i answered and started to walk when he suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to him.

We were inches apart. If anyone saw us know, might think that we were hugging. We were that close. He didn't let go of hands and I didn't want him to.

"You may live even one block away from here, but I don't want you to be unsafe. You never can predict what's coming", he said holding my hand.

I was looking at his eyes again. I could never get enough of that mesmerizing eyes.

" Diya ?", he snapped at me. "Yeah.... Ok... I will accept your help", I stuttered, without looking away.