Chapter 5 Do Not Be Late

The atmosphere was stale as we carried on with paperwork. From what I learned; it was Bella s job, but he wanted to do it.

An employee file was created for me instantly. He pulled out an empty booklet, handed it to me and allowed me to fill it in silence. There were some stupid questions in it, but I wasn't going to voice that out. Immediately I got the job he became my boss so I couldn't afford to fuck that up.

"Smile!" He grinned, bringing a camera to his eyes. I hadn't come with a passport sized picture, so he decided to take one with his camera and cut it up.

I rolled my eyes and just as I was about to make an appropriate face, the light flashed. My eyes widened but the smile on his face melted my anger away.

"This is definitely the one." He turned his camera towards me, so I'd see the picture and my eyes bulged. I looked possessed to say the least.

"I look possessed." I said flatly, not letting my smart mouth get me fired before I even started.

"I beg to differ, you look like you're in a state of ecstasy, the eye roll looks like you're being fingered, really good actually." He said seriously which caused me to stare at him blankly.

What the fuck? However, he didn't meet my gaze, his eyes were still locked on the screen, analyzing the photo before him.

"— More like you're being fucked," He added. My jaw dropped to the floor. If it would have been anyone else, I would have been fuming but it was him, my boss. I swallowed hard when his gaze finally met mine.

The fucking asshole smirked, "Everything is done, you may go." Just like that he was back to being his rude self, like he hadn't just spoken to me in such an inappropriate way. It was a simple sentence, but he said it rudely.

It was taking everything within me not to cuss him. He is such an asshole, just like Monika had said. She might have made it juicier, but it wasn't far from the truth.

Without another word, I recovered from my rage and rose to my feet. I nodded, getting my goodbye across and began to walk towards the exit.

"Don't be late Kathryn. Punctuality is everything to me." His voice rang in my ears, causing me to halt.

"Got it," I replied and proceeded with my walk towards the very expensive looking door. Just as I'm about to open the door, his voice could be heard again.

"— And I'd be looking forward to our date." There was an amused look on his face when I spun around. He was enjoying getting under my skin.

That offer went out the window immediately I found out his real identity, more so now that he s, my boss. However, I wasn't going to let him know this yet, two can play the game.

For some fucked up reason, I got the courage and smiled seductively. I bit my bottom lip and his eyes darkened; hunger visible in them.

With that, I turned around and walked out. Bella glared at me as I walked by. I couldn't help the triumphant smile that made its way on my face. She better watch this space because I wasn t going to suck up to her bullshit.

Even if she's fucking Harry. "How did it go? Got the job?"

Nate asked as soon as I sat down. I brought my elbow to rest on the countertop, faking sadness.

"Oh, don't worry! He's an ass anyway, I'm sure you'd find something better." Nate attempted to comfort me which caused me to smile a little bit.

"Exactly why I'm sad. My boss is an ass." He chuckled, catching on to what I did. I stuck around for an hour and chatted up with him. I was going to be making good money, so I decided to treat myself to a few drinks that Nate ended up paying for — every single one of them that cost an eyeball and a womb.

Nate was indeed good company and from how much he spent on my drink, I could already begin to imagine how hefty the tips must be.

Our apartment was dark when I stepped in, Monika obviously wasn't home yet because all the windows were closed. I was away for only a few hours, but my body said otherwise. My muscles felt stiff, and they ached.

I checked my watch, and it was only five in the evening. That walk I took wasn't worth it, it left my body sore and my heart heavy.

Throughout my little pointless walk, the only thing on my mind was the one and only Anthony. The man I had grown to love with my entire being.

I couldn't help but wonder what he was up to and who he had replaced me with. It was only fair to be honest to myself and acknowledge the fact that I was probably one of the least attractive girls he dated.

When he was out once, I went snooping around and came across a stack of pictures. Every one of them resembled a Victoria Secret model; tall, thigh gaps, thin and the idle definition of society's definition of beauty.

I've never been one to compare my look to other females, but loving Anthony had kind of brought such habits out of me and I hate it with all my heart. It killed me just thinking about it. I had never allowed myself to love a single soul until I met Anthony. My methods never worked with him, he tore down my walls and worked his way into my heart and he didn't even have to try.

I wondered if he was missing me, even if just a little. If he was thinking about me — even if it wasn't the way, I'd want him to.

Loving Anthony is tiring. He was the first man I had ever happily fucked. I went through a tough life and had to do a lot of crap to get money, I had to be touched by men who I despised.

My virginity story is one I'd never forget and after that night, none of it mattered. I wasn't waiting on that special person anymore, the tiny faith I had left faded, and it was just like it didn't happen. But it did. Everything happened.

Anthony, no matter how much heartache he had caused me — will always be my first real everything.

I forced myself into watching a movie to occupy my mind instead. The night was still young and if I wanted to get through it mentally, I needed a distraction.

"I still can't believe he is the Nick guy you told me about." Monika said, stuffing her mouth with the pasta I single — handedly made.

"Yup," I also stuffed my mouth, the pasta was restaurant quality if I do say so myself.

"He's totally into you. I mean come on it almost seems like you're talking about another man compared to the beast I know." She seemed to still be wrapping her head around the bomb I threw her way.

I mean how bad must it have been? She could just be exaggerating after all. Harrison is an ass indeed but not as bad as she makes him out to be.

"Ugh not again... you've said this shit ten times already," I whined.

"And you say I exaggerate?" She watched me in amusement which caused me to chuckle.

"So, is there a dress code?" She asked, diverting her eyes to her phone screen.

"Yes, as a matter of fact there is but nothing fancy. I just need to always wear black, whatever outfit of my choice but plain."

I blabbered on and she nodded like she was listening.

"That's boring," She ran her fingers through her hair, giving me her bored look.

"At least I don't get to wear what the waiters wear,"

I tried to throw her off my case, but she just rolled her eyes.

"Plus, I better go start getting ready," I added, taking my plate to the sink. She muttered something but I was already out of sight. It was probably something along the lines of her not being my personal maid.

I took a quick shower, speeding up the process because I was already behind time. The last thing I wanted was to see the bad side of Harrison that everyone tells me exists.

I was excited for all black dress code because most of my clothing is black — I was always mourning. With no effort, I settled for a black pencil jean that really brought out the heart shape of my butt, a black blouse that stopped right above my thigh but with the whole back showing.

I didn't worry much about my footwear because my feet wouldn't be on display.

I left my hair to cascade down my shoulder, applied light makeup and was done. Sunset isn't just any pub so I decided to always try to look good because if not, Nicholas could call me out on my appearance again.

With haste I was out the door and practically running for dear life. I arrived just on time, or so I thought.

"You're two minutes late," Bella stated matter of fact. So, it's true what they say about her thinking she owns the place?

"Listen Bella! Please just stay out of my way," I told her calmly- leaving out what will happen if she didn't. Her eyes widened like I had insulted her entire generation which almost erupted laughter from me.

"Don't talk to me like that!" She hissed, blocking my path.

"I'm not going to feed into your stupidity Bella. I work for Harr — Mr. Escobar so I answer to him alone," I made it very clear before brushing past her. When I had almost called him by his first name her eyes widened slightly which caused me to quickly rephrase. I needed to be mindful of my big mouth.

Somebody will have to hold me back because she was trying to buy herself a good ass beating. She wouldn't even see it coming.

It's been a month since I've been working at the sunset pub. Honestly speaking, my pay is really good. I have a feeling that it's not what everyone else receives but I can't complain.

Harrison hasn't backed down either. He's always hitting on me and if I'm to be sincere- we might have made out in his office once. It was a moment of weakness but I've never let it happen again. I avoid being alone with him and even when he calls for me I don't go.

It's risky ignoring him but it's riskier having anything to do with him. Bartending is giving me more money than I ever imagined so the last thing I want is for a short-lived fling to get in the way.

I know his type- they fuck you and leave you. Unfortunately, it will never happen because I refuse to do the walk of shame at work.

No dick is worth my mother's health.

"I'm serious, Princess, he's really mad this time," Nate informed me as he poured a drink for an impatient customer.

"There you go handsome."

I slid a drink over to an old man, shamelessly flirting. The more you flirt, the bigger the tip. I couldn't have been any happier when I heard that whatever tip you get, you keep. That wasn't a privilege I enjoyed at other crappy jobs I've had in the past.

The well-dressed man gave me a bright smile, totally melting my heart. He was very attractive, even in his old age.

"How mad?"

I questioned, facing Nate who was mixing a drink. He sighed frustrated.

"Look! The kind of mad that says you can lose your job if you don't move your ass over there instantly."

There was no escaping this one because I need this job more than my life. Due to it, mum's bills are being paid for and debts have been covered- The tips are ridiculously high.

Heck, I got a $300 tip just an hour ago and believe me when I say that isn't the highest I've received. Everyone that comes here is rotten rich and free handed- to me at least.

I dramatically sighed which caused Nate to chortle.

"Can you handle it?" I signaled towards the waiting customers and he rolled his eyes.

"I did for a month before you came. Stop looking for excuses," I scoffed. May God help me then.

The walk towards his office felt like a walk into temptation. I've never been emotionally attached to anyone except Anthony so I wasn't scared of that happening but I was indeed scared of a moment of weakness and how badly it could turn out.

I admit I want love, but my heart always tells me otherwise when a man glances my way. I was convinced that I was unable to feel until I met Anthony. Everything made sense before him, everything I experienced and saw with my eyes had always been my reason and explanation.

With a fidgety hand, I knocked, waiting patiently as I already didn't want to go in.

"Come in!" His voice beamed through. My intestines twisted like angry rats were trying to scratch their way out.

Slowly, I pressed down the doorknob, coming face to face with a stern looking Harrison. His face was void of any expression. He stared at me blankly, his elbow resting on his table- his fingers interlocked.

I closed the door behind me, biting my upper lip nervously. His eyes remained on me as I walked, trying to act normal like I wasn't avoiding my boss.

"Yeah?"

I had no idea how to break the silence because he wasn't talking either.

"Sit!" He commanded which caused me to gulp nervously, seeing a side of him I don't like to see. He was wearing a casual outfit, as usual, a black polo t-shirt with the logo being red, it's always a different color. I couldn't see his lower body but I knew it was black jeans, black must be his favorite color.

"You've been avoiding me."

He said like it was a cue for my explanation.