Chapter 4 HIDING GAME

Several weeks had passed in a blink of an eye. Nothing really change. The cycle of my life is still the same. It only revolves around the shop, apartment and bar.

Beads of sweats are literally dripping down my face while I'm wiping the tables. Do these people have no work at all?! They keep on pouring in!

"Here's an order on table number eight, Florence."

I nod my head and grab the tray filled with liquors and chips from Khyle.

"Here are your orders, Ma'am and Sir. Enjoy your stay," I said to the customers with a smile.

Just like what I said, I'm working as a stripper in Stag Nite Bar every Friday. However, on the remaining weekdays, I'm working as a part time waitress. My friends only know the latter.

"Florence, table number one."

I was disrupted from my reverie when Khyle called my name. I heaved a deep sigh and continue working.

"Table six."

"There's an order on table fifteen."

"Follow up order on eight."

"Give this to table number ten."

I gulped down the glass of water and breathed deep. I rest for a bit because I think I will past out any moment. Serving orders and wiping tables are not a cinch. It's so damn exhausting.

I roam my eyes around the place, and my gaze settled on the group of teenagers who are laughing on their table. From the clothes that they are wearing and the liquors served in front of them, I'm certain that they were born with a golden spoon, and their wallets are sparkling with lavish bills.

They look like those happy-go-lucky teens, as if they don't have any problem aside from how would they spend their money. I suddenly felt envious while staring at them. I never experienced that kind of teenage life. I didn't have the chance to luxuriate because I need to work my fingers to the bone just to feed myself and my brother. I can't even buy myself new clothes because I need to prioritize my brother's therapy. I want to spoil him but I can't.

It's honestly tiring. There are certain times that I just want to give up, but I can't. Not when I still have my brother who's relying on me.

From the stainless walls, I saw my reflection. My hair is unkempt, my white-colored shirt is crumpled. My face is covered in sweats. I look so terrible.

"Come on, gather your shits together, Florence. Stop crying because it won't do you any good," I chastised myself while wiping the tears brimming in my eyes. I heaved out a sigh and went back to my work.

While wiping the tables, a group of men suddenly enters. They look familiar. I squinted my eyes on them, and my mouth hang open when I finally recognize those four. They were with the man I kissed few weeks ago!

When I thought that I couldn't be more surprise and the situation won't be any worse, someone opens the door. He's wearing a white long-sleeve polo paired with a black slacks, his black tuxedo is hanging on his shoulder. His messy hair made him even more attractive. He's walking with a stern expression, oblivious of the women gawking over him.

I didn't expect that he would turn in my direction, so I immediately bow my head to avoid his gaze. Damn it. I think my heart will pump out of my chest.

He won't recognize me, right? I was wearing a mask that night, and my current look is too far from the woman that he kissed weeks ago. That thought made me relax a bit.

I stared at them through my peripheral vision. One of his friends is talking to Aria. I averted my eyes from him and finished wiping the tables. I went inside the kitchen.

"Harper," I called my workmate.

She looks at me. "Yes, Florence?"

I cleared my throat. "Uh, if you don't mind, can we please change tasks for now? I'll take care of the dishes and you'll have the counter area duties."

Her forehead creased. "Are you sure?"

I forced a smile and nod my head. Despite her confusion, Harper agreed to my request. I asked her because I don't want to have further interaction with that man. Though it could be possible that he doesn't remember me anymore, I don't want our paths to cross again. His mere presence is enough to make me feel apprehensive.

I cringed when my body suddenly remember the sensation that his rough hands made me feel. My toes curled when his minacious warning rings in my ears. That man is definitely dangerous. I want to slap my face for being reckless. My kiss was meant only to provoked him, but I didn't expect that he would fight fire with fire.

"Florence!"

I raised my head and look at Aria who's standing on the doorway. "Yes?" I asked her.

"Leave those dishes, I need to you to serve our VIP customers."

My forehead creased. "Where are the others?"

"Khyle's shift ended, he left already. Harper and the others are also busy."

I wanted to refuse because I'm literally soaking in sweat right now and I look like an absolute shit, but she left before I could even utter a word. I guess I have no choice.

I wipe my hands using a towel and exit the kitchen. I casted a wary glance around, the amount of customers are less compared an hour ago. I tried to look for a specific someone, but I couldn't find him. They probably left already. That's better, I can work at peace.

"Here. Serve this to Mr. Sarmiego. They are in VIP room number three."

There are five VIP rooms available in this place. Those rooms are intended for people who want a more peaceful atmosphere while they are drinking. I don't know how much is the rent for it though, but I'm pretty sure it's expensive as hell.

Despite my reluctance, I get the trays containing an ice bucket and beers. There are also several chips on the side. I rolled my eyes when I noticed that the drink they ordered are the most expensive ones.

How could people spend so much on liquors? I mentally slap my face. I should really stop poking my nose on other people's business. That's their own money anyway.

I carry the platter towards the second floor where the VIP rooms are situated. I heaved out a sigh before turning the knob of the door- that I instantly regret.

I should have refused when Aria asked me to assist them. I should have stayed in that freaking kitchen despite the heavy loads.

He's the Mister-fucking-Sarmiego?!

The man that I kissed weeks ago is now in front of me. He has a stoic expression plastered on his face while staring at me intently. He's comfortably sitting on the couch while my knees are already shaking in extreme nervousness. Fuck this.

I bite my lips to calm my nerves. I don't know if my eyes are just playing with me, but his expression darkened. I breathed deep and walk towards the table. Where the hell are his friends?!

I carefully placed all their orders on the huge table. I feigned a smile at him. You can do this, Florence. You've been in more nerve-wracking situations, this should be a piece of cake for you.

"Here are your orders, Mister Sarmiego. If you need anything, you can press this-" I pointed the red button. "and we will respond to your requests right away. Enjoy your stay."

I want to applaud myself for not stuttering despite the erratic beating of my heart. I bowed my head before turning my back. I hope he doesn't notice the shaking of my hands.

"You look familiar."

I balled my hands into fist. The turbulent beating of my heart doubled. You can handle this, Florence. You're a veteran in hiding your emotions.

I swallowed a lump before turning my attention at him. "I'm sorry but this is the first time that we meet. You must have mistaken me for someone."

The corner of his lips tugged upward. "Is that so?"

I nod my head. "If you may excuse, I still need to assist other customers," I said and started walking away. I'm about to close the door when he suddenly speaks.

"Tell the woman behind the name Crimson Amber-" My breathing hitched. "that I can't wait to see her again."

I didn't look back. When I finally closed the door, I leaned on the wall. I think my knees will fall down any moment. Those minutes with him inside that room feels like hell- it's suffocating.

His words keep on repeating inside my head. I don't know if he really doesn't know that I'm the person behind the name of Crimson Amber or he's just trying to play a game with me. Either way, I should do everything to avoid him.

That Sarmiego is a bad news.