The waitress

I'll wait " Maxwell said taking a seat in a sofa near him.

Hailey rummaged through her luggage, finally pulling out a tank top and sweatpants. She slipped them on, threw a cozy sweater over her shoulders, and joined Maxwell at the door. They stepped into the hallway, walking side by side through the quiet corridor. Strangely, they didn't come across anyone, their footsteps echoing softly as they moved.

Eventually, they spotted a hotel staff member up ahead, one of the staffs , Helen who had helped with their luggage earlier. She greeted them with a polished, almost practiced smile.

"Good evening, sir and ma'am," she said, her voice bright but almost too rehearsed. "Is there anything you need assistance with?"

"We're looking for the restaurant," Maxwell replied, glancing down the hall. "Could you point us in the right direction?"

"Of course! Just turn right at the end of the hallway, and you'll see it on your left. It's not hard to miss. Enjoy your evening."

"Thank you," Hailey and Maxwell said in unison, their voices blending in a small moment of shared amusement.

They followed her directions, and as they rounded the corner, the restaurant came into view. Maxwell's eyes widened, and Hailey heard his quiet gasp. She felt her own breath catch as she took in the sight. The sign above the entrance read Vella Mose Pub and Eatery, its letters glowing softly in warm, amber lights that cast a welcoming but mysterious glow.

Inside, the place was stunning—a blend of vintage charm and modern elegance. The lighting was low and intimate, making everything seem softer, almost dreamlike. Chandeliers with intricate crystal designs hung from the ceiling, scattering tiny flecks of light across the polished wood floor. Soft, jazzy music floated through the air, blending seamlessly with the quiet hum of conversations and laughter.

Waitresses dressed in sleek, dark uniforms glided by on skates, balancing trays laden with cocktails and artfully arranged dishes. Hailey couldn't help but admire their grace, each movement as fluid as a dance.

Everyone around them was dressed to impress. Women in elegant dresses and men in tailored suits filled the tables, their laughter and chatter blending into the music. Hailey glanced down at her own outfit—her casual tank top and sweatpants—and felt a prick of embarrassment. She tugged her sweater a little tighter around her, as if that might somehow make her blend in.

"If I'd known it was this fancy, I would've dressed up," she murmured, trying to keep her voice low as she scanned the room, suddenly aware of how out of place she felt.

Maxwell leaned in close, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Hey, if it makes you feel better, I'm not exactly dressed for the Oscars, either. We'll just be the oddballs together."

Hailey couldn't help but laugh, though she rolled her eyes. "That's not exactly comforting, you know."

Maxwell chuckled, squeezing her shoulder. "Relax. Let's just grab our food and sneak out."

But Hailey shook her head, her eyes catching sight of a small side room where a group of people were dancing and laughing, their voices rising in joyful, uninhibited laughter. She gestured subtly toward them. "No way. And miss out on all this?"

She raised her brows with a grin, challenging him. Maxwell gave an exaggerated sigh but smiled back, defeated.

"Fine. We'll stay."

They chose an empty table by a large, arched window overlooking the city lights. Almost immediately, a waitress approached. She was petite, with strikingly red lips and a gold tooth that flashed as she spoke, her high-pitched voice carrying an edge of forced cheer.

"Welcome to Vella Mose," she said, her smile wide and a little too perfect, as if painted on. Her eyes, though, remained curiously blank. She pointed to a small QR code on the table. "That's our menu. Please scan through and let me know when you're ready to order."

Her gaze lingered on them for a second longer than felt comfortable, her smile never wavering. Hailey felt a strange chill crawl down her spine, but she forced a polite smile and nodded.

"Thanks, we'll take a look," Hailey replied, glancing at Maxwell, who raised an eyebrow in silent agreement that the waitress was... unusual.

As the waitress skated away, Hailey leaned in, keeping her voice low. "Did she give you a weird vibe, too?"

Maxwell nodded, lips quirking up in a nervous half-smile. "Big time. But hey, maybe that's just her customer service face. Either way, let's eat, enjoy the night, and see where it takes us."

Hailey scanned the menu on her phone, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling. The elegance of the place, the buzzing energy, and Maxwell's calm presence grounded her, yet she couldn't ignore the eerie sense that something was just a bit... off.

Fast forward they ended up ordering a few items on the menu. Their food was ready in a couple minutes. 

Enjoy your meal while it's still hot the waitress said and started to skate away . She stop in her stance and mouthed something to Hailey then disappeared in the crowd. 

Did You hear what she mouthed ? 

No ? She didn't even turn are you sure you're not imagining things Maxwell said .

I must have not been myself but I perfectly heard her mouth the words " or run while you can " 

This place is giving me the creeps honestly she added . 

Maxwell held her fingers tightly trying to reassure her that everything will be okay.

Listen babe before he could continue his words they were interrupted.

Suddenly, a loud, piercing noise erupted from the room directly across from them, cutting off their conversation. They instinctively covered their ears, wincing at the intensity of the sound.

But no one else reacted. The people around them remained utterly unfazed, as if the sound didn't exist at all.