The Devil Behind Me(32)

I reentered my house; my father must have gone to sleep. I went up to my bedroom to a waiting Sofia who looked angry as she sat on her bed waiting.

“So that was Daimon,” she spat out.

“Yes, that was Daimon,” I said, already annoyed at her.

“Frank…”

“Enough with Frank,” I hissed.“I don’t ever want to hear the fucking name again. Frank and I are done. We were done ages ago. So who I choose now is none of your business. I'm twenty nine and I'm not about to ask you for permission on who I date and what I do.” I unleashed all my frustrations out on Sofia; the girl pushed the wrong buttons at the wrong time.

I could see her about to cry, not because I yelled, but because she was frustrated. I knew how she felt about Frank. But Daimon was the one I was seeing now, I was seeing him for her. So she could go off and do the things I couldn’t.

“Fine!” she barked and threw herself onto the bed, turning off the light on her nightstand and burrowing herself under her covers.





SLAPHAPPY BASTARD


My time was always taken up by something and the only thing I had left which made me feel whole was running. I hadn’t been able to run since the moment Daimon entered my life. I was so angry at Daimon for so easily entering my home and finding my father at his worst. I never wanted Daimon to see that part of my life, afraid he would ridicule it like he did everything else.

“Earth to Addie! Hellloo?” I snapped out of my daze and saw Elissa waving at me.

“When did you get in?” I asked as I waited for Jace to finish up my drinks.

“A while ago, I was telling you I was pregnant and that’s when I knew you were off in your own land,” she laughed.

“What? Wait? What?” I freaked.

“Relax, I was joking, trying to get your attention. Come on, Addie. Me? Pregnant? Girl, I'm allergic to that,” she scoffed.

“Holy shit you scared me. You having a child would turn my already screwed up view on life askew,” I mocked.

“You’re a funny girl, you know that?” she teased.

“I try.” I shrugged.

“So are you ready for tonight?” she asked. Elissa had asked me to go out with her after work and I said yes. I figured what’s another day without sleep.

“Yeah, I am,” I said, still lost in my thoughts.

“What? Afraid Mr. Moneybags won’t let you go out?” she asked with annoyance.

“Hey! Owner of Addie,” she cried out. “You mind if your girlfriend comes out with me?” she yelled to the other side of the bar. I looked up to see an intense stare from Daimon. When did he get here?

“Why not?” he cried out. “It’s not like I can control Addie.” He continued to stare at me, fusing me where I stood. He lifted his glass and drank his alcohol, his eyes focused on me.

“Thanks,” waved Elissa. “I honestly don’t know what the fuck you see in him. Yeah, he’s hot and loaded, but man there’s this asshole vibe which comes right off him,” she said disapprovingly. “Addie? Addie? Are you even listening to me?” She pulled at my arm, taking me away from Daimon’s eyes. I half-smiled and shrugged.

“What is it with you and shrugging today? Are shrugs free? Is that it?” She shook her head.

“You’re up, Addie.” Jace knocked on the bar to tell me my drinks were ready. I took the tray and went off to my tables.

The night was great, except for a rowdy bunch of men who weren’t New Yorkers. I couldn’t tell where they were from, but there was a twang in there speech.

“Come here, girl,” shouted one of them. I looked over from a table I was finishing up with, to see a big burly man waving me over. I sighed at the idea of having to deal with half drunken men. I slowly made my way over. I dragged my feet, hoping they’d forget I was coming. But it didn’t happen as they watched me walking over to them.

“Yes,” I smiled the fake smile all people have when working with the public.

“Why don’t you sit with us, sweetheart?” he smiled and the rest of the guys laughed. The man was big but stout, making him seem slightly overweight.

“Can’t. I'm working,” I lied. Darren wanted us to be efficient in our work but also seem friendly when it was needed. On this occasion it wasn’t needed. I wanted to spill my drinks all over them if I could.

“Oh, come on, sweet thing.” He went to grab at my apron but I moved back and all he clutched at was air.

“Thanks for the offer, though,” I smiled but inside my head I was swearing at him. I started to make my way back to the bar when the overbearing man slapped my ass. Hard! I yelped out in pain. I turned and our eyes met, he laughed, but I glared at him.