“No, you are staying and you’re going to tell me what the fuck is wrong with you.” He blocked my way to the elevator.
“Drop it and I stay. Push and I’ll leave,” I threatened. The elevator dinged.
“It’s the doorman with the food,” he said curtly, still looking at me.
Dinner with Daimon was quiet and long. He barely spoke and I hardly wanted to be there with him. He insisted on driving me home. The entire night we were together was uncomfortable and uneasy. The guilt of losing my mother and how much I failed my family weighed heavily on my mind.
I crawled into bed late that night, thinking about what Daimon had said. I had been trying for a while to speak to my father about the store and closing it down. I knew it would be difficult, but we needed to move on. My father must have known; he was avoiding me all together.
THE SCAR
I had gone in to work that afternoon and the moment I did, my father left. He was still angry about Frank and about what I wanted to say. I worked the dinner rush, which actually wasn’t that bad. We had met the quota of the day, which made me happy. I closed shop and escorted Silvia out to the bus stop. She waved good-bye to me as I headed to my next shift at the bar. I hadn’t heard anything from Frank since the day he came into the diner, which made me afraid of what he was planning.
“So has that prick shown up again?” Elissa asked me as she placed her drinks on her tray.
“Which one?” I asked; knowing who she was talking about. But let’s be honest, I had quite a few pricks I was juggling.
“Come on, your ex,” she huffed.
“He came by the store. Fucker made my dad all upset and he had a relapse again, just when he was getting better, too.”
“What did he want?” she asked.
“Elissa, table one is waiting for their drinks,” I heard Darren call out.
“Later,” she insisted, taking her tray.
“I'm assuming you didn’t tell Daimon about your mother,” Darren said as he walked over to me.
“Why?” I asked.
“Why?” he chuckled. “‘Cause the guy was asking me. That’s why.”
“What was he asking you?” I panicked. I didn’t want Daimon knowing. My mother’s death was my own to deal with and Daimon would only make it about him somehow.
“Said you froze the moment he mentioned your mom.” Darren got a drink from one of the bartenders there and began swirling it around.
“Don’t say anything to him. I don’t want him knowing,” I said meekly.
“Addie, he can help you,” Darren offered.
“Help me with what?” I asked, annoyed at him now.
“With money and getting you a better job. You can’t keep working two shitty jobs to try to make ends meet. Addie, the diner doesn’t work anymore. You’re getting yourself sick for nothing,” Darren persisted.
“You can’t be serious. You want me to take his money? Look, Darren, I'm his girlfriend, yes, but I’m not in the position to be bought.” I had to swallow the lie I had said. “Just do me a favor and don’t tell him anything,” I warned.
“It’s not my story to tell, so I won’t,” he noted.
The night ended well and without any incidents. I avoided Elissa and her badgering questions about Frank. I stepped outside of the bar where the lineup had dissipated. I waved good-bye to Pete who was huddled with two other bouncers.
“Miss Addie,” an older man came out of a black sedan with tinted windows.
“Yes,” I said skeptically.
“Addie? Everything okay?” I heard Pete yell over to me. I turned and shrugged.
“I’ve been sent by Mr. Evans. He said I’m to drive you home after work.” He nodded his head a little. Pete walked over to me and put his hand on my shoulder.
“Thought you might need me,” Pete said quietly. The suspense tone rang. I dug into my pocket and took out my phone.
Daimon:Get in the car Addie. I sent the driver for you
Was he watching me?
Me:Where r u? r u here watching?
Daimon:No, I just know you
“It’s okay, Pete. Daimon sent him for me,” I smiled reassuring him.
“Okay, good. ‘Cause it’s late at night, I was starting to get worried for you.” He patted my shoulder and left.
The driver opened the door to the sedan and helped me in. I was completely uncomfortable with the whole thing, but I had to admit I was kind of grateful. I was leaving the bar later at night these days and it was hard to avoid any unsightly events.
He drove in silence as he took me home. I sat watching the tall buildings, which made New York famous pass by us. God, I was tired. I couldn’t keep working two jobs, but what choice did I have?