Chapter 2: Are You Gonna Ruin My Party?

Scarlett and Joey were chatting in the break room. She felt excited and relieved by what Sir Fond had just told her, and it showed on her face.

“So, what’s the good news?” Joey puffed at her cigarette, releasing smoke into the air. She looked at Scarlett. “Look at that face. Whatcha hiding, girl? Spit it out already.”

“Aye, stop teasing me. So, actually, here’s the thing. I’m about to quit working at Mystic Night Garden.” As she finished her sentence, Scarlett reached out her finger and deftly flicked the ash away.

Joey smiled, eyes twinkling, “Mmm nice, good for ya!”

Scarlett took a drag of her cigarette and let out a plume of smoke. She turned to Joey, “How much longer are you gonna stay here, you think?”

Joey shrugged her shoulders. Her thick make-up helped conceal her true emotions. A moment later, she said with pretend ease, “Ya know, I don’t really know what I can do in life besides this lousy job. Anyway, it’s a decent job. At least for someone like me who just wants to make a quick buck, ya know?”

After a long look at Scarlett, she continued, “The manager is right. You can have anything you want in life as long as you work really hard. But that’s just not the case for me.”

Scarlett took another puff of her cigarette before stubbing it out under her shoe. She said: “The higher you climb, the harder you fall. I’d better stay where I belong.”

Joey nodded her head in agreement. She stubbed out her cigarette, breathing deeply as she pondered over Scarlett’s words.

“What are you guys doing here?” The manager suddenly showed up and yelled at them outside the door. “Resting time is up. Mr. Clarkson’s room is now short of hands. Hurry up, girls!”

The two girls quickly stuffed peppermints into their mouths, straightened up their clothes, and headed toward the room.

Joey was sent to another room. Before they parted, she whispered to Scarlett, “Be careful, the manager…”

***

Scarlett pushed the door open and went in with one hand holding up a tray with two bottles of wine placed on it. It looked like the room had not warmed up yet. All the princesses were just sitting there on the couch; they were restrained.

As Scarlett popped up at the door, she caught the attention of the man who was seated in the center of the lounge. “Well, well, well, how could they be so foolish to ask such a beauty like you to only sell the wine? What wine are you selling, babe? Come, come here and show me.”

There was suddenly a spotlight on Scarlett, and everyone turned around to look at her.

The man then stood up, walked to her in a few steps, and stood right in front of her.

And in such distance, Scarlett noticed that his dark blue business-suit was limited. From this distance, Scarlet saw that his dark blue business suit was none other than limited edition Valentino. His leather shoes were classic Salvatore Ferragamo. He had probably even had them custom-fitted. Another rich asshole, Scarlett thought to herself.

“Little pretty, how about a few drinks with your Uncle Clarkson, eh? What do you think, babe?” Without even waiting for Scarlett to consent, he grabbed her hand and placed a glass of wine in it.

Everyone else in the room remained utterly silent and quietly watched what was going on without saying a word. They saw that Mr. Clarkson grabbed the girls' hand very tightly and refused to let go; no matter how the girl struggled to free herself, she stayed trapped.

Scarlett took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. In a second, a professional and polite smile reappeared on her face. “I’m so sorry to trouble you, sir. I didn’t mean to disturb you by barging in here like this. I owe you an apology.”

Scarlett raised the glass of wine to her lips and guzzled down the red liquid in a matter of seconds– by way of apology. She figured he would appreciate the playful gesture.

She was right. Her gesture, unfortunately, also managed to rekindle the old man’s interest and desire. His eyes became wild and his hands unscrupulous. He grabbed Scarlett’s hand again and touched it to his greasy face.

He was so disgusting that Scarlett was about to throw up. “I'm sorry, but I’ve still got work to do outside sir.” she smiled and struggled to get rid of the man’s hand.

The man didn’t give up and tried to tempt the girl with money, “Don’t resist, babe. Just listen to me. Aye, you listening to me? Just do what I say, and I promise you’ll go home tonight, rich.”

“I'm sorry, sir, but that’s not allowed. Please, sir, let me go. I don’t want to break the rules.”

The man grabbed her chin and threatened, “Are you really gonna ruin my party like this, you little bitch?” Summoning all of her strength, Scarlett managed to free herself from the man’s tight grip.

Mr. Clarkson grew even angrier. “You better fucking drink, bitch. You better fucking drink all this wine, or I won’t let you walk out of this room.”

As soon as he finished his words, the manager came in time and tried to ease the situation, “We are so sorry, Mr. Clarkson. This girl is just a newbie here and is still ignorant and reckless. It’s my fault; I should never have sent this one to you. Please, I beg you, have mercy on her. You would be very kind to forgive her– just this one time. Well, how about a 50% discount for today’s wine as an apology?”

Mr. Clarkson glanced at her, “You think I can’t afford this shit?”

The manager began sweating profusely and apologized repeatedly. She hinted at Scarlett to do something. Scarlett didn’t want to ruin her own good mood and also believed that this might be her last day at Mystic Night Garden.

She turned to Mr. Clarkson and apologized with a smile, “I’m sorry to have caused you so much trouble, Mr. Clarkson. I don’t mind drinking wine if that’s what you would like for me to do. This is the best wine out there, though– it’s a waste for a girl like me to drink it up. I’ll drink one bottle up and leave another for your later party. How ‘bout that? Does that sound good?”