chapter seven

I didn't feel anything for my dad, nothing at all. I dropped my glass on the bar counter.

He deserved everything he was getting. He had abandoned us, all of us. He had caused my mother's death and I couldn't just forgive him for it. He made me become like this, there was no turning back.

   I felt the alcohol burn as it slid through my throat. Everything was a big mess. I still couldn't find that guy, and Georgio might probably die... someday.

I recalled the good old days when mama was still alive and sound. We were a happy family once, but suddenly it had to changed. Georgio had caused this life for himself and now he's bedridden, they all expect I care for him. Forget all that had happened, and move on.

With my own hard earned wealth....

  It was never going to happen.

Ding* My phone chimed again. I supposed it was still Kim pestering me. still trying to get me to change my mind, especially after the way I reacted earlier before storming out. I had hurt my best friend feelings and it wasn't intentional. It was all because of him, Georgio.

I checked my phone, it was Anziano. I figured he was probably trying to break the news to me anyways. Likewise Kim, he was going to try talk sense to my head. Everybody thinks it just easy to let go of the part that hurts you.

    I just needed space, not alcohol.

I checked my time, it was 7:30. I'd better start going before I get a replay of what happened last time.

You there, I called the man behind the bar table. "Here's your tip, I'll start leaving now." I was already becoming sick of the alcohol.

  Okay ma'am, the man came closer to me.

   "You!" I exclaimed on seeing the guy. "You.....you freak!" I couldn't believe it was the same guy from that night. This guy was a huge part of my problem, thank the universe for trying to help me.

He stared at me blankly. "I don't understand."

   People were beginning to quiet down and stare at us. I was sure of what I was saying. it was the same man. Underneath that face and uniform, I'm pretty sure I didn't make a mistake.

" Don't you dare play dumb with me," I threatened.

    He didn't even shake a bit. "Look miss, I think you've made a mistake. I'm James, I work here".

      "I don't care about where you work or who you are. You're that same guy from that night. You're the one who tried to ass-

       He pressed my hands tightly. whispering in a low commanding rumbling tone, "you enjoy creating a scene, don't you?"

   He straightened up. noticing everyone had gone back to their various activities, "Of course I remember you. You're the girl from that night... right?"

  I stared at him with disgust.

   "You're heather isn't it?"

"Don't you dare mention my name with that wretched mouth of yours. Do you know how much hell you've put me through? Now, I've finally got you. Did you think you could get away with assaulting me? I'm going to make sure you pay for that night."

   He smirked. "Your actions that day literally said otherwise." He laugh harder, "you really think framing me for assault and throwing me in jail would be easy?"

      "Well I've got you now," I smiled. "You're going to be so busted. As soon as I call the police they're gonna lock you up." I reached for my phone about to dail Kim's number.

He smacked the phone right from my hand. I watched my phone fall on the hard tile.

"Piccolo gatto, you're not going to come to where I work and try to threaten me." He brought out his phone pointing it to my face. "I told you your actions said otherwise."

    I could only stutter as I watched the video. He was right, the video seemed like I had forced the whole thing. I couldn't believe this man had the audacity to record this.

    "You fucking creep." I closed my fist shut, ready to attack him.

        "You'll only make it worse. I don't know who you think you are barging into my workplace to harass me young lady. Would you leave or should I call security?"

    "Are you seriously going to kick me out of this bar. Where's the manager? You're only going to make things worse for yourself when I explain my ordeal. What kind of man take explicit videos of women to begin with? You're just a fucking weirdo."

     I watched him laugh a little. "You know heather, stuff like this happens all the time. Where women like you try to take advantage of guys like us. But unlike most men, I'm always prepared for the crazy ones... Like....you."

   My face beamed with anger. "I'm not like them. This couldn't have been real. I can't kiss someone, let alone harass them."

   He smiled. "Well you tried to do that now, didn't you? Okay, let's just say you casually go to the police and show them this video. What do you think would be the headlines, I can already imagine it..."

   *Heather Martin's, the needy whore*

     I raised my hands to get him, "you stupid-"

    "Not so fast." He stopped me. "Pick your phone and get out."

   I stared at the phone in his hands, my video obviously playing.

    If only I can just make a quick move and kick it off him.

       "Don't even think of touching my phone,"he said to me, his eyes piercing my soul. "You must be really stupid to think I have just one copy of this video."

   " What do  you want?" I was starting to flinch a little. "Cause by the looks of things this is obviously a set up."

   A blackmail...

He kept his phone in his pocket. "I have no intentions of blackmailing you little cat. Feel free to call this whatever you want."

   I felt my brow sweat a little. "I bet you didn't go through all these trouble for nothing. What could you possibly want? a million dollars? I could get my assistant to arrange that.  Five million dollars? A new house? You name it, I'll do it."

  He smiled. "You know what's the problem of you rich people? You feel too important just because you can get anything you want. You seem to forget not everyone is interested in these things. He brought out another glass cup, cleaning it very carefully. "I'm intrigued but, I'm not interested."

    I stared at this man with honest hatred. "Everybody wants something."

      He only just smiled. "Hmmmmmmmm." "Pick up your phone heather, I apologize for any damage I might have caused in my anger."

       "Hmmm..." And just like that I obeyed like a puppy. "Just name your price, you're not a righteous man and you know it."

         He smirked. "Look, I don't want to have to talk about this right now. Let's talk privately. Preferably, in your car."

         He's mocking me.... This bastard's mocking me.

           "Fuck off," I cursed.

     "With pleasure." I watched him scribble on a piece of paper. "Here have my number, call me when you're ready to talk....or when you feel lonely."

            I helplessly took the number from his hands. They unexpectedly felt cold and hard.

     "You're right heather, everybody definitely wants something."

       What's that supposed to mean?

He simply just ignored me and went back to his business. I quickly dropped my bill on the table and left. I felt really uneasy and devastated.

     What could he possibly want from me? And if he was sent by someone, who could that be?

    "La mela non cade lontano dall'albero, davvero?"

   I smacked my head.... What have I done to myself.