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Chapter 58: Empty Pt 2
Last Updated:
2024-11-17 07:35:29
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Treasured Yet Discarded Chapter 1: Working 9 to 5... Part One
“Order up!”The dinging of a service bell pulls me from my reverie, and back to reality. I walk over to the order window, grab the two plates on the ledge and carry them over to one of the booths by the window.“One, Richie’s Cheeseburger and one, Howard’s Hot Dog,” I announce as I place the plates down in front of the customers. “Is there anything else I can get you?”“Actually, yeah. Could I get a strawberry milkshake and a cola spider for my son?” the young father requests, causing the young boy’s face to light up with excitement.“Coming right up,” I say brightly, walking off to work on their drink order.“Lani, can you help me? I can’t for the life of me read my own friggin handwriting,” groans Áine in frustration, her warm Irish accent making her groaning sound more adorable than it should.“And you think the NON-native English speaker is going to have a better time?” I tease.“Pleeease,” she begs, “You’re just better at this stuff,” she says, holding up her order pad, a sad exa
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Treasured Yet Discarded Chapter 2: Working 9 to 5... Part Two
You know how I said I love it here? I take that back. There is at least one thing I absolutely loathe about this place and it’s currently staring me in the face.“Lani, I love when you find excuses to come back here and see me,” he teases, resting his hand on the sink behind me, leaning far too close for comfort as I do my best to ignore his lecherous gaze.“Dylan, I’ve told you before I really don’t like it when you call me ‘Lani’,” I say calmly but forcefully.I attempt to side-step out of his proximity, but he quickly places his other arm on the sink, caging me in. He leans in closer, and I instinctively hold my breath to avoid breathing in his vape breath. I don’t care what flavours they make for that artificial smoke; his breath still smells like something crawled in his mouth and died.“You let everyone else call you ‘Lani’,” he argues with clear irritation in his voice.“I let my friends call me ‘Lani’, you’re not my friend, so I’d prefer it if you stuck to calling me Nalani.”
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Treasured Yet Discarded Chapter 3: ...and 9 to 2
I pull into the underground parking lot of the Starlight Lounge - one of the most exclusive bars in West Hollywood - pull my visor down and quickly apply a coat of mascara to my naturally long lashes to make my deep, chocolate-brown eyes pop. I then apply a layer of lip oil to my moderately plump lips to give them a little shine. I pinch my cheeks a little – a trick my madre taught me – to give my soft, latte skin a natural flush, then I tie my bust-length, dark brown hair up into a sleek ponytail. I give myself another once over and once satisfied, grab my bag, and get out of the car.I smooth out my black slacks and tuck in my long-sleeve, white, button-down shirt and tighten my black tie. The club has a strict dress code. All servers must wear black pants, a white shirt, and a black tie. At least I get to wear my Sketchers for comfort, but they’re black so they at least blend in. While my diner uniform is cuter, I like this one much better. I think it’s classy and no one can look do
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This day sucks coconuts.Why in the hell did I agree to work a double shift at the Starlight Lounge? And on a Saturday no less. I started at 4 pm, it’s now 9, so that means I’m halfway done. I just have to keep reminding myself this means more money and more money is never a bad thing. Thankfully, it’s break time.The microwave dings and I eagerly pull out my container of homemade sancocho. It’s basically a Dominican stew. Try as I might, I can’t make it as good as my madre, but I give it my best efforts. I’ve tried looking for Dominican restaurants in the area, but I only found one, and while they claimed to be ‘authentic’, I can tell you my madre would have been cussing the cooks out for disgracing our heritage.I sit down at the table in the small, soundproof break room and begin digging into my food while I scroll on my phone to see what friends and family back home are posting online. I try to squash down the pang of sadness I feel seeing them all so happy without me. I know what
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I pull the ice pack away and gingerly feel the back of my head. It’s still tender to the touch, and the Advil is only doing so much to ease the ache in my skull and stiffness in my neck, which means tomorrow at the diner is going to be a gruelling eight hours.“You sure I can’t get you anything?” asks Amber, sitting on the end of the bed against the glass pane, smothering Ily with affection.“I’m okay. I appreciate you bringing me food though,” I say graciously. “I really didn’t feel like getting up. I just want to spend the day resting so I can be alright for work tomorrow.”Amber looks at me with a deep frown of displeasure. “You’re not seriously going to work tomorrow.”“Of course, I am.”“Lani, you could have been really hurt last night. I would be so shaken if it was me,” she says while nuzzling Ily who playfully paws at her face.“I’m not. No one intentionally hurt me, it was just an accident. I’m not bleeding or have any broken bones, so there’s no reason for me to stay home.”“
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“No, I definitely didn’t forget anything.” He graces me with a smouldering smile as he removes his Ray Bands, tucking them into his black hoodie, revealing those deep blue eyes that looked at me with worry just last night. I stare with my mouth agape, producing the perfect place for flies to seek sanctuary as I process the sight before me.Julian Easton is standing in my doorway. Julian Easton knows where I live?!“Um…what are you doing here?” I quietly ask, the shock of the situation preventing me from remembering how to turn the volume up on my voice.“I wanted to check on you, make sure you were okay after last night,” he says with genuine concern. But he’s an actor so I’m not sure how genuine it actually is.“How did you find where I live? Who even let you in the gate?” I ask, alarm quickly replacing my shock.“I got your address from your friend Irina. I explained I wanted to apologise and pay for any hospital bills if there are any.”“And the gate?”“Some guy let me in when I sa
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“Thank you,” I say with a courteous smile to the waitress as she sets my order down on the table. As someone who works in the service industry, I always try to treat other servers with respect. We have enough problems; we don’t need to make life harder for each other.I take a sip of my Pepsi and start digging into my delicious and juicy-looking bucket of wings as I wait for Irina at our favourite bar/restaurant. Aside from the food, we love the alfresco-style dining that opens out onto the streets of We-Ho. It's sophisticated but with tropical decor and vines that wrap and weave through the shaded pergola. It reminds me of the hotel resort my mum works at back home. Growing up I was allowed to play and swim in the pool for free. I always thought it was weird having a resort pool that looks out onto the ocean though. I mean, that's basically one free giant pool. Either way, it's the closest I can get to feeling like I'm back home.I’m onto my second wing when Irina finally graces me w
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Treasured Yet Discarded Chapter 8: Intrusion
We’re enjoying our food and drinks, gabbing about whatever random stories pop into our heads and just having a general good time, when a voice reaches my ears filling me with the same dread and dismay as if I were to hear the seven trumpets announcing the apocalypse. I close my eyes, praying this is just a side affect of my hit to the end, but I am proved wrong when Dylan saunters up to our table, leaning on it and encroaching on our space.“Now what are the chances of bumping into you here? It must be my lucky day,” he preens.“Hey, didn’t you read the sign? It says no dogs allowed,” Irina cautions, making me force back a smile.“Then I’m surprised they let a bitch eat at the table,” he counters.Irina raises her eyebrow in challenge, and I instantly know this won’t end well.“Dylan, please leave us alone, we’re just trying to enjoy a nice dinner,” I request politely.“Better idea, why don’t I join you,” he excitedly suggests.“Over my dead body,” Irina sneers, sitting back and foldin
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
Latest chapter
Treasured Yet Discarded Chapter 58: Empty Pt 2
Immediately I feel dread wash over me and those unpleasant gut bubbles rising in my stomach. The urge to check behind me starts to creep in and quickly my head begins to spin.“You couldn’t have phrased that another way?” Áine chastises Irina.“Nothing terrible has happened,” Irina quickly assures me, only easing my dread by a fraction.“Then why did you sound all foreboding like that?” I prod, breathing through my anxiety as Áine rubs soothing circles on my back.“Okay, so that’s on me. I was just going to say…Julian’s been calling me. He’s shown up to my place and left voicemails and text messages, all of him looking for you. I haven’t told him where you are because it’s none of his fucking business. I just thought you should know he’s clearly desperate to talk to you,” she informs me.Just hearing his name causes a pang in my chest. Since I left the penthouse I blocked and deleted his number. He came to the diner a couple times but each time someone covered for me and told him I wa
Treasured Yet Discarded Chapter 57: Empty Pt 1
“Nalani, are you sure about this?” Lamont gently asks, his eyes filled with sadness as he holds my letter of resignation in his hands.“I’m sorry, Monty. I’ve thought long and hard about this and as much as I liked working here and the people I’ve gotten to know, I just don’t think it’s in my best interest to stay. Recent events have caused me to have painful memories here and with what’s going on in my personal life, I think changing jobs would be good for my safety,” I delicately explain.Finding work isn’t easy in this economy but for my wellbeing, I need to put myself on lockdown. I’m looking for new work and I’ll be sure to let my employers know not to hand my information out to anyone who asks no matter what. I’m also looking for a new place to live so I can start fresh. Making sure this guy couldn’t call me is one thing, but he knows where I live and he knows where I work, so the next best thing I can do is change that. Is there a chance he is watching my every move and will st
Treasured Yet Discarded Chapter 56: Done Pt 2
The sound of glass shattering wakes me from my deep sleep with a jolt. I sit up in bed, my eyes alert and frantic as I look around the room. I reach across the bed, pulling my phone out from under my pillow and see that it’s two in the morning. I unlock my phone and type 911 into the keypad as I carefully get out of bed and make my way to the door.With my heart clogging my throat and cold dread rolling through me, I carefully open the door, make my way to the hallway railing and peer down to the floor below. I glance around and finally, my eyes fall on the source of the crashing. I let out a deep sigh of relief and slip my phone into my pocket as I make my way downstairs. With each step, my concern grows as I watch a dishevelled-looking Julian haphazardly pour himself a glass of vodka while shards of broken glass lay at his feet.His cheeks are rosy, his eyes are glassy – but not from crying – his jacket is nowhere to be seen, and his shirt is rolled up to the elbows with his bowtie
Treasured Yet Discarded Chapter 55: Done Pt 1
“And that girl was so mean. I can’t believe she smacked the fork out of his hand,” Áine remarks shaking her head, recalling our shift at the diner.“I don’t know the poor guy, but I hope he sees sense and dumps her. No one should be with someone that toxic,” I add as we step off the elevator and into the penthouse.“Even you know when to leave a toxic relationship. No offence,” she adds sheepishly.“No offence taken,” I assure her, making my way to the kitchen to grab some snacks and drinks from the refrigerator.“Are you sure Julian won’t mind me being here?” she nervously asks.“He’s not my warden, Áine. I can have friends over. I had asked Amber if she wanted to join, but she’s swamped at work.”“Maybe next time,” she chirps optimistically.That’s something I love about Áine…well, I honestly love just about everything about her. She is so bubbly and optimistic, just wanting to see others happy. There aren’t many people like her; I just wish she could direct some of that optimism to
Treasured Yet Discarded Chapter 54: I Can Do This Blindfolded
Taking a deep breath I try to calm the worms crawling around in my stomach. I place my hand on the door, take in one more breath for good measure, and walk into the diner. I’m only two steps inside when someone scares the daylights out of me by screaming my name.“LANI!”I’m immediately wrapped in a bear hug by Bernadette, who I haven’t seen in ages. She squeezes me tight, rocking me back and forth as her thick wavey brown hair gets all up in my mouth.“I can’t believe you’re back. I was worried we’d never see you again,” she whines in her thick German accent.I smile, hugging her in return and giving her a tight squeeze. “You know me, I’m a workaholic, I was bound to come back eventually,” I say playfully.“Are you just visiting or are you back back?”“I’m back back, I just need to go talk to Gary.”“He’s in his office,” she informs me, beaming.“You’re the best,” I smile, giving her a kiss on the cheek and making my way to Gary’s office.As I’m about to knock on the door, I get an u
Treasured Yet Discarded Chapter 53: Can't Keep A Girl Down
Entering the apartment with my shopping bags I’m immediately greeted by Julian’s enraged voice emanating from somewhere upstairs and reverberating around the spacious penthouse. Concern fills me as I cautiously make my way upstairs, the sound of Julian’s pointed words increasing in volume with each step I take. I guess that’s another reason to have an apartment with more walls: they act as a sound barrier.“No, no, NO. You swore to me it was a sure thing, Gradin. You were the one who told me I was a shoo-in for a Best Actor nomination at the Oscars, and now you’re trying to tell me I’m not even a fucking consideration?! I’m not involved in any fucking drama or bad press so either I’ve been blacklisted for some ungodly reason, OR YOU FUCKING LIED TO ME!” he fumes.Yikes…he didn’t even sound this angry when the police were over here. I learned the hard way that Julian doesn’t handle criticism or rejection well, so I don’t think I want to be in the line of fire when he’s upset like this.
Treasured Yet Discarded Chapter 52: Ring Ring
“Lani?” calls Julian’s voice gently followed by a light rap on the door.I sigh, pulling my legs against my chest, “What?”“Can I come in?” he tentatively asks.“It’s your house,” I remind him.He opens the door and lets himself in. I look over to see him watching me with a sheepish look on his face. He walks over and sits on the edge of the bed, probably deciding it’s better to keep a safe distance from me.“I’m sorry,” he says sincerely, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. “You’re right, this isn’t happening to me, and I don’t have a right to get so worked up on your behalf and make this about me and how I’m feeling when you’re the one going through this. I shouldn’t have done that,” he admits.“I don’t blame you for getting upset, and I appreciate that you care, but I’m struggling enough to make sense of all this to myself, worrying about you freaking out on top of everything is just too much for me right now and I’m sorry if that’s selfish but I am seriously over
Treasured Yet Discarded Chapter 51: Protect and Serve? Ha!
Sitting on the sofa I stare at my hands, determined to pick this frustrating piece of skin that has come up close to my cuticle. I just know it’s going to keep getting caught on things and will drive me insane. I never understand how they occur. You never really see it happen; you just suddenly one day feel a sting or feel something catch, then you look and there is another tiny piece of skin that’s come up from around your nails. It shouldn’t be so annoying, but it is.“Lani,” I hear a familiar voice call my name.I look up into concerned sapphire eyes. They used to smile more, but now they just seem to either look at me with guilt or concern.“Hmm?” I hum.“Here, I made you some hot chocolate,” Julian explains, sitting beside me and placing the mug in my hands. “Sugar is good for shock,” he assures me with a comforting smile.Shock? Is that what this is? Honestly, I’ve been through so many emotions lately that I can barely keep them straight. They’ve all started to bleed together an
Treasured Yet Discarded Chapter 50: Photographs
***I give Irina and Áine the biggest hugs I can as I reluctantly say goodbye to them. Having them here and spending the day with them has been like a booster shot to the arm. I wanted them to stay and never leave, but I know they have lives to get back to, and it’s not like I’ll never see them again. I guess I’m just feeling homesick for our regular get-togethers.“I want you guys to know you are welcome to stop by any time, day or not. I’ve missed hanging out with you guys,” I say sadly.“On the bright side, your bedroom here is bigger than your whole studio apartment,” Áine chuckles. “For a change, we all fit comfortably.”I smile half-heartedly. As nice as it is here, I miss having my own place. I miss the home I made for myself. That being said, I’m not ready to go back and even if I do, it will only be to pack up the rest of my things and move the hell out. You couldn’t even pay me to continue to live there now.Áine quickly kisses my cheek goodbye and gets in the cab waiting fo
