Chapter 2

Aurora

By 9pm I was already leaving for my night shift at the “Smokes on the water” bar, it was one of the best bars in our small-town Greenville County, and although they usually do not hire anyone without proper training and experience, I was the exception. Nash, the manager of the place was generous enough to get me the job of a table attendant five years ago and since then, I’ve stuck around. Not that I had much choice, but I’m grateful for this job. With all the hefty tips these rich assholes give me, it makes the job worth all the indecent comments they make about my body. Amelia stays the night until I come back home, which I am very thankful for, I wouldn’t want my mom to be alone if things go south at night. I walk in through the back door of the bar and am immediately met with the smell of expensive liquor and money.

“Thank God! You’re here!” Nash exclaimed with an exasperated sigh, I frown “but I am right on time, see” I showed him my watch that clearly indicates that it’s just 9:30pm. “I know Aurora but Sophie just called in sick and we are less on staff, you’ll have to cover for her as well” Nash informed and I shrugged and said, “Okay” more money for me. “You’re an angel” Nash said with a small smile. Overall, Nash was a superb boss to work with, he turned 28 just last week and gave us all a bonus for his birthday, which was definitely great for me, I wouldn’t complain about some extra cash. With his dark brown hair and emerald green eyes, Nash gets quite the female attention, but I have no idea why he is so hung up on Sophie, he could do so much better.

I tighten my apron and get to work, tonight is going to be considerably long, and I didn’t exactly prepare for it. The first table I’ve been allotted to, is bearable enough because they are a family of five and not some rich pricks, who think they have an open pass to harass a table attendant. After that, the night flows by with a flurry of new and regular customers coming in and leaving the bar. All in all, it’s been a pretty uneventful night, with only five conceited bastards asking if I was up for a night of pleasure. I very politely declined their intrusive offer, and asked for their orders, even if all I wanted to do was to bash the tray in their faces.

By the time it was 12am, almost every table was empty with only a few patrons drinking and chatting with their fellow mates. I rubbed my palms on the apron and made my way towards Nash’s office, “I’m done for the day Nash” I said, standing near his office door, he looked up from his computer and replied “no, actually you’re not” my eyes widened in disbelief. “Nash, I have my mother to take care of, the nurse will leave as soon as I reach home, I can’t keep her waiting” I explained in the most patient voice but really, on the inside I was fuming.

 I worked an extra shift for his freaking girlfriend and he has the audacity to ask me to wait for longer than necessary? Nash sighed and shook his head. “Don’t get me wrong Rory, I am just trying to help you. I’ve a business meeting with two high end clients, and you are my best attendant right now, if they are impressed, you’ll end up getting a hefty tip.” He shrugs and then continues, “If you don’t want that kind of money, then I’ll ask Jake to fill up for you” manipulative bastard! I gritted my teeth, I really wanted to go home but if the money is really as huge as he says then… he knew I couldn’t say ‘no’ to extra cash. Resigned with my situation, I muttered “I’ll do it”, “perfect, they’ll be here in fifteen minutes” he replied and went back to work on his computer.

I waited inside the breakroom for exactly ten more minutes and then made my way to the V.I.P section where Nash held all of his meetings, as informed, there were two more men in suits just like him. I made my way to their table and put on my fake ass smile, “what can I get for you, gentlemen?” I said brightly, taking in their appearance. My smile dropped and my heart stopped beating. There is no way this was happening, there is no way he could be here, no…no…no, this cannot happen.

For a second, I thought I might faint and embarrass myself, my legs were shaking, if I stayed here any longer, I might die from hyperventilation. “Oh Rory! Finally, why don’t you get me a glass of whiskey” Nash ordered in an overly enthusiastic tone and I snapped out of my trance, I nodded and I turned to look at the second mystery man and waited for him to give his order, “Are you on the menu, love?” he asked in a thick British accent, for a moment, I forgot who was around me and all I could feel was anger for this unknown man, how dare he subject me to being merely a thing and not a living, breathing person? Asshole!

I took a deep breath to calm myself and replied, “Unfortunately, for you sir, I am not” I cast him a glare and he laughed like it was the most amusing sentence he’s ever heard. “Vodka” he finally replied and I nodded. There was no way I could ignore him now, I gulped in some much-needed air and willed myself to act as unfazed as possible even thought, from the inside I’m a freaking mess. He was sitting there in all of his glory, seeming totally unaffected by my appearance, he spared me a single glance before looking back at his business associates. And my heart stuttered.

Michael Calloway. My first love, my only love was back in town looking like Greek God incarnate and I was ones again reminded of all the precious things I lost in life, Michael Calloway topped that list because I was stupid enough to let him walk away from me, it was my fault and I was paying dearly. “Bourbon for me” he said with a southern drawl and every inch on my body shivered with anticipation. But then they went right back to discussing business and I was left to wonder if he even remembers me anymore, I shook my head and made my way to the bar to pick up their orders. I might just be a lost memory to him but he was my everything, no, he ‘IS’ my everything.