Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 77372 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77372 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
“Darren,” I offered and bowed a little to the rest.
“Oh my God, it’s Addie and she’s all grown up,” said one of Daimon’s friends. I remembered him. He was in high school with us. Rafe was the nicest one, if you could believe it.
“It happens,” I said rather annoyed.
“So what can I get you fellas?” I asked, bringing my tray up to write on my pad.
“Bring a bottle of Macallan 39,” Darren said over the music.
“Not a problem,” I smiled at him, but damn if my eyes didn’t drift to Daimon. A dark smile was etched on his face as he watched me. I rolled my eyes again and left.
I was at the bar waiting for Jace to get the bottle and my glasses ready, when Daimon appeared next to me. He leaned into the bar and looked over at me.
“Answer me this, Addie, why the fuck are you working here?” He peered down at me.
If Daimon hadn’t been such a prick, he would have been the perfect man. Tall, muscular, slim and with a deep voice which made you wonder how low it could go. The kicker was his clear, sky blue eyes. They were simply iridescent. It was a shame all his attributes masked his sadistic behavior. The guy was an ass and only cared about himself. I looked over at him and laughed in his face.
“Here, Addie.” Jace handed me the tray. I took it with both hands, but Daimon grabbed my wrist, making me drop it on the bar. Thankfully nothing broke.
“What the hell is your problem?” I glared at him.
“I asked you a question, Addie, the least you could do is answer me,” he seethed. Holy shit he’s crazy!
“You listen here, crazy, the least I could do is ignore you. So how about this? I ignore your annoying presence and you do the same for me?” I picked up the tray again and left him at the bar. I wanted to distance myself from Daimon. Being around him brought out old memories; ones I didn’t want to remember.
By the end of the night, I made some good tips, which made me feel a whole lot better. Sofia didn’t know I was working here and I didn’t want her to. Not that I was embarrassed, but Sofia always felt guilty, like she had chosen herself over us. I didn’t want her feelings to interfere with her future. She had the right to one. Sofia was young and felt like it was her fault Dad had become sick. She thought if she had worked more Dad wouldn’t be the way he was now. But the truth was and I told her repeatedly, it all started the day mom died. Dad not only lost his best friend, but he lost his partner and lover. It was only natural for him to get sick. My father was a strong man, but he was a sensitive and an emotional person. He loved my mother immensely and losing her scarred him.
***
It was Sunday morning and Sofia came to work with me. We always had a good time when we were together. But today wasn’t going to be one of those days.
“I don’t want to go,” she pouted.
“Why?” I laughed. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime. Look Sofia, I love you. But seriously, kid it’s not like you have a choice in the matter.” I stuck out my tongue at her, trying to make the conversation light and funny.
“I want to stay,” she said louder.
“And what, Sofia?” Now I had become angry with her, resentment started to spew forth. “What? Stay here? Live this wonderful life? What? Work day in and day out in here?” I could feel my blood rising. “No, Sofia! You are going to leave here and go off to Yale. So help me God, I will drag you there myself if I have to,” I spat out.
“Why are you being so stubborn?” she huffed. “Why can’t I help you? You do everything for us,” she began to cry. Seeing her tears, melted away all the bitterness I felt.
“Ah come on, Sofia, don’t you cry. Today is Sunday. It’s Addie and Sofia’s fun day,” I pleaded. I wanted to spend some more time with her, but every time we did, she would bring up school and how she wasn’t going.
“Well, it doesn’t look fun.” The moment I heard his voice, my shoulders sunk and my head fell back. Could this day get any worse?
“What is it that you want?” I asked exasperated as I turned around and saw Daimon.
“Food,” Daimon said, smiling.
“We don’t have food here,” I snapped.
“Seriously?” He sat himself down. “Hey, smaller version of Addie, can you get me a menu?” he said to Sofia. “I see you’re plenty busy today?” he looked around. Not one customer had come in today. Thanks, asshole, for the salt on the wound.