The line of patience I have with Jace has grown really thin.
Since Rory was not around, I couldn't leave the library to chase after the guy. I'm assuming he knew of that and took advantage of it.
I had to wait for the closing time before setting off to locate him. There was only one place I could think of right now.
I did make plans to visit the old man some other time. This was the perfect excuse to do it, I know.
Still, I preferred to have come according to my timeline and when I had prepared something in return.
My nerves were on edge all day after Jace showed up.
If Rory had been around, my restlessness wouldn't have escaped his notice.
I rolled my eyes, partially grateful that he was away. But the majority wished he wasn't.
Taking deep breaths and chasing away the lingering annoyance for Jace, I paused several feet away from the old man's food stall.
A few people came and bought from the elderly vendor. There were some who sat and ate, a bottle of opened beer sitting with them.
Peals of laughter and an assortment of conversations could be heard in the surroundings.
I knew I was being paranoid, but it was never wrong to be extra cautious. It would be foolish to trust the words of the thugs.
Thus, my eyes wandered around the perimeter, checking every corner in case I missed seeing the familiar car parked nearby.
Those people might have stopped bothering the old man, but they don't take it easy when someone tries to threaten them.
I didn't even try to do that.
Well, maybe a little bit.
But arguably, it was barely one.
Recalling the scenario, I had wished that I could tell them who I really was. I wanted to see how they would react.
I wonder what they'd be doing if I actually did that instead of simply thinking it.
"Chaos," I murmured, the imagery running in my mind's eye, putting a smirk on my lips.
Ready to put on a forced smile, I approached the food stall. The old man was grilling some meat, hardly noticing my arrival.
I sat at the nearest table and waited for him to turn around.
"Treat people equally, Amiel," I could hear my father's voice lecturing me even beyond the grave. "Don't look at their status. A person's way of life is not something for you to judge."
Distracted for a few minutes, instead of surprising the old man, I was the one who got surprised as a plate of sizzling grilled meat was placed in front of me.
I let out a yelp, causing the old man to chuckle at my expense.
"It's on the house," he winked. It was my turn to laugh, shaking my head as I pursed my lips.
"No," I contradicted. "I told you before. I'll pay the next time I go here. I don't take no for an answer."
"In that case," Jace's voice came from behind. I was startled for a minute while he joined me at the table. "Let her pay for my dinner for tonight too."
I scoffed, catching his gaze. He winked, smiling at me mockingly.
"Don't tell me," I snickered. "Are you broke?"
The old man shook his head. A playful smile spread on his lips. He left me with Jace, the latter putting a hand over his lips. He appeared to be stopping the wave of loud laughter from coming out.
My annoyance for him only doubled.
"Let's say that I am. Will you pay for my dinner?"
"Because I'm a good person," I pursed my lips, trying to hide my annoyance. "Sure."
Jace clapped his hands, finally releasing the mirth he had been trying to conceal. Not going to lie; he looked cute with his eyes squinted, laughing his heart out.
I didn't find anything funny. Hence, I couldn't do anything but wait for him to finish.
Pursing my lips, I searched for my wallet inside the bag. When I found it, I pulled out the black card I had with me.
Jace eyed it but didn't say anything. The look on his face remained stoic, making me wonder what he was thinking.
I wasn't trying to boast. But the card was the only credit I took with me. Everything else was in a separate purse altogether.
"I feel sorry for your girlfriend."
Jace leaned back on the chair, resting his back while he folded his arms over his chest.
"Joke's on you," he sneered. "I don't have one."
"Tch," I looked at him in the eye. "Too picky? Or perhaps you have such a bad attitude that no one could tolerate you? That won't be too surprising."
Jace hummed. He was neither denying nor confirming either case I presented.
"You're wrong," he murmured. "There's someone who wished to see me so badly."
"Huh," I narrowed my gaze at him. He could be lying for all I know. "I'm not buying that unless there's proof."
"I'm not falling for that trap either. I'm not here to convince you to believe me."
I rolled my eyes.
"Likewise," I mumbled.
The old man returned with more grilled meat and two bottles of beer. There was one for me and one for Jace.
I offered the card to the old man. His eyes grew wide at the item in my hand, shaking his head vehemently.
"I can't take that."
I blew out a sigh, turning to him with a pout on my lips and puppy dog eyes.
"Please don't deny me of using this privilege card. The owner has been bugging me about not appreciating the gift."
I heard Jace coughing, hiding his snicker.
That brought me back to the message he sent last night.
Grabbing the old man's hand, I placed the card and curled his fingers to close around it.
"Charge double the price of the two meals. If that's not allowed, then I'll add four more orders. But could you please pack them and no beer included?"
The old man looked at me, his eyes gleaming with tears.
I smiled, wanting to shoo him away. The look on his face was one I never liked seeing. Not because he looked ugly or anything. But to me, that would be contagious.
"Bless your good heart, young lady."
"Oh, believe me, I'm far from that."
The old man clicked his tongue but stopped arguing and went away to address my order and payment.
Jace whistled when we were alone.
"Who are you?" he asked. The look on his face was that of admiration.
I put my elbow on the table, leaning towards him, and raised an apprehensive brow.
"I think you already know that much," I replied, holding his gaze. "But the real question is: who the hell are you?"