Aiden Millers exits his home earlier than usual because every second spent inside felt suffocating. He hates that Graham hasn't responded to any of his messages, but most importantly he hates himself for not being able to understand the cause of his discomfort.
Did he jump his friendship's boundaries?
A heavy sigh escapes his lips as he shakes his head and pushes the button of the elevator. Only a few seconds pass before the metalic doors open in front of him, revealing the small figure of a woman who is struggling to carry her shopping bags.
"Ms. Reed, let me help you with that", he offers with a fond smile, reaching the plastic bags as quickly as he can.
"Oh, Adam. You're such a sweet boy. Thank you", the old lady says with her shaky voice, leading the way to her apartment.
Millers isn't bothered with the fact that she never calls him by his name. Instead, he finds it somewhat adorable.
Ever since the day he found out she lives on her own, he has tried to help her in any way he can. She's actually the only neighbor he meets on a regular basis.
"Here you go", the young man says in the moment he leaves the bags on the counter in her kitchen. "Do you want me to help you organize everything?"
"There's no need for that. You should be very busy today."
Aiden would like to insist on staying. However, he knows he needs some fresh air to untangle the thoughts that made him send a very honest text in the middle of the night.
"You're right, I better get going. Take care, please."
"Don't worry too much about me, sweetheart. Have a lovely day."
After saying his goodbyes, the chef exits the apartment and continues his way to work.
It was a lie when he told Aiden that he takes a taxi every day from his home to Indigo. Truth is that he enjoys walking the few blocks between locations.
He knows it's a little dangerous to walk on his own after his shift at the restaurant, and that is exactly why he does it. Every night he wanders around the streets trying to find the shadow of something menacing. Though some may see this as an unintelligent action, he believes it's worth putting his life in danger if that means that he can save someone else's.
This ambition is the reason why he didn't want to be close with Graham in the first place. A vampire hunter isn't exactly what anyone would look for in a friend.
Therefore, he believes that getting no response from the businessman is the best for both of them. While Larson will continue with his successful career, Aiden will move to a different city to fulfill his wish of ending with any red-eyed humanoid who crosses his path.
The painful part, nevertheless, is getting rid of the feelings he developed for the older man since the first time they met.
Aiden still has fresh in his mind the moment when Graham pleaded him to stay. It doesn't matter what he does, he can't get rid of that memory.
This is exactly why guilt has been consuming him. He thinks he was too obvious with his emotions towards Graham, and that this transparency has somehow offended or scared the latter.
If only he could control the intensity of his feelings, maybe they would have had the best friendship ever.
But that was not the case.
That was never the case with Aiden.
Even then, he would have preferred to be openly rejected. The red-haired man would have easily understood if Graham had different sexual preferences.
What really kills him inside is that he hasn't gotten any sort of answer.
He even checks his messages anxiously right before entering the restaurant. His lips form a pout, but he shrugs that sulkiness away remembering that he must focus on nothing but his job until Indigo closes late at night.
What he doesn't know is the rollercoaster that destiny has prepared for today.
As the employees get ready to start the day, a familiar figure enters the establishment from the back door.
Aiden doesn't understand why the head of the restaurant, Henry Nicholson, is looking so excited today.
He would only smile genuinely when talking with customers. That's why the sous chef feels extremely curious when Henry gathers all the employees with a joyful spark in his eyes.
"Don't panic, everyone. This isn't anything bad, I promise. I just wanted to ask you all for your cooperation", Nicholson states with a grin. "The son of a very important company will be proposing to his future wife tonight here at Indigo."
The crew around him exchange surprised and joyful looks.
"Who is it?"
"I'm afraid I can't tell you yet. In fact, we can't say anything until they make it official with the media and all that. I just want you to have their table ready with these specifications." He gives the head waiter a folder with a couple of pages inside. "Give them the best service you've ever given and don't stare at them, for the love of God. Indigo's reputation is in each of your hands."
"You can count on us", the head waiter replies with a wide smile while scanning the documents he's just received.
"Alright! Let me know if you need anything. These customers will arrive around 6 p.m. so you have plenty of time to organize."
Everyone cheers each other up when the conversation ends, clearly excited for the huge event that will take place later in the evening.
Actually, there's only one person who doesn't seem to like the idea of the proposal.
"Aiden", Henry calls him to talk in private after the rest have scattered around.
The red-haired man nods before walking next to his boss to the back door.
"Is there anything wrong, sir?" Millers asks him as soon as they're alone outside the building.
Henry shakes his head from left to right, a smile still bright on his face.
"Is there anything bugging you? Did you submit your entry for the contest?"
Aiden's muscles relax a little bit.
"I submitted the garlic and artichoke stuffed salmon. Now I'm just waiting for the results."
"Nicely done. I know you'll achieve great things. Remember that you can keep using this kitchen for things related to that contest. I'm also open to suggestions on possible changes on the menu."
"I have nothing new so far, but you'll be the first to know if any idea comes up."
"I understand. So, is there anything else? I don't see you as excited as the rest of the crew."
Aiden bites his lower lip, knowing that he can trust Henry, but not too much.
"Well, no offense but I was wondering why a successful entrepreneur would choose our restaurant for his proposal. Indigo is just one of many fancy restaurants in the city, and they should have enough money to go somewhere else around the world for this life-changing event."
Nicholson nods in agreement while crossing his arms in front of his chest.
"I was also surprised when I was contacted. Apparently, this restaurant has a personal meaning for him. Ever since he was a kid his family would bring him here. Those were the only days they'd actually spend together."
Aiden's heart goes wild inside his body. He knows it will break with the answer to his next question.
"May I know who it is? I promise I won't tell anyone", he pleads with hope in his green eyes.
The older man looks over his shoulder to make sure that no one is sneaking out the door. After making sure that Aiden will be the only one who listens, he replies in a whisper.
"Graham Larson. He'll marry Elyse Walker, the daughter of Christian Walker, the owner of that luxurious hotel chain all around the world… What was it called?"
"King's Spire?"
"Yes! That one!" He exclaims excitedly.
"We better make the best impression, then." Aiden forces a smile when hearing the confirmation of his suspicions. Fortunately, it is enough for his boss.
"That's what I like to hear!"
"We're opening soon, I should go back inside."