Iris POV:
Idiot. I am an Idiot.
I am eating lunch in the back of the restaurant and all the workers are also eating and chatting.
I could see Jeremy and his friends glancing at me sometimes.
Gosh, can't I work anywhere without being embarrassed?
I took out my phone and saw a message from Quinn asking me to buy eggs.
I sighed and put my phone away.
Iris," Caleb stood in front of me, smiling.
I gulped and hummed looking at my food like it's gonna talk back to me.
Are you afraid of me, Iris," he asked.
I looked up and shook my head as no.
He smiled and extended his hand forward.
I frowned.
Friends," he said, confidently.
Gosh, before I even approach anyone I have to write a script in my mind, re-read the script, and rehearse it before talking to them.
I shook his fingers and withdrew my hand.
He chuckled, shaking his head.
What," I asked, frowning.
He leaned forward and smiled.
You're cute," he said, smiling warmly.
I looked away, blinking my eyes repeatedly.
"You're so cute, Mini Bear"
I shook my head, getting rid of my thoughts.
I gulped and calmed my heartbeat.
You don't want to know what was the bet about," Caleb asked, curiously.
I was the only girl who was always lonely here and Jeremy wanted to embarrass me," I said, looking at him.
He looked stunned.
Clever girl," he said, eating his food.
Are you new here," I asked, anxiously.
No, you just didn't notice me all the time," he said.
Oh," I said, awkwardly.
Do you love someone," he asked.
I don't know," I whispered, unconsciously.
Who," he asked, confused.
No one," I said and fiddled with my food.
Caleb, come here," a girl yelled looking at Caleb, patting her seat next to her.
I took out my phone to check if Quinn was home or not.
Lunch break was going to be over.
Suddenly Caleb took my phone from my hand and typed something.
Caleb," I exclaimed.
Call me," he said and ran away.
I saw his number in my contacts. "Sexy Caleb" with a heart emoji. I cringed at the name.
I changed it to "Caleb". Decent and appropriate.
I put my lunch away and started to do the dishes.
Author POV:
Guy's how about her," Alex said, showing a photo to his friends.
She's traditional and independent too," he said.
Everyone nodded their heads except Liam.
They all were sitting in the bedroom doing their skincare.
Maybe Susan put on a mask on everyone's face except Hudson and Liam.
Liam what do you think," Leo said, curiously.
Liam sighed frustratedly.
Are you all blind or just pretending," Liam said, clenching his jaw.
No matter how many dates you set up for him. Ace will never love any other girl except Iris," I spit out.
All these months he looks pathetic, he is fighting a battle inside but we are just thinking about how to cover his injuries instead of healing them," Liam said, frustratingly.
You think we don't know that. Ace was the one who told her to go away," Susan said, combing her hair.
But did you ask him why? NO!," Liam added.
If you're still going to set up another girl then don't ask my opinion," Liam said and continued to read his book.
THUD.
The door opened revealing a tipsy Ace who was carrying a bottle of beer in his hand.
But his shirt was covered in blood.
Who did you kill this time," Felix asked. Scrolling through his phone.
A thief," Ace said and went to the bathroom.
If someone else hears this conversation, they will freak out.
But what can we expect from a psychotic Mafia?
Peace. No. Only blood.
It was 9 in the night and they all were sitting in the hall talking about shipments and tender details.
Well, they all were partners in the firm.
Ace, did you kill any girls who you went on a date with?" Aiden asked, frowning.
No. Not yet," Ace said, looking at the paperwork.
Good gracious," Felix murmured.
Ace stood up and went to his bedroom.
He lay in his bed, melancholy.
The clock was ticking, frigid bed sheets, the lifeless walls staring at Ace in pity.
Thinking about her," Liam suddenly, leaning on the door.
What do you want now," Ace said, annoyed.
Don't worry, Ace. I didn't come here to set you up with any girl," Liam said.
Ace chuckled and opened his eyes to find Liam staring at him, gazing at him.
Ace raised his eyebrow at him.
Liam chuckled, shaking his head.
She really fucked you up," Liam said, smiling.
Ace smiled widely.
Ace when you were admitted to the hospital," Liam paused.
Iris asked us not to leave you again because she thinks you're not happy in the mansion without us," Liam said, smiling.
She's really innocent," he said.
Ace was stunned he didn't know Iris said this because after everything she prioritized him instead of her.
Go and talk to her," Liam said.
You fucked up your half-life in blood and revenge but when you get old you need to have someone with you," Liam said.
She hates me with all her heart," Ace paused.
The man she loved has died," His chest felt tight when he said these words.
Why did you do it even when you know you love her," Liam asked.
I can't protect her all the time, if something happens to her because of me," Ace couldn't complete his sentence and stayed silent.
But you're being a pain in the ass here too. What I mean is even if you're an asshole you deserve her," Liam said, troubled.
All your life Mila gave you love and cared for you but she's gone After that I never saw a woman loving you, selflessly except Iris," Liam paused.
Everything comes with a price, Ace," Liam said and stood up.
Liam looked at Ace one last time and left.
Iris POV:
WHAT! ARE YOU JOKING," I screamed, frustrated.
Sh… he's sitting outside," Caleb said, calming me.
Why didn't you tell me that he's also living in the same apartment," I asked, seriously.
She smacked my forehead, lightly.
Remember I told you about the boy on the first floor, hot body and sexy, Jeremy's friend who stared at you all the time, It was Caleb. But you didn't listen to me, lost in your world," Quinn spit out, yelling quietly.
My mouth was open in shock.
It's not my fault that you don't see your surroundings," Quinn said.
He is literally sitting in our hall, smugly.
I want to go and punch his face.
Why is he here," I asked, washing my face in the bathroom.
Well, we jogged together today so you know…," she said and went to shower inside.
You know what, I asked, confused.
Go and talk to him," she said and I heard water sounds.
Ugh…
I huffed and put on my shirt and pants.
When I opened the bedroom door.
I walked inside my small kitchen and drank water.
I sighed and calmed my breathing.
I had a beautiful dream today.
I was cuddling in bed with Ace, peacefully. I smiled unconsciously.
I heard someone clearing his throat.
What, Caleb," I asked him.
I heard you are a sweet girl but you always behave rudely with me," he said.
What, No, it's not like that," I said, hurriedly.
It's OK if you don't like me," he said and turned around leaving the kitchen.
I was standing there wide-eyed. I am a horrible person.
I stood in front of him.
It's not like that Caleb, I like you it's just," I said but got interrupted by him.
You like me," he said, smirking.
I nodded, frowning.
Of course, you will like me, I mean who wouldn't," he said, smugly.
Oh! Now I understand what he meant.
Eww… I don't like you like that, Caleb," I said, immediately.
He looked at me deadpan.
I raised my eyebrow at him.
You like me," he said and left the house, smirking.
Weird human beings.
I started to get ready for my work.
I showered quickly and put on my dress.
I put my hair in a bun, huffing.
My little hairs were sticking in front. I hate my hair.
Quinn whistled at me.
You're looking different today," she said, wiggling her eyebrows.
I looked at her coldly and put the necessary things inside my bag.
So, your birthday is coming and you will be 18, finally and you can drink and have sex," she said, enthusiastically.
I looked at her, weirdly.
So, that's what people do after turning 18 getting drunk and do the S word," I asked, extremely confused.
She shrugged.
I left for work. Why can't I have a decent friend once in my life?
Twinkle, Twinkle little star I just wonder how you are going to die...
Gosh…Iris stop distracting.
Caleb was talking but inside my mind, it was messed up.
I was singing dark rhymes, thinking about chickens in baby shoes, puppies wearing diapers and Ace wearing two ponytails.
Gosh, am I getting stupid day by day?
So, what do you want to do," Caleb asked.
I just looked at him, perplexed.
You didn't listen did you," Caleb asked.
I looked down, ashamed.
He stood up and sat beside me.
I said, What do you want to do after hitting 30," He asked, curiously.
I want to be a wife," I said, candidly.
Hmm, most of the people said they still want to work and be single," He said, frowning.
Well, I want to get married in my 20s and have a lovely husband who I can love as much as I want without caring about anyone's opinion," I spit out.
I stuffed my mouth with rice and chewed it slowly.
You're different," he said, laughing.
I hummed and smiled at him.
Suddenly some boys and girls sat at our table and started to eat.
And they talked to Caleb and greeted me.
Of course, Caleb was here that's why they sat here, then why would they sit with me anyway?
My foot was tapping nervously. I felt angry.
I stood up and excused myself.
I put my lunch inside my bag and started to wash the dishes.
I gulped and calmed my breathing.
Iris," Caleb said standing beside me.
I hummed.
Why did you come here? Lunch is not over yet," he said.
I am not hungry anymore, so I came here to work," I said, washing the dishes angrily.
So what, you can talk to others," he said, smiling.
I put down the dishes and turned towards him.
Caleb, I worked here for almost 8 months and No one ever talked to me here, casually. But suddenly they are talking to me," I paused and gulped.
They all sat there because you were there and they are your friends, not mine," I said and started to do the dishes.
Then why do you think I talk to you," he asked, seriously.
I don't know, maybe you want me to do something for you," I said, sorrowfully.
I stopped the tap and went towards the dough section.
My phone went off and saw it was an unknown number.
I picked up the call.
Hello," I said.
Iris, it's me, Liam," I was stunned to speak.
I gulped and blinked furiously.
Oh, um… Mmm.. how are you Liam," I said, cringing.
Really, Iris, this is how you speak to someone after a long time.
I am fine, how about you," he asked, casually.
Yeah, everything is good," I said, biting my lips.
Iris, can you visit here one time you know just a casual meeting," Liam said.
I felt my heart thumping fast.
I have work to do, you know, kind of busy," I lied.
Just a casual meeting, Iris just for one day," he asked.
Everyone will be here, even Aiden and Hudson," Liam bargained.
I smiled.
I heard him groaning and some cursing words.
Please," he pleaded.
I was stunned.
Liam please, don't say that I mean why are you pleading, are you trying to make me feel guilty," I said.
Then come here just for one day," he said.
I-I-is Ace will be there," I murmured.
No, he's out of town," Liam said.
I felt relieved but desperate too.
Desperate to see him and his face again and relieved that I didn't have to be heartbroken there all the time.
He hates me.
I am just a bed warmer.
Just a bed warmer for him.
Iris!," Liam said, grabbing my attention.
Yeah, I am here," I said.
Ok, then next Sunday," he exclaimed.
Come to Hudson's house," he said.
I don't know where Hudson's house is," I said.
Well, you're staying at Newark," he confirmed not asking.
So, wait at the subway station in New York, Aiden will pick you up," he said.
I hummed.
How do you know my location," I asked.
Well, I asked dogs and cats about your location it's not like I am a hacker or something," he said, sarcastically.
I laughed.
I made a new friend here," I said, grinning.
Hmm. interesting Why don't you take her too," he said, chuckling.
Really won't it be bad manners if I took her without other's permission," I said.
No," he said.
And try to come early in the morning because you're gonna stay for the whole day here," he said.
Okay," I said and he cut the call.
Now, the hard part was convincing Quinn.
She will not definitely leave me, otherwise who will make food for her?
______________________________________
What! You had a boyfriend and you broke up because he thinks you're ugly," Quinn exclaimed, yelling.
I nod my head. Gosh, please make her believe this lie.
What a jerk, I mean you got a sexy body inside those hideous clothes you wear," she said, frowning.
I cleared my throat, glaring at her.
Why didn't you tell me before," she asked.
I shrugged. I don't have an answer to that.
Ok, I will come," she said.
Really," I asked, stunned.
Come on, you said there are 6 fucking men and do you think I will stay here," she said, standing up.
Who knows I can fall in love too. Life is full of opportunities," she said.
Ugh...
Quinn, they are my friends, if you behave like that they will think bad about me because you're my friend," I said, worriedly.
She huffed.
Fine, I will not behave like a whore," she said, candidly.
I cringed at the choice of her words.
I will meet them and come back here.
Just a casual meeting between friends.
I am just a bed warmer for him.