Mia pushed open the door to her apartment, her body feeling heavy with exhaustion and defeat. She sank into the couch and let out a sigh that seemed to release every bit of tension and frustration that had been building up inside her all day.
Mia was lost in her thoughts when her phone vibrated. She saw that it was Katherine calling and picked it up, already knowing why she was calling. "Hey, Katherine," Mia answered, her voice weary.
"Hey, Mia. I'm on my break. Listen, I'm so sorry about what happened today. How are you holding up?" Katherine's voice was filled with concern.
"I'm… I'm okay, I guess, still in shock though. I mean, I know I shouldn't have snapped at señor Bald Head like that, but I was just so angry and frustrated-"
"Wait you snapped" Katherine's shock was palpable through the phone.
Mia's voice dropped into a conspiratorial whisper. "Yeah, I called him a selfish, arrogant man who thinks he can treat people however he wants. I was just so angry! I mean, I know I went too far, but..., it's all that jerk fault,"
"you mean Blacksmith-"
"who's that guy anyway, y'all keep acting like he's some demi god" Mia asked curiously as she opened a can of sardine preparing to make toast.
Katherine's gasp was loud enough that Mia pulled the phone away from her ear."You mean you don't know who Jonathan Blacksmith is? what are you , an alien, girl, he's like, THE big shot around here."
"What do you mean?" Mia replied, suddenly a bit uneasy, her appetite waning. She put down the sardine can and focused on the conversation.
"You know how our boss, Salvatore, doesn't take orders from anybody? Well, Jonathan Blacksmith is the only one who could make him jump. He owns half the town, what I'm I saying, half or even the whole of this country,"
"The whole country indeed half" Mia repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "And he almost ran me over? God, he really is a monster."
There was a moment of silence as Katherine let the information sink in. "Mia, listen. This is no joke. Blacksmith is not someone you want to mess with. If he decides to make your life difficult, he can do it without even breaking a sweat. You might want to lay low for a while, at least until he forgets about the limo thing."
"Laying low?, oh please"
Katherine's concern grew stronger. "I mean, maybe avoid going out as much, try not to be in the limelight. You don't know what this man is capable of."
"Do you think he'll try to hurt me?" Mia asked, her hands shaking as she held the phone to her ear.
"I'm not saying he will," Katherine said carefully, "but he has the means to make life difficult for you. Maybe even try to get you fired from your other jobs, if he wants to."
"you don't get paid to make call Katherine, if you have nothing to do, go take orders else you'd be joining you're pathetic friend", Amanda's rude voice sounded, as Katherine clenched unto the phone on her ear
"Well chat later Mia, Amanda's acting like a possessed bitch"
"It's alright Trina, drop by at the club tonight" Mia said,
"Sure B, take care Mia" saying that, she hunged up, leaving Mia in her own thought
"who the hell are you Blacksmith" Mia muttered as she walked into her room to get her laptop then typing in the name Jonathan Blacksmith.
As Mia's fingers flew across the keyboard, searching for anything she could find about Jonathan Blacksmith. His name appeared on business websites and local news articles, but most of the information was basic: he was a wealthy businessman, he owned several chains of companies, helps orphans, and even donated to charities. Nothing that could help her.
"what's so dangerous bout you asshole, just wait till I get my hands on you;" she muttered, shutting down the laptop, then heads to her little kitchen to continue her toast.
****
As the last rays of sunlight disappeared from the horizon, Mia found herself sliding into her black leather jacket and preparing for her shift at the club. Her mind was still reeling from the events of the day, but she knew she had to put on a brave face.
After a long day of binge-watching TV and stewing in her anger, she stepped out of her apartment and into the bustling streets of the city. The neon lights of the bars and clubs were starting to come to life, the sounds of laughter and music drifting through the air.
As she walked, Mia couldn't help but replay the events of the day in her mind. She thought about the injustice of it all, how one moment of anger had cost her her job, how this Blacksmith character had seemingly gotten away with almost running her over.
But she shook her head and pushed the thoughts away. She had work to do. She arrived at the clubhouse, a gritty, dive-like place that was packed with customers even on a weeknight.
The club was a whirl of lights, music, and bodies, all moving to the beat of the latest club hits. Mia stepped behind the bar, taking in the familiar scene.
"Hey, Mia!" one of the regulars called out, waving a hand.
"Hey, Greg," Mia replied with a smile, reaching for the bottle of whiskey he'd been nursing all night.
"The usual?" she asked, pouring a generous amount into his glass.
As Mia set Greg's drink on the bar, the bustle of the club increased. People were laughing, dancing, and making out in every corner. It was just another night at the club, but for Mia, it was an escape.
As she made her way to the other side of the bar, she spotted a familiar face. It was Katherine, her best friend and colleague from her former job.
"Katherine!" Mia exclaimed, surprise and joy mingling in her voice. "you're early, wasn't expecting to see you at this time, what's up"
Katherine grinned, holding up a glass of wine,"oh please fiesta's boring without you, and Amanda-"
"oh please, don't tell me about her, she has way too many problems" Mia said
"so....,what's your plan now-"
"I know you're feisty but seriously, hey Katherine" Katy said "I saw the video, my gawd you are one hella crazy bitch Mia"
"woah, I'm the victim here" Mia said in a low tone
"doesn't look like it, looked more like a stepmom threatening her step son-"
"whiskey, Katy" a customer ordered
"Here, you go Joe," she handed it to Joe, " where was I-"
"Enough lecturing, I lost my job cause of that fuse"
While the conversation was still going on between Mia, Katherine, and Katy, A group of men was seen sitting at the VIP. section of the clubhouse, One man in particular stood out: Jonathan Blacksmith, the man at the center of Mia's turmoil
As Blacksmith caught sight of Mia across the room, his face darkened. He muttered something under his breath before gesturing at one of his guards. The guard approached the bar where Mia, Katherine, and Katy were standing, his expression grim.
"Miss " he barked out, his voice cutting through the din of the club.
Mia tensed, her eyes narrowing. "Yeah? What's it to you?"
"My boss wants to see you," the guard said, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Mia's jaw tightened. "And if I say no?"
The guard's face hardened. "Not really an option, Miss"
"well who the hell is this boss of yours" Mia said with no emotion.
Mia exchanged a glance with Katherine and Katy. Mia's suspicion grew stronger. She scanned the crowd, her gaze eventually landing on Jonathan Blacksmith, the source of her turmoil. He sat in the VIP section, the epitome of wealth and power. Mia realized that it must be him who had summoned her. "Jonathan" she muttered as Her heart started to race. "No, go tell em to go fuck himself."