My morning started with an embarrassing moment courtesy of my friend, but we pushed through and continued working. After some time, I walked over to a table to take a customer's order.
Standing beside the table, I smiled and asked, "Hello, sir. What can I get you today?"
The man looked up, his eyes slowly scanning me from head to toe, making me feel uneasy. His gaze was intrusive, and I could feel my skin crawl.
"Well, I'll take a coffee," he said, his eyes lingering on me in a way that made my stomach churn. "And maybe your number too." His smirk was unsettling, and I felt a surge of anger rise within me.
This wasn't the first time I'd dealt with customers like him, those who thought they could hit on the staff as if we were part of the menu. I had learned to keep my cool, knowing that lashing out would only make things worse. But it never got easier.
I clenched my fist under the table, forcing a calm expression. "Your coffee will be out in a few minutes," I said, my voice steady but laced with cold politeness. "But I'm afraid I can't fulfill your other request."
His expression darkened, and I could sense the hostility rising. "You little bitch," he spat. "I was just trying to give you a good time, but clearly, you're too stupid to appreciate it."
His words were like poison, seeping into my thoughts, fueling the anger I was trying so hard to suppress. But instead of reacting, I turned away and walked straight to the kitchen, ignoring the venomous insults he continued to throw my way.
Once inside, I placed his order and asked a colleague to take it out to him. I needed a moment to calm down, and thankfully, Ava noticed my distress. She quietly stood beside me, waiting for me to collect myself.
After a few deep breaths, I finally turned to her. "Did you know I was watching through the kitchen window when you came in?" she asked, her voice light and teasing. I shook my head, puzzled.
"Well," she continued, "I saw this incredibly handsome guy talking to some people at their table. Ugh, he was dreamy, green eyes, a bit of stubble, and this tousled hair that fell perfectly over his forehead. I swear, Destiny, if I could marry a guy like that, I'd be set for life. But alas, my life is tragic." She sighed dramatically, and I couldn't help but laugh at her theatrics.
"After you walked away from that creep, the handsome guy stood up and really put him in his place. He was like, 'What do you think you're doing, disrespecting women like that? You better be careful, because next time, I won't hesitate to have you thrown in jail.'" Ava's voice deepened as she tried to mimic a manly tone, adding an exaggerated flair to the recounting.
I was surprised to hear this genuine chivalry seemed so rare these days. A silent thank you to the mystery man crossed my mind.
"You should have seen him, Destiny," Ava gushed. "He was like a knight in shining armor, with those piercing green eyes..."
"Okay, okay," I interrupted, placing a hand over her mouth to stop her before she went on too long. Ava had a habit of rambling when it came to attractive men. The mention of green eyes triggered a distant memory, but I quickly pushed it aside.
She pulled my hand away, pouting. "Why don't you ever talk about guys?"
I shrugged. "I'm not interested in talking about them."
"Ugh, you're no fun," she sighed, dramatically rolling her eyes.
We got back to work, but my thoughts were preoccupied. As much as I tried to focus, Ava's description of the green-eyed man kept pulling me back to someone from my past—someone I hadn't thought about in years.
"By the way," Ava said later, breaking my reverie, "did you hear back about that job you applied for?"
I shook my head in disappointment. "No luck."
"Those idiots don't know what they're missing," she said with a fierce determination. "If I ever get my hands on them, I'll make sure they regret dismissing you." She clenched her fists dramatically, muttering curses under her breath, which made me laugh.
"Yeah, you're right," I played along, grateful for her unwavering support. "Hey, did you see the news about a company hiring an assistant for the CEO?" she asked.
"No," I replied, shaking my head.
"Well, as soon as we're done here, we're applying," Ava declared with a determined nod. I agreed, she always knew how to keep me motivated.
As I was about to leave the kitchen, she called out sweetly, "Destiny?"
I turned, raising an eyebrow at her tone. "What is it?"
"Can I crash at your place tonight?" she asked, her eyes wide and pleading. "I'll buy your favorite cake and make dinner!"
I couldn't resist her, so I nodded, and she squealed in delight, making me smile.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of serving tables and taking orders. Finally, with work behind us, Ava and I walked arm in arm to my apartment, chattering about nothing in particular. She always said my place was cozy and her second home, really.
We reached my apartment, and as I set my bag down in my room, I returned to find Ava lazily sprawled on the couch.
"Get your laptop so we can apply now!" she demanded, pushing me off the couch to grab it. I rolled my eyes but complied, grabbing my laptop and phone. Ava took the laptop from me, eagerly starting the application process, while I went to the bathroom to tackle my laundry, which had piled up all week.
Suddenly, I heard Ava scream from the living room. I rushed out, finding her dancing wildly.
"What's going on?" I asked, trying to stop her flailing arms.
"Destiny!" she shouted, barely able to contain her excitement. "You got an interview tomorrow at 10 a.m.! They just sent you an email!"
I couldn't believe it. My eyes widened as a smile spread across my face. "Oh my God, really? This is incredible!" I hugged her tightly, my emotions bubbling over.
"You deserve this, Destiny," Ava whispered, caressing my cheek. "You're going to get your dream job and live the life you've always wanted."
As we hugged, my phone rang. I pulled away and answered the call.
"Hello, am I speaking to Ms. Walker?" a woman's voice asked.
"Yes, this is she," I replied. "May I ask who's calling?"
"This is Michelle from Collins Enterprises. I'm calling to confirm your interview tomorrow at 10 a.m. with Mr. Liam Collins. Is that still convenient for you?"
Liam Collins. The name sent a shiver down my spine, but I quickly composed myself.
"Yes, that's perfect. Thank you, Michelle," I said, my voice steady.
"Great. We'll see you then. Have a good day, Ms. Walker."
As I hung up, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and dread. My past and present were on a collision course, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for what tomorrow would bring. But one thing was certain I was going to find out.