Dating Fred was like heaven for Ashley whenever he was close by at school. But the moment he wasn't around, her life became a living hell, thanks to Emily, who made it her mission to make Ashley miserable.
Ashley, dressed in her jeans and black work shirt bearing the restaurant's logo, was busy serving customers when she saw Fred walk through the doors. They had only been dating for four days, but it already felt like a dream that had lasted much longer due to the way Fred treated her.
Unlike the other rich kids at school who secretly dated girls like her never wanting to tarnish their image Fred proudly treated Ashley like a queen. It made her feel special in a way she had never experienced before.
Fred had invited her out on a date earlier, but she had declined since she had to work her shift at the restaurant. To her surprise, he decided to show up at her workplace instead.
"Fred, you came!" Ashley exclaimed with a bright smile as she saw him. Fred mirrored her smile as he approached the counter.
"Yeah, since you couldn't make it because of your job, I figured I'd come visit you here," Fred said, sitting down in one of the seats by the counter.
Ashley's eyes widened slightly. "But... how did you even find this place? I don't remember giving you the address or even mentioning the name," she asked, genuinely surprised.
Fred hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting away. He hadn't planned on telling her that he had secretly installed a tracker on the phone he gifted her. "I… uh…" he stuttered, trying to think of a convincing excuse.
"You were stalking me, weren't you?" Ashley teased with a light laugh, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The ease in her voice made Fred relax a little.
Their interaction quickly drew the attention of everyone in the restaurant. The sight of a red-haired boy a member of one of the wealthiest families in the country chatting casually with a waitress was enough to turn heads. Ashley felt the weight of their stares, her discomfort growing by the second.
"Welcome, sir," the head waitress greeted, stepping forward with a courteous smile. The restaurant was known for catering to celebrities and the wealthy elite, but seeing someone from the prestigious Red family was rare.
"Can I show you to a private table, where you can be served?" she offered with her well-practiced hospitality.
"That won't be necessary," Fred replied, his eyes fixed on Ashley. "I'm just here to see her."
"Wouldn't you like to eat something? Let me serve you," Ashley suggested, hoping to divert some of the attention away from them.
Fred's eyes lit up with a new idea. Turning to the head waitress, who was still lingering nearby, he asked, "Ma'am, would it be possible to release one of your employees so she can have lunch with me?"
The woman blinked in surprise but quickly composed herself. "Who would you like to have lunch with?" she asked, though it was obvious who he had in mind.
"Ashley," Fred said without hesitation, turning back to her with a warm smile.
Ashley's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you sure you want to have a date with me... dressed like this?" she asked, glancing down at her work attire.
"Absolutely," Fred confirmed. "Now, come on just walk over to the table. I'll follow."
They made their way to a cozy corner table. Ashley instinctively reached to pull out her chair, but Fred quickly stepped in and pulled it out for her, earning an appreciative smile. The gesture, so gentlemanly and sincere, sent whispers rippling through the room.
A waitress approached their table with a slightly stiff demeanor, her jealousy evident. "What would you like to order, sir?" she asked, focusing her attention solely on Fred.
"Whatever she orders, I'll have the same," Fred replied, noticing how the waitress was deliberately avoiding Ashley.
The waitress reluctantly turned toward Ashley, her expression still tinged with envy, and handed her the menu.
"I'll have the Italian pizza," Ashley said confidently. It was something she had craved ever since she started working here but had never been able to afford herself.
Fred smiled at her choice, leaning back in his chair. "Italian pizza it is, then," he said, his eyes never leaving hers as if nothing else in the world mattered.