Alex was rendered speechless.
Elisa flipped her hair and looked Alex straight in the face. "Seriously Alex. Is that what you are into now? Bartending job?"
William clenched his teeth.
Elisa noticed how Alex was fuming. Sweat had teamed up on his forehead and he was looking like a volcano that was about to erupt.
"I'm not going to judge you, Alex." Elisa continued. I understand how
tough things must be for you out there. I mean Granny, the breadwinner is gone and you need more money because that hospital doesn't pay you well obviously."
Alex cast his gaze to the floor, surrendering to the ridicule.
"Well, if you work here as a waiter, a bartender, or a cleaner, I'm proud of you. At least you're not out on the streets, begging."
"And why is he not in his work uniform?" Mark retorted.
"I guess it's his first shift tonight so he's yet to be given a uniform," Elisa replied.
They busted out laughing.
Elisa moved closer to Alex and folded her arms across her chest. "You should take your job seriously Alex. Didn't you read the tag on the table? This is VIP so you shouldn't be sitting here."
William was about to spring up and call the couple to order when Alex stood up and walked away.
"He must have felt awkward," Mark told Elisa.
She waved her hand down. "That's his business."
Mark quickly turned around and screamed at Alex's departing future. "I need a glass of wine please."
Alex didn't say a thing or turn around. He continued walking away.
William kept staring intensely at the duo, wondering what kind of people they were. Birds of the same father he concluded and couldn't help but wonder how Alex had been keeping up with Elisa for all these years.
"He's so impolite. I'll have to report him to the management here." Mark stated.
"Let's go, baby," Elisa said and pulled Mark away. They left.
William saw Alex heading toward the bar stand so he stood up and hurried after him.
"One shot of tequila, please," Alex told the young bartender standing before him.
William crashed on one of the bar stools beside him.
"One shot and that's it," William said.
Alex gave a half smile and watched the bartender propel his drink toward him.
He took the glass and raised it to his face. "One shot and that's it."
William sighed and shook his head. "I'm sorry about that."
Alex emptied the content into his mouth and roved his eyes around the hall. He couldn't see Mark and Elisa.
"I feel so ashamed right now. Since I invited them here, I take responsibility for their actions." William told Alex.
"You don't have to apologize William. It's not your fault." Alex replied and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket.
"But how do you sit there and allow people to humiliate you?" William raised an eyebrow.
Alex chuckled.
"I mean, how could you tolerate such cruel words? Their insults weren't directed at me but trust me, Alex, I almost flared up."
Alex shook his head.
Then, William did the unimaginable. He joined his palms before Alex like he was praying to him and bowed his head.
"I'm sorry, Alex."
Alex turned to William with shock spread across his face. "What the hell are you doing bro?" He looked around and darted his gaze back to William. "Stop it. You're going to attract attention."
William lowered his hands with a sigh and turned to the bartender. "I think I'll be needing a shot of tequila too,"
Meanwhile, Dianna had just stepped out of the dressing room and was about to head toward the bar when she caught a spectacle. She had noticed the way William bowed before Alex with his palms glued. She heard none of the words spoken but had witnessed William's meek gestures.
She sighed and walked past them with several thoughts fluttering in her mind.
Soon, more people continue to make their way into the hall. The host mounted the stage.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome you all to tonight's event, courtesy of White Moon Company."
Cheers and applause reigned.
The guests began to settle on the tables reserved for them.
William turned to Alex. "The host is going to invite me on stage any moment from now for a speech."
Alex smiled. "That's okay. You can go ahead. I'll just stay right here."
William stood up. "Are you sure you're comfortable here? We can head back to my table and I'll join you after my speech."
"Don't worry I'm good." Alex maintained.
William nodded and left.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the host continued. "Please join me as I welcome William Turner to the stage for an opening remark."
William headed straight to the stage.
He stood before the crowd who were eager to hear him speak. "Ladies and Gentlemen. I welcome you all to tonight's event. I'm sure you guys received the invitation under the auspices of White Moon Company but I'd like to inform you guys that I, William Turner is the owner of White Moon Company."
Murmurs erupted.
People recognize William Turner as a business tycoon who is into real estate.
Some of the guests couldn't help but wonder why he decided to venture into entertainment.
A round man in his late forties who had just settled on the barstool beside Alex turned to him.
"Why do you think the richest man in the city would venture into the entertainment industry."
Alex sighed and motioned to the bartender to fix him another shot. "I have no idea."
The man, who was keen on having a conversation with Alex continued. "I learned that Dianna Lampton is in the building. I'm not surprised though. William is a big shot so he's bound to roll with the big dogs."
The man continued speaking while Alex kept nodding absent-mindedly with his eyes fixated on the stage.
Elisa and Mark were seated around a table adjacent to the stage. While William was speaking, Elisa was studying him. She turned to Mark.
"Mr. Turner looks so familiar. I think I've met him somewhere."