Save Me #1

34| Grinch

When I open the doors to the Diner the next day, Jack's already waiting for me. He is standing behind the shabby counter with crossed arms and glares at me as I approach him.

"A word, young lady!" he growls through gritted teeth, and walks into the back office, motioning me to follow him.

I sigh and do what he wants from me as I'm really worried, he would fire me otherwise.

"Why the fuck were you at that dinner yesterday?" he barks the moment the door closes behind me.

I swallow and spot Abbey sitting in one of the old chairs sipping at her steamy coffee. She shoots me a questioning look to which I reply with a shrug.

"Jack, I was invited!" I retort with a puzzled face and shake my head.

Jack chuckles beastly and pours himself a cup of coffee. It takes me all the strength I can muster to not gag at his disgusting behavior.

"Oh, shut up," he mutters. "How do you even know Franco?"

"From Zach," I say and roll my eyes. I'm getting annoyed by this situation. Who the hell does he think he is, that he's talking to me like that?

"And Zach is who?" Jack scowls at me while taking a huge gulp of his coffee-like brew.

"My boyfriend, Jack. We were there together yesterday," I snarl, starting to lose my patience.

An ugly smirk appears on Jack's face.

"Oh, that wanker is your boyfriend? Excellent choice," he scoffs with a husky laugh.

I clench my fists and close my eyes for a second. After a deep breath, I face him again and frown.

"What's the problem, Jack? Spit it out already!" I growl quietly.

"I don't want you to ruin my businesses. You're already a pain in the ass as my employee, I don't need you in other parts of my life as well!" he bellows right into my face.

I flinch at first, but quickly compose myself again and straighten my body to show Jack I'm not scared of him.

"You know what, Jack? Fuck you!" I scream and storm off.

"Tell anybody about my cooperation with Franco and I'll kill you! Fucking bitch." I am just able to hear Jack calling after me before I leave the Diner.

For a moment, I stop and utter a shout of rage, earning some weird looks from the people walking by me, but I honestly don't care right now.

Why did I even start working for this asshole? In all the years, he has never been anything close to friendly, and the salary isn't very satisfying either.

After thinking for a second, I decide to return home. It's only 7am and I have no idea what else to do, and I will surely not go back inside to that stupid Grinch. Wild horses wouldn't drag me there! I'm used to him being moody, unfriendly, and harsh, especially around Christmas, but today he overstepped the mark.

With mixed feelings inside my chest, I set off. On the one hand I feel a huge relief about me standing my own ground towards Jack, on the other hand I'm worried about what will happen next, now that I'm obviously jobless.

When I step into my apartment, it's dead silent. I'm sure Zach is still sleeping. I slip out of my coat and shoes, and sneak into the bedroom, careful to step only onto the planks of my floor which don't creak.

A big smile appears on my face when I spot Zach curled up on the bed. He looks so vulnerable and innocent lying there cuddling with my pillow.

And beautiful. God is this man beautiful! My heart leaps when I take a moment to study every inch of his peaceful face. His long curved eyelashes throw light shadows on his flawless cheeks, and his perfectly shaped lips are slightly parted to let free the soft snores coming from the depth of his throat. In the dimmed light creeping through the ajar living room door, his nose ring slightly glistens and underlines his elegantly straight nose.