Flame within the Grey

Chapter 29

CHAPTER 29

Two days had passed since the fire. The bakery still stood but was blackened and filled with soot. All the equipment and furniture were destroyed. The windows and glass shattered. It was a black and grey mess.

Scarlett dragged herself to another shift at the diner. At the front doors she was met with a nervous Bobby. She frowned as his big belly body stood in her way. She tried to get past him, but he blocked her at every side.

"What's wrong with you, Bobby? I need to get to work." she huffed in annoyance.

Bobby cleared his throat. "You don't work here no longer." he said. "Fortunately, we have to let you go."

Scarlett jerked her head back. "What? Are you firing me? For What? I've been doing my job."

Bobby sighed, rubbing his sweaty forehead. "Sorry Scarlett, you a good and hard worker. But you're getting laid off. There's enough help around here. We don't need more waitresses."

Scarlett peeked inside the diner, over Bobby's shoulder, and she narrowed her eyes. "Bullshit!" she snapped. "There's another girl waiting my tables. You hired another damn waitress!"

Bobby wheezed out in irritation and grabbed her arm, escorting her out. "Listen here. It's better this way, for all of us. I don't want more trouble from them. You more trouble than it's worth." He said under his breath, looking down right and left the street. "Now get outta here."

Bobby returned to his diner, leaving Scarlett angry, stunned, and confused. "They..." she breathed out and shook her head hard, holding her hips and stomped her left foot.

Scarlett had pride, and she wasn't prepared to grovel to fucking Bobby! She clutched her bag tight under her arm and walked up the bus stop. A moment later, a firm, rough hand caught her upper arm. She turned suddenly, almost slapping the man that touched her, missing him by inches. She was that pissed off.

"Whoa! Scarlett, it's just me. You're a spitfire this morning." Charlie chuckled, waving his hands in surrender. "Take it easy."

"You have no idea!" she hissed. "What the fuck do you want, huh?"

"I see you lost your job." He nodded to Bobby's Diner. "Roman has a proposition for you."

She placed her hands on her hips and studied Charlie. "Fucking Roman, what did he do! Get me fucking fired."

"You could work for him at his bar club-"

"Oh please. I knew it. I can't fucking believe this." She threw her arms up in the air. Sending Charlie a venomous look. "Tell Roman to go fuck himself!"

Charlie gave a low whistle. "He wouldn't like that response." he said sympathetically. "He's willing to give you triple your wage than you got at the diner, and you work one night shift, six days a week."

Scarlett twitched her eye. "No!"

"C'mon Scarlett. You know it's good money and better working hours. You can be there for your son more." Charlie convinced. "Roman is a man you can't say no to."

Scarlett raised a brow. "Well then HELL NO!" she sassed.

Charlie shook his head and rolled his eyes. "He won't stop. Roman wants you." he sighed. "My advice. Just take his job. It'll benefit you and your family."

Scarlett rolled her eyes, biting her bottom lip. Determined not to give in.

"Don't bother trying to find a new job. You won't find anything in this town." he said and placed his hands in his jacket pocket as he walked away. "Think about it!" he called out from a short distance.