Fabian

"I-I wouldn't have done that if I were you"

It's Thursday, 2 days to the competition. Aria and I had been working at the restaurant since yesterday waiting tables and cleaning floors before closing for the day. Today was like any other. I had my locks pulled into a tight bun at the top of my head so as to look professional and neat with my white apron and green name tag to match the glowing sign outside the restaurant. It was relatively peaceful, not to mention the fact that Ari and I were receiving our paychecks early because she explained our situation to the manager. He was such a nice man.

I was waiting on a part of four when I heard the door open and close once more. This time though, I felt a familiar heavy presence behind me. I briefly turned away from the group of young diners. Its that guy again. Is it fate? Oh no maybe he's stalking me. Weirdo. Fine ass weirdo.

He sat at the table across from the 4 young adults I was attending to. Next to the tall wine shelf we had at the restaurant. After I took their order I walked over to him. It was my job what else was I supposed to do. "Welcome to Ferrer's what would you like to order sir" I chirped with a smile on my face trying not to let on that I's seen him before. He stared at me for what felt like 5 minutes, his hazel eyes looking straight though my head as I looked down at him sitting. He opened his mouth as if to say something but then hesitated, as if to prevent himself from saying something he shouldn't.  Although he was drop-dead handsome, there was something peculiar about this man. He looked quite scary actually. Like if you said the wrong thing to him you'd blink and find yourself playing chess with Tupac. He had a 'no nonsense' demeanor about him, It was intimidating, yet attractive the same time.

"I would like a glass of water please" He stated monotonously, snapping me out of my momentary trance . I walked away thinking nothing of the interaction.

Aria and I were getting ready to leave when the manager, who I still did not know the name of,  called us into his little cramped back office. "Here ya go!" he said, handing us 2 checks with a strange gusto. "1500 dollars sir?" I asked in shock.  "You earned it. Now go and get your nana some help will ya?". I stopped in shock and then in a split second decision based on pure joy and adrenaline, I ran behind the counter and hugged the kind manager. "Thank you thank you thank you so so so much!" I squealed. He almost looked happy and then very abruptly pushed me back. Worry was built into his features. "I-I wouldn't have done that if I were you" he fumbled. I was confused and gave him a look that clearly said 'what on God's green earth are you talking about. He stammered again trying to form a sentence and then gave up and ran out of the room and the restaurant in a haste that I could have never imagined on such a short older  man.

What was that about? " Let's go Zo" Aria said, almost pushing me out the door. Why was she in such a hurry too? Was there something they knew that I didn't? "Why are we running Ari?!" I panted. "We just need to-uh get to the gym as fast as possible. Every minute counts Zoa" she stopped me to look into my eyes seriously "Every. Single. Minute." Well that was creepy.

We made our way quickly into the gym doors. How great. Another hour and a half of needless physical torture. IN HEELS.

"All for Nona" I whisper to myself.