The Flaked Life Of Lotanna

44

══✿══╡°˖✧LOTANNA✧˖°╞══✿══

A few hours later, we wiped down the tables. The entire restaurant was mostly decorated, and the rest of the staff had arrived. Once all hands were on deck, so to speak, I slipped off to the restroom and changed into a stiff cotton shirt I purchased specifically for the occasion.

It was a thrift store find and ugly as sin—bright green fabric covered with large-ass gold and silver leaves. True, they were oak leaves, but I figured nobody would care anyway once the party got going.

After stuffing the old T-shirt I was wearing into my purse, I returned to the restaurant and settled on a bar stool, leaning back with my elbows on the wooden top behind the bar. It was nice to sit down for a few minutes.

The place looked pretty good. Christa's poisonous, green plastic plants were scattered here and there, adding a kitschy charm. She'd also picked up some pineapples at the grocery store, which she set out on the tables as centerpieces. I certainly hoped they wouldn't turn into fruit missiles once the drinks flowed freely.

The scrape of a chair being pulled across the floor grabbed my attention, and I turned my head to see Mum, festive in an alarming scarlet blouse covered with birds of paradise blossoming.

"Hey, Mum. You're here! Where are the kids?"

"Outside playing with your Dad. Christa looks like a general getting ready to address her troops," she added, looking at Christa, motioning the servers to come together.

It was true. Christa was pacing, hands clasped behind her back, a scowl of concentration on her face while the staff settled around the bar and waited for instructions. And it turned out that she was right about people coming early for the party, even though it wasn't supposed to start until seven.

People drifted in steadily as they got off work, and we started table service at six-thirty. I didn't mind, because I enjoyed being busy. Besides, running around waiting on customers kept me from thinking about Collin. Which, of course, I would not do. Except I would.

Irritated at myself, I frowned at the countertop as she picked up plates of food for some customers. Would he come to the party tonight? It didn't matter what he did; I told myself. He could do whatever he wanted.

Walking back to the tables, I delivered the food to two guys who worked at a local factory and took their orders for goat meat, pepper soup, and rolls, back to Christa in the kitchen. Then I threw myself into more work, focusing on getting food and drink orders, talking, laughing, joking with the customers, and acting normally.

Around eight, I was talking with Dad when I noticed a group of young men walking through the front door. They swaggered into the room as their eyes checked the crowd.

In the middle was Collin Smith.

══✿══╡°˖✧COLLIN✧˖°╞══✿══

I came along with my long-time friends Gerald, Chinwe, and Frank to Lotanna's opening party. They wanted to go to a club, but I persuaded them to join me because I needed support if Lotanna left me once again.

My mission here was to win her back, and I would do whatever I had to do. I also wanted to thank her for being kind to my mum after all she had done to her. I didn't expect her to appreciate the gesture, but maybe it could be the first step toward a truce. If I were going to be living in Connecticut, I'd like to be on good terms, even if we don't get back together. It was going to be hard for us to avoid each other. That's what I told myself, anyway.

Now, looking at the jostling crowd inside the restaurant, I realized my timing was off. Even if Lotanna would listen to me, which was highly unlikely, there was no way we could talk. So, I had to get a drink and then head home.

Chinwe glanced at me over his broad shoulder and grinned slyly. "Are you sure Davis won't show up here and cause a scene?"

Davis. It was hard to look at him and know the guy used to touch Lotanna, kiss her, make love to her, and even got her pregnant. I shifted my shoulders as the weight I always seemed to carry around pressed harder.

My feelings didn't matter, anyway. I'd thrown away any right I might have had to be upset when I didn't jump in my car the next day to fight for our relationship. The only thing that mattered now — the only thing that could matter — was Lotanna.

"I hope we get to pick up ladies here," Chinwe added, giving me an elbow in my stomach.

I grunted noncommittally. I wasn't sure what alternate reality Chinwe lived in. Picking up a woman wasn't high on my priority list unless it was.

I shook my head to dispel the thought and found my way to the bar. Fortunately, one bartender was Christa, who shot me a grin and asked me what I would drink.

I ordered a shot of whiskey and took the glass when she handed it to me. Taking a sip, I stood with my back to the bar and stilled.

I could see her.

She was standing on the other side of the room, her dark hair wrapped in a bun. Our eyes met, and I took a deep breath. She was so beautiful. So vital and alive. That afternoon, talking to her made me feel like I was finally waking up after being asleep for months. My heart ached, a stark reminder of everything I lost.

Chinwe elbowed me again. My whiskey almost sloshed on my shirt before I could tighten my grip on the glass. "Lotanna, the heart thief, has appeared," he added, pointing at her with his chin.

"Don't call her that. Give her some respect," I warned.

"Well, I think she saw you because she's leaving."

Lotanna nodded at one of the other servers and ran into the kitchen. I waited, but she didn't come back. Then, after a while, I downed the rest of my whiskey in a gulp, and turned to see if I could find Christa. I put down my glass and moved to leave. This was my chance to tell her all that I have wanted to say.

"Where are you going?" Chinwe asked, peering at me from the other side of Gerald.

"Just thinking I'd take off," I told him. I would after I had talked to Lotanna.

"Right," he smirked at me.

I turned away before I did something stupid, like plowing my fist into his smug face.