Deceptions of the Heart

Warning

The alarm clock rang. Roxanne reluctantly stood up from the bed. Black circles adorned her teal eyes. She hadn't had a good night's sleep. Her psychology was ruined after the last incidents between her and Richard. The thought of him having slept with another girl and specifically with the one she despised was haunting her since last night.

Roxanne wasn't even in the mood to take care of herself. She skipped the shower. She went to the kitchen where she found herself gazing at the open fridge pretending to try to find something to eat. She closed it. She didn't have appetite.

Now she was walking along the streets with a lowered head. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't mind the aggressive honking of the drivers that were yelling 'get out of the way'. She didn't mind the strangers at the park that looked at her and thought she was depressed. She thought that it was another unlucky day.

She arrived at the bar she worked at. Once again her boss was disappointed with her. Yes, she was late again.

"I really don't know what's wrong with you. You promised me that you won't be late again yet here you are!" Her boss yelled at her.

"I'm sorry ma'am. It won't happen again" Roxanne began her apology but was cut off.

"That's what you said the last time too! Look, the next time you arrive late I'll have you wash the dishes for real!" Her boss warned her. "Now straight to work!"

Roxanne didn't waste any more time and went straight back to work.

Just then someone no one expected entered the bar. It was the owner Max Rider. Everyone turned their heads towards him. Roxanne's boss approached the man and bowed.

"Mr Rider, its a pleasure to see you here" she kissed the back of his hand. "You don't visit the bar often. What brings you here?"

"I need to speak with Roxanne McCathy" replied Max with a stern and cold tone.

"If its for the fact that she's late don't worry I've already taken care of it. But I wouldn't mind if you put her in her place as well-" the boss of the bar was cut off.

"Its not about this. Its something personal" said Max.

The woman nodded and headed off to call out to Roxanne.

Max didn't have to wait long. Roxanne appeared almost immediately. After some whispery complaints of her boss she bowed to the owner of the bar.

"You wanted to talk to me sir?" Asked Roxanne.

Max didn't say anything. He just gripped Roxanne by her wrist and dragged her along with him to a secluded hall of the bar where they could talk alone in private.

"Why did you bring me here?" Roxanne asked Max again.

"Whatever I want to talk to you about is something that must stay between you and me and I wouldn't want anyone eavesdrop on our conversation under no circumstances" replied the male.

Roxanne raised her eyebrow and just waited for whatever Max had to say. Max took his time to make up his thoughts before he spoke.

"Listen, I am here to give you a warning".

"What warning?" Asked Roxanne who had her suspicions about Max's sudden appearance.

"Its about Richard. Look, before you start bombarding me with your doubts let me tell you this, I know you already know about the rivalry between me and Richard but whatever I have to say is for your own good and not just for his destruction".

After Max's words Roxanne was left deep in thought. Perhaps she could trust Max? After she gave a nod the male continued his speech.

"I bet you had a hard time sleeping last night. So did I. My wife didn't come home. I'll tell you this, stay away from Richard. Not just because he's involved with the mafia but because he will hurt your feelings as well. You're too innocent Roxanne. There's no need for you to get involved in this story. Even a criminal like me understands your place. I can't tell you what I have planned for him but for your own good... Stay away".

Max was about to leave the bar when Roxanne suddenly after a lot of thought called out to him. The male turned his head to face her almost immediately.

"Why do you care for me?" She asked.

Max didn't know how to reply.

"This is a story for another time" was the only thing he said before he left leaving the young waitress alone with her thoughts.

One of her colleagues and who had become her friend over the months approached her (check chapter 5 or 12)

"I eavesdropped your conversation and I know it wasn't the right thing to do but I have to say he was right" she said.

Roxanne just sighed before her mind dives into a huge delemma.