Red Ribbon

Chapter Seven

"Chai latte for Clarissa?!" I announce to the café. My throat strained as I barely sounded above all the chattering and hustle of the morning shift.

After moving in my Granny to the new home a few weeks ago, I made the executive decision to get any job that was available. Clearly, there was no more time to waste, and I didn't have the financial freedom to wait patiently for a fashion opportunity. I had a responsibility and now I had to keep up with it. Luckily, it being so close to the holidays means there is a lot of business.

This job was a pain in my ass though. I had been here for a measly two weeks and have already been screamed at, talked to like a child, had coffee pour on me, and I've been hit on by many freakishly old men. You'd think they would crinkle up and wither away at this point. My manager is a raging bitch too and not the good kind.

I chose to ignore and block the bastard who is related to my best friend. No need to name him as I have no interest in speaking or thinking of him again. Except since I have ignored his calls he seems to be everywhere.

It started by him giving me the scare of my life after finding him watching me from the kitchen of Mel's house. Afterwards I quickly flashed him the finger before scurrying away before he could prance on me. Then I saw his car outside my apartment one day, so I decided to turn around and stay at a friend's. Luckily there seemed to be no damage to my apartment this time. I no longer have any expensive vase for him to take out his big boy emotions on, thanks to him.

The few times I genuinely felt safe where at the café and then when I was with Malik. We only saw each other once since our coffee date, and it was quick, but he was there, and he had no shirt on. Always bring the men on gym dates. Write that down. And while I was holding onto life with my last breath, he gracefully pulled the weights out of my hands which allowed me to breathe.

I almost kissed the ground after he took my weights.

He offered to go do some cardio, to make me feel better. I asked him why. Because genuinely why on Earth would running make me feel better? My heart is not like other hearts, it doesn't enjoy cardio. In fact, it hates it and cries whenever I do more than a fast walk to my kitchen at 3 am. Seriously, if you can run for miles on end I applaud you.

And worry for your sanity.

I steamed the espresso stick thing before returning to the register to clock out. After ten hours of demanding labor, I was tired and didn't want to play anymore. My manager confirmed my request with a sly snare before waltzing back to whatever hole of death she crawled from.

That's right, slither away with your lizard-looking ass.

After returning my apron and grabbing my bag, I sauntered to the exit. As I fiddled in my bag to find my keys, I accidently opened the car door directly into someone who was walking in.

"Oh my gosh I am so sorry—" I glance up to find Kallias standing directly in front of me.

I scoff, "Oh, wait it's you. Never mind, then."

Kallias hums with his usual stoic self, goosebumps rise on the back of my neck, but I try to shake them away.

Imagine him in a teddy bear costume! Imagine him in a teddy bear costume! You can't be scared of Mr. Snuggles!

"I've been wanting to talk to you Miss Lennon," He holds the door open for me before gesturing to his car with his outward stretched hand, "Why don't you join me on a ride, and we can talk."

I pause for a moment before spitting at his feet.

He instantly becomes red and snarls, but I cut him off before he can speak.