The event finally wraps up, and the restaurant empties. I help the remaining staff clean up, but the atmosphere feels different. The usual banter is muted, and I can't shake Sienna's reprimand from earlier.
"Hey, you okay?" Cassie asks, bumping my shoulder as we stack chairs. "You seem a little off."
"Yeah, just tired," I lie, forcing a smile. "Long day, you know?"
Cassie narrows her eyes but doesn't press further. "Just remember, she doesn't get to dictate who you can talk to or date. She's not the boss of your personal life."
"Right," I reply, but her words don't settle well. Somehow, Sienna feels like more than just my boss. It's like she's always watching, evaluating, and deciding how much space she's willing to give me.
As I finish sweeping the floor, I hear a familiar voice calling from the kitchen. "Theo! Can you help with these dishes?"
I nod, grateful for the distraction. It's easier to focus on the routine of work than to dwell on Sienna's icy glare.
Once the dishes are done, I head to the staff room to change. As I pull on my jacket, my phone buzzes with a message from Cassie.
Just wanted to say, don't let her get to you! You're amazing at your job, and she's just... complicated.
I smile at her message, thankful for her support. But as I glance up, I catch sight of Sienna through the glass of the office door. She's on the phone, her brow furrowed in concentration, and for a fleeting moment, I feel bad for her. Maybe there's more to her than I realize.
I push the thought aside, reminding myself that she's still the same woman who scolded me like a child. As I leave the restaurant, I tell myself not to think about her at all.
The next few weeks continue in much the same vein. Sienna shows up only when necessary, and each time she does, she seems even more focused on her work. The staff gets used to her glances of approval or disapproval, and I do my best to stay out of her line of sight.
But then, one afternoon, things take an unexpected turn.
As I'm restocking supplies in the back, I overhear Cassie talking to another coworker about Sienna.
"I swear, she's got a soft spot for him," Cassie says. "I've seen how she looks at him."
I freeze, my heart racing at the idea. "What are you talking about?"
"I mean, it's obvious! She's always watching you, Theo. You must've made an impression on her."
I scoff, shaking my head. "Or she's just trying to keep the staff in line."
Cassie rolls her eyes. "Seriously, you're blind. You need to pay more attention."
"Whatever," I reply, trying to brush it off. But her words stick with me, gnawing at the edges of my thoughts.
That night, after the shift, I decide to head to a nearby café for a cup of coffee. As I walk in, the familiar smell of freshly brewed beans wraps around me, and I take a moment to relax.
I'm lost in my thoughts when I hear the door chime again. I look up to see Sienna walk in, her expression guarded, scanning the room. My heart skips a beat at the sight of her, and I can't help but wonder why she's here.
She approaches the counter, and I watch as she orders a drink, her tone brisk and professional.
Suddenly, my phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out to see a text from Cassie.
Guess who's in the café?
My gaze snaps back to Sienna just as she turns to leave. She catches my eye for a brief second, and there's an intensity in her stare that sends shivers down my spine.
"Excuse me," I call out before I can stop myself.
She pauses, her expression shifting as if she's caught off guard. "What do you want, Theo?"
I'm momentarily stunned. "Uh, just wanted to say hi."
Her lips curl into a tight smile, one that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "Hi. But I don't have time to chat."
"Right, of course," I stammer, feeling awkward. "I just—"
"Just remember what I said. No dating your coworkers," she cuts in sharply, her gaze narrowing again.
I nod, suddenly feeling small under her scrutiny. "I wasn't... I mean, I'm not—"
"Good. Keep it that way," she replies, her tone leaving no room for argument.
And just like that, she turns and walks away, leaving me standing there with my heart pounding and my mind racing.
What is it about her that drives me crazy? Why can't I shake this feeling of attraction, even when she's being so cold?
As I leave the café, I feel more confused than ever. Sienna may act like she's indifferent, but there's something beneath her icy facade that I can't quite figure out. Maybe I'm just a fool for even trying.
