My One Mistake

Chapter Two

I sat alone at the bar, downing my second shot of vodka. I just wanted to forget the shitty day I had. Busting my ass all day with chores, stressing after a call from my boss, then rushing to my part time job all the way on the other side of town. I was exhausted. I just wanted to lose myself.

As the burning liquid slid down my throat harshly, I started to look around the desolate bar. It was just a bunch of sad, tired straggle of people, all here for the same reason as me. I turned my attention back to the bartender whom I've been making light conversation with.

"Does everyone just come here to get drunk 'cause their lives suck?" I slurred. God, I'm such a lightweight.

The bartender looked at me and shrugged, "yeah, pretty much."

"That's sad," I drawled slowly. "Hey what's your name?"

"Damian."

I clasped my hands together and leaned closer, "I love that name. Like Matt Damon."

"Sure, sweetie." Damian chuckled. "I'm calling you a cab soon, ok?"

"You're a dream," I smiled and turned back around to the few people still slouching over their drinks, but I was met face to face with a man looming over me. His dark brown hair was long and had perfect curls. His soft pink lips were slightly parted, and as he breathed I could smell mint and a hint of pine. Maybe it was his aftershave?

I tried not to strip him with my eyes but it was so hard because he looked so fucking hot. Instead I stared him straight in the eyes, so I didn't wander.

He raised his brow and gave me a curious look. He slipped off his jacket and hung it on the coat rack, revealing his tight black v-neck t-shirt, without breaking eye contact. He spoke boldly,

"Why are you staring at me?"

His British accent intimidated me. I opened my mouth but nothing came out except air. He started chuckling which made me even more nervous.

"Christ how much did you drink? You're out of it."

I snapped out of it immediately. I didn't want this sexy, mysterious, sly man escape me. He could be looking for what I think he's looking for. "I'm still here if you need me." I winked and spun around to face Damian. He raised his eyebrows and continued washing glasses.

"How do you know I need something from you?" The stranger asked, breathing hotly into my ear.

A shiver went through my spine as I spoke, "Isn't that why you were standing behind me? Because you needed someone to fuck tonight?"

He sat down in the stool beside me. He leaned his elbow on the counter and bit his lip in frustration. "Maybe I just wanted to talk to someone tonight. Maybe I'm just lonely."

"If you need someone to talk to I'm not the one." I suddenly spoke harshly. "I'm..not...emotional."

"Then what are you?" He asked, his face leaning closer to mine. I knew he didn't know what I was. Did I want to tell a stranger what my life was all about? Was I that person at the bar who spilled their secret?

Fuck no I wasn't.

"I'm Joyce." I finally spoke.
The stranger pulled back his face and extended his hand to me. I shook it firmly. His skin was soft.

"I'm Harry."
...........................

I welcomed a family of four to the restaurant, fake smile plastered to my face. The two parents were dragging their little brats by the arms as they were screeching. Perfect.

I showed them the their seats and quickly left them so I didn't see the two kids being disgusting and slobbering all over the place or whatever they do. I hate kids with a passion. They ruin your body and are impossible for to clean up after. I never want that for myself.

I got back to the front of the house with a sigh, I didn't even look up to see who was in front of me. I just gave my monotone response to them.
"Bonjour, hi. Welcome to Stella's, how many in your party?"

I heard a slight chuckle and looked up. My eyes were wide open as I gazed at this...well, he was a god. His dark hair look messy and disheveled, but it suited him, and his beard framed his face perfectly. His beautiful blue eyes shone. He looked immaculate. He stunned me so much I was lost for words. Why was I so affected by good looking men?

"What're you doing here, Louis?"

"I can't visit my favourite girl at work?" he asked with a chuckle while he eyed my hostess uniform. It was a little snug.

"You need to leave. Now" I couldn't have him hanging around here. Louis already has a terrible reputation of being a bit of a, to put it delicately, manwhore. Most people wouldn't take pride in that kind of label, but not Louis. I didn't want anyone in the vicinity to get the wrong idea of what kind of person I was.

He didn't leave. Instead he grabbed my wrist suddenly and pulled me to his face. "I got money, I wanna take you out." His breath was soaked in whiskey, but he wasn't drunk. You'd know if he was drunk.

I pulled my wrist away. No one seemed to notice us standing at the front of the house, our eyes locked to each other's. I was slightly nervous while Louis had stone cold eyes and a nasty grin that could only mean trouble.

"I'm not doing that anymore. Now go, I'm closed forever."

"Fuck c'mon, Joy." He rolled his eyes while his hands flew up in the air in frustration. "One more night, I'll give you three hundred. It doesn't even have to lead t-"

I grabbed his shirt by the collar and leaned into his ear. I hissed at him with a venomous tone.

"Get. Out. Now."

He pulled himself away and spat at my feet. Louis turned and stomped out of the restaurant in a fit of rage. I was standing there, shaking slightly of past memories and current circumstances. I glanced back and realized a few people were looking at me with wide eyes.

Shit.
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After a stressful day at work, I plopped down on the couch and decided to read my favourite book Kira Kira. It made me miss my own sister. I wanted to call, but decided not to.

It's too lonely for two people.