The Journey Home

5 - Take Your Time

Eileen

After being called into work by Marty, I found myself working on a Sunday making that six days this week that I was here. Sundays were second to Mondays when it came to how busy the cafe was. There was another waitress with me but we could barely handle all the work that we had to deal with. Marty as always was charming and patient, helping us as much as he could.

I took a peek at my daughter, who sat behind the counter coloring. I smiled. She was my motivation for everything. If anything I knew that I'd make it through the day and go home to my little girl and relax as much as it was possible with a five year old.

"I don't understand how Marty keeps you around. How many times a day do you spill coffee?" My eyes rolled on their own accord without turning to see who was speaking to me. It was more than obvious. Moretti was either the definition of a stalker or just someone blatantly annoying. As much as I wanted to be frustrated with him though, a small sigh of relief escaped when I heard his voice for the first time in several days.

"Well I am one of his best employees." I replied.

"Most of the men here are always staring at you." I turned to look at him. He was dressed casually today, leaving his usual slacks and dress shirt behind. I felt a lump form in my throat and was at a loss of words when I saw him. His hazel eyes twinkled with pride when he noticed I had gone mute. Moretti's lips lifted in a small smirk before continuing. "You are quite a sight."

He definitely came back bolder than ever.

I swallowed, forcing myself to speak although I wasn't too sure how confident I sounded.

"Actually, most people are here to drink coffee, not to flirt or get laid."

"Why not both?" Moretti managed to look genuinely confused at my statement.

I remained silent. What was I to say? It was strange, not feeling scared having a man around, especially one that irradiated so much power by just standing or even looking at me. I didn't feel threatened.

I left him with the question in the air as I walked to the customer, setting their coffee on the table.

Of course, he followed.

"I'm trying to work." I mumbled.

"I'm working too." He said, walking back behind the counter along with me.

"Really?" I scoffed.

"Working on getting you to open up for me."

I gasped, turning quickly to face him.

"Excuse me?" I asked, too stunned to think of a comeback.

He chuckled softly before speaking. "Open up your heart, you sick minded woman." His eyes brightened as he looked behind me to see Angie. "She's the real reason I'm here."

He walked past me, to sit down on the floor next to Angela who as soon as she took notice of him smiled. Angela soon began talking and talking and instead of looking annoyed or frustrated, Alexander smiled tenderly at her.

She deserves a father like him.

I sighed at the sudden thought and felt how my chest tightened. My baby deserved so much better. But I was doing my best and would continue to do so as long as I was able to.

Finally, Moretti took Angie's hand, then carried her in his arms. He walked towards me as Angie kept talking. I swallowed, the sight suddenly made a rush of fear run through my body as I saw him holding her so close to him.

"Do you mind if we sit at a booth?" Moretti asked. "I have an Ipad and I think she would enjoy watching some kid shows or play games."

I felt the slight tremble in my hands and the cold sweat breaking as I tried to maintain myself calm. "You don't have to."

Moretti furrowed his eyebrows, then place his free hand on my shoulder. I flinched slightly but instead of removing his hand he squeezed softly. He was comforting me. "We'll be right there" he said, nodding towards a corner booth. "She'll be fine. If she needs anything I'll call you over. It's just so she's not back there, she'll get tired. Yes?"

I hesitated, but gave him a small nod.

"Thank you mommy" Angie said, waving towards me as they walked towards the booth. I relaxed, when I saw him sit by the window so Angie was visible to me. He took out the Ipad, playing with it for a moment as they spoke. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and stilled my shaking hands.

He isn't like him. He is good. You're here. Don't worry, you're here.

I repeated the words in my head over and over again as I continued working. Throughout the day I would check on them every so often, but Angie seemed to be having a good time considering the circumstances. And Moretti seemed to be relaxed, contrary to the last time I had seen him.

Nearing closing time, I asked Marty to go take a seat with Moretti and Angie since they'd been alone all day. Besides, Marty looked exhausted as Saturday's always took a toll on him. I was tired as well and was eager to take a seat but I knew that even though Marty was strong he was probably more tired than I was.

Finally, when I was done I went to the back of the cafe where they wouldn't see me. My legs were cramping from being up on my feet all day, nearly twelve hours and the pain was almost making me cry. It was chilly out, but I took of my shoes and socks and sat on the concrete.

It didn't bother me, sitting on the dirty floor. I had done it for a while when I had been pregnant before I found a place to stay. I stretched my legs out in front of me, rubbing my calves and letting out a pained whimper when the strained muscles twitched in discomfort.

"You're not good at asking for help."

I closed my eyes exhaling loudly but didn't bother to reply. He wasn't asking me anything after all, just stating a fact I knew very well.

A box dropped next to me, startling me.

"What the-"

"Put them on. Their much comfortable than those shoes you had on. I'm driving Marty and you home."

"Moretii-"

"Don't Eileen. I can see how your about to pass out from exhaustion. I'm not flirting, I'm not trying to fuck you, so I don't know why the hell you're pushing me away." His bluntness took me aback and effectively shut me up. "I'm trying to help, and if you don't want to accept my help for your sake then accept it for your daughter inside."

He turned, ready to walk away before I said what I hoped he could see was the closest thing I could muster as an apology.

"Where I come from people didn't usually do things out of the goodness of their hearts, Moretti."

The words were quiet, fading away in the silence of the night. His gaze followed my movements as I put on the cushiony slippers he had brought for me, somehow a perfect fit. He extended his hand to me, helping me stand before his fingers settled in the small of my back.

"It's Alex." He said after a moment.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion, even more so when I saw the intensity in his eyes.

"I'm just Alex."

★ ★★

A/N: Hi everyone!

Thanks for those who have kept reading, leaving comments and votes. I appreciate it :) Keep 'em coming!

Things are about to get interesting in the next couple of chapters so stay tuned!

-Luz❤