One Chance

Chapter 14

I can't help but keep looking at the table where Mathew and Henry are sitting. I served them their food a few minutes ago and I only got chills every time. Henry is nice but I still can't make direct eye contact with Mathew. 

Amanda is on the stage now and she's about to perform her new song she wrote a few days ago called " Finally I'm over it ". It's inspired by her breakup, it's super emotional and I'm so proud of her. 

She starts to sing the song and I take a quick glance at Mathew just to be sure if he picked up in it or not and just on cue his head perks up and I can see him making a fist with a nasty grin on his face. I make my way to the table to possibly distract him, or at least try to decipher what he is thinking. 

When I'm at the table I ask them if they want anything else to eat at which Henry replies, " uh, a slice chocolate cake with ice cream please. and for Mathew a cookie dough cheesecake. " 

Mathew doesn't even look at me the whole time, his attention completely on Amanda and the look on his face unreadable now. 

" I'll be right back with your order " I say and leave. 

Amanda is done with the song now and is performing some of her other songs. I clap for her quietly and give her a thumbs up when he looks at me. She has a smile on her face so bright which is clear every time she's singing. 

I go back to my work and it's nearing the end of my shift. I am a bit relieved that the entire time has passed without a single incident. 

As Amanda is at the end of her set, she asks the audience if they have a request like she usually does. I cross my fingers hoping the request will come from anyone but the two not to be trusted people. But like on cue, Mathew gets up and walks to the stage. I walk behind him, close enough to hold him back if he tries anything but far enough to not be in his personal space. 

He tells her to sing ' Love Someone ' by Lukas Graham, which used to be Amanda and Mathew's song that they always danced to. I remember it very well since it made Amanda cry every time it came on the radio or was played randomly, after their breakup. 

The look on Amanda's face was a mixture of sadness and envy. I'm pretty sure if she wasn't at work, she would probably say something you would never want to say in front of kids. There was a smile plastered on her face and she nods without a word. I look at Amanda and say “ I'm sorry " almost in a whisper while glaring  at Mathew. He is grinning now like he did something amazing. 

I am about to ask him to go back to his seat when he says he wants to sing too. I am about to object when Meg and Olivia come up to us. 

" That's a great idea. " They say in unison. I look at them in disbelief. I look at Amanda and she's trying so hard not to cry. 

" Well, I don't think it's a good idea. I mean they have never sang together (well they have but no one needs to know that) and um Amanda doesn't seems a bit tired too. Why don't we stop it for today and maybe sing it tomorrow”? I suggest in a mode of panic and worry fully aware that I sound stupid. 

" Amanda... Can you sing it or not? And our customer requested this. We always take requests at the end of the night, don’t we ? Is there an issue I'm not aware of?", Meg asks, and I am just about to reply when Amanda assures her that she'll do it but needs a few minutes to compose herself. 

I go to Amanda as soon as she's off the stage and say," you don't have to do this. Why don't you tell then you'll sing alone? I'll talk to Mathew to back off. You really don't have to do this. I'm so sorry I didn't stop him before. " 

" Lucy... This sucks. Him asking me to sing that song is like him opening old wounds. I really don't know what his agenda is but if I show weakness now, it'll only make him happy. Plus, this is our work place and I really don't want to disappoint Meg and Olivia. They have always been nice to us. I can do this. I'll just not look at him the whole time. " Amanda says and I'm not convinced at all.