In Such a Short Notice

• Chapter Three •

------‐----------Zerriah's POV---------------

Memories of last night replayed in my head. The stars, the moonlight... with a complete stranger? I even ran off like a coward.. I even brought back his handkerchief.... What the hell Zerriah?

"Zerriah? Earth to Zeriahhhh!"

"H-huh? What?"

Oh, it was Raine. Another day, at the coffee shop. Hours passed by, customer... after customer... after customer!!! But Ryder was the only thing on my mind.

Well, not only that but also how I was going to earn 20K in a month. Poor Lucas. I couldn't believe Mom and Dad's savings already ran out that quick.. We already are cutting down on spending because I have to keep some in case Lucas had another visit to the hospital.. I don't even remember the last time I went inside a shopping mall!

"Zerriah, it's 4PM! We're closing early today. You're on table duty, stat!"

Aw, hell.

I began to wipe the tables...
EW who even chews gum in a coffee place? Go to candyland or something, duh!

I finished wiping the tables. We closed early today. Just right! I could find a second job to help earn that 20K!!

I got my slingbag, my cap and changed to my normal clothes.

I always liked my purple hoodie and white shorts. Well, I can't be picky.. I waved goodbye at my coworkers and walked out of the shop. I guess my only game plan is to walk around New York and look for flyers and hopefully a company would be hiring....

Ah! I don't care I gotta find something!!

I walked.. and walked.. maybe if I check for a job online...

SHIT! I'VE FORGOTTEN MY PHONE IN THE STAFF ROOM!

I sprinted back to Coffee'd. Oh my goodness the door's already locked. Raine must've already locked the door. I'm an idiot!

I slumped down onto the floor, defeated. People passed by and looked at me like I was crazy. Hell, even a guy threw loose change at me. I don't know how long I sat there but then I felt a tap on my shoulder.

----------------Ryder's POV-----------------

We were watching the stars, but she was more breathtaking than the view.

I didn't know what to say honestly, she just seemed so vulnerable.

"Don't you have somewhere else to be?"

"Well I can't leave a damsel in distress here can't I? I'm your Prince Charming, after all."

She looked at me, her eyes widened. "What? Pffft, no way loser!"

I had to make conversation.. this handsomeness would be a waste if I was socially awkward don't you think?

Time for some small talk, Ryder. You've done countless buisness meetings! Well this time it's just more.. important.

"Well, It's a little dark for 8pm.."

Then all of a sudden she stood up and grabbed her things, "What?!? It's 8pm already?" she then seemed to look nervous. "H-Hey Ryder!! I'll catch ya when I see ya! Bye!!" she yelled while she sprint-walked away.

Nice one Ryder, ya blew it.

Before I knew it, it was morning and I was already in the limo on the way to the company. Business meeting after business meeting.. I suddenly felt the urge to sneeze. I reached for my handkerchief in my pocket.. oh wait. haha. I couldn't hold in a grin. Well, I could certainly stop it when the whole room was staring at me.

Two can play that game, board members. I gave the members staring at me a glare that conveyed 'mind your own business.'

After that fiasco, I went up to my office. Marissa was waiting there.
"Hello Sir Ryder! I've already sorted your papers from A to Z! I already ran out to the coffee shop you went to yesterday and got you coffee!!" she then enthusiastically handed the cup of coffee to me.

Well, I guess I don't have a reason to see Zerriah today..

bummer.

Being the workaholic that I am, I got engulfed in my work. I look up and glanced at the clock. Damn, 5:30PM? I guess I could take a breather.. maybe explore New York.

I tapped on my intercom, and contacted Marissa. "Hey Marissa, clear my schedule from 5:30 to 6:00. I need a break for a while."

I wore my coat. It was a bit chilly here in New York. I walked down the sidewalk towards Coffee'd, a glimpse of her would make my day.

Darn, the shop's lights are off, they must've closed earlier today. I then turned the corner and I spotted Zerriah there, she was sat on the floor.

I dialed Marissa, "Hey Marissa? I've changed my mind. Would you mind clearing my schedule for the day?"

---------------Zerriah's POV----------------

I heard a familiar voice. "Hey Marissa? I've changed my mind. Would you mind clearing my schedule for the day?"

Ryder?

"Chin up, buttercup." He stood infront of me and he offered me his hand.

I reluctantly took his hand and stood up. I look at him weirdly and said "Ya know, we gotta stop seeing each other like this, under these circumstances."

He rolled his eyes."Don't drift the convo, princess. Now tell me what's the matter?" He crossed his arms and raised his eyebrows.

"I- I just need money... for something." I then thought about Lucas, I know he isn't a kid anymore but I just can't stop worrying about him.

Ryder's voice snapped me out of my thoughts."For what, exactly?" Ryder said in a curious tone.

"You're so nosey, you barely know me!" I blurted out, slightly annoyed at this point.

"There are some people you're drawn to, people that you feel like you've known forever." He said in a serious tone.

I looked away, flustered. I tried to change the subject. "I'm looking for a job, Ryder. If you don't mind, I've gotta get going now."

I walked a few steps before I felt a strong grip on my arm. I looked back.

"You're not getting away from me this easily again, Princess, well not before I get your number." He tilted his head and looked at me. His stare made me blush, internally of course.

"If you're gonna tag along, don't distract me while I'm jobhunting, okay?"

"You don't need to bother looking for a Job, Zerriah. I saw an offer but you'll have to give me your number if I show it to ya." He smirked.

What was he planning?

"Well, I can give it a shot. W-wait!!HEY!!" I stammered when Ryder suddenly tightened the grip on my arm and started to drag me. He seems so excited about finding a job for me.

I wonder why?