Allison POV

"Toni," I whispered, "I thought you said this was a small get together... Everyone is here," my lips brushed against her earlobe.

"Relax, it's my boss who is throwing this party, so of course, everyone is going to be here, especially me. I am his best employee, after all," she smirked tilting her champagne glass.

Raising my eyebrow, I narrowed my eyes into slits. "Best employee? I hope that doesn't mean you're doing the nasty with him."

"No, of course not. He invited me and said I could bring my boyfriend along, and since I don't have one, I brought you. But it’s nothing more than that, I promise... He is a good guy, but not my type; plus, he can be an arrogant asshole sometimes. But remember why we are here, Allison. You need to find you a better job."

Chuckling under my breath, I exhaled through my nostrils, looking around at the guests. I don't know what her boss looks like, but I can bet it's one of these fine-looking men. Forming my lips into a thin line, I raised the glass from the bar counter, staring at my dull reflection. What on earth am I doing here, I thought. This place was flocked with upscale people, and here I am, a simple waitress who works at a diner. Even Toniann fitted in with these strangers. I don't belong here.

Toni could have invited anyone—another friend, a coworker—but I know why chose me. It was out of empathy. Gary and I broke up seven months ago, and I haven't tried to date since. I had a few booty calls, but that was basically it. These men weren't looking for anything serious and neither was I, so I guess it was a win-win situation. Sex is like a sport to me, and I enjoy friendly matches from time to time.

"His home is beautiful." I chugged down the remaining fluid.

"Yeah, his maids will sure have a lot on their hands in the morning," Toni chuckled.

"Maids? What about his wife?"

"Be honest with me, Ali. Look around. Would you honestly want to be the wife that cleans this shit up in the morning?"

Looking over my shoulders, I glanced at the mess made by the guests. No wife would want to deal with this—well, I wouldn't. I don't see myself becoming a wife or even a mother. Those things were like an adhesive, and I fear commitment.

"You're right. I wouldn't. Neither love nor money would make me."

"Maybe not love, but I am sure the money is good."

Hopping down from the stool, I rolled my eyes, clutching on the counter for support.

"Whoa, easy there," Toni nuzzled my back, "I think you had too much to drink."

"I’m fine. I just have to pee, that's all," I lied. I just needed to clear my head.

"Okay, but I’m coming with you."

"No, stay, enjoy the party. I'll be quick... I promise," I assured her. I was tipsy, and I probably would fail the walking in straight line test.

"Okay, do you even know where the bathroom is?"

"No, but I'll find it."

"You should check upstairs. I can bet you the ones down here are already clogged with condoms."

Shaking my head, I walked towards the staircase, clasping tightly on the railing for balance. These heels are too high for my liking, but Toni convinced me to wear them anyway. I was now at the top of the steps, looking down at the crowd. Everyone was minding their own business; no one cared.

Dragging my fingertips across the wall, I peered around, looking for anything worthy of my interest. God, I miss Gary. I wouldn't be at this party pretending like it's fun. I should be having some wild sex right now, something he lacked, but still. Taking a deep breath, I leaned on a nearby door, caressing my breast as I thought about him. A low groan escaped my lips as my body ached with passion, yearning for pleasure.

Feeling the door being pulled back, I tried to get my balance, but I failed, stumbling to the ground, staring down at a well-polished pair of shoes.

"Baby girl, you've strayed far away from the party," his deep gravelly, but calm, voice echoed through the halls.

Lifting my head slowly, my eyes met his piercing brown ones.

"I-I got lost. I was looking for a bathroom," I stammered.

"And the ones downstairs?"

"They were… occupied."

Stepping aside, he offered me his hand, not breaking the gaze.

"I think there is one in the back there. Be quick. We shouldn't be up here."

Placing my hand into his grip, he pulled me gently to my feet. His other snaked around my waist. Gazing into his eyes, I realized how gorgeous he was. His low cut, roughly shaven beard ran perfectly up to his jawline. I have met handsome men before, but none like this, and it made my core moist.

"Who are you?" I whispered.

"No one of importance."

"Are you married?" Our lips were now inches away from each other. I could smell the cigar on his breath. He must have snuck up here to steal a quick smoke.

"No, and you?"

"Horny." Pressing my lips onto his, our kiss synchronized without a melody. He slammed my back against the door, forcing it to shut. I could tell he was a bit uncertain, but I was hungry for pleasure, and he was my lucky catch. Pulling away from the kiss, grabbing a handful of my hair, he yanked my head backward, traveling his lips down my neckline, sucking on my flesh.

"Yes, I want to feel you inside me," I groaned through clenched teeth.

Swiveling me around to face the door, I arched my back, jutting out my backside to him. Hoisting up my dress, I felt the warmness of his palms on my ass. Looking over my shoulder, I was concerned about the sudden pause.

"Is something wrong?"

"Sorry, I was slipping on a condom. Are you ready?"

"This isn't a date... Fuck me," I pleaded. I was annoyed with his question, but I was impressed. Usually, I am the one who requests protection.

Slipping his fingers through my thong, trailing down the fabric line, he gently withdrew it out of my ass crack. He was a tease, nothing like what I have experienced before. To me, this moment was like an unfilled craving. Rubbing his cock against my cunt, I bit my lips impatiently. I wanted this man to bury his manhood within me. I wanted to feel my walls clenching around his length.

He thrust into me slowly, and I closed my eyes, dragging my nails along the wooden door. My core was pouring with juices, welcoming his prick into her warmth.

"Oh God," I moaned, swinging my head back in pleasure. This handsome stranger was thrusting deep into me, parting my slit with each stroke.

"Fuck," he groaned under his breath. His groin loudly slapped against my ass.

"I’m close,"

"You're so goddamn sexy." He feathered his fingers on my butt before giving it a scorching slap, plunging into me with more speed. I listened to his deep breathing. I have fucked so many times in my life I could recognize it anywhere, no matter how they try to control it. Tightening my walls around his shaft, he gripped my hair firmly.

"I'm coming," he breathed out.

"Me… me too."

Slowing down with each stroke, I felt his dick pulsating inside me, inciting me to lick my lips in excitement. It's been a while since I tasted the sweetness of a man’s load oozing at the back of my throat. Pulling out slowly, the back of my dress fell from his hold, falling loosely down my knees. Whirling around to face him, my lips parted slightly, ogling down at his veiny cock visible through the thin condom.

"I wish to not run into you for the rest of the night. I know a gorgeous man like you isn't single, but I’m not one of those women who run their mouths for clout." I flashed him a smile, clasping onto the doorknob.

"Are you going to at least tell me your name?"

Looking over my shoulder halfway through the door, I chuckled under my breath.

"No face, no trace."

"That's crazy. I know what you look like."

"I know, but the same rule applies." Closing the door softly behind me, I hurried down the hall, marching down the stairs, making my way back over to where Toni was sitting.

"About time! Damn, I was worried that you got the runs," she winked at me.

"No, I am feeling a little tired. We should—"

"Give me a minute," she shot up from her seat, boring her way through the crowd.

Shaking my head, I tapped on the counter, motioning with my finger to the bartender that I needed a drink. Placing the drink before me, I nodded and gave him a hearty smile. Picking up the cup with both palms, I took a big sip.

"Allison," Toni called out from behind, "This is my boss, Hussain Myers."

Turning to face them, my eyes widened in disbelief. The liquid drooled down my lips and back into the glass. It was the guy from upstairs. I fucked Toniann's boss.

"Nice to meet you, Allison," he smirked at me, gesturing for a handshake.

Allison POV

"I told you... I wanted to throw up, so I ran outside. I didn't want to ruin the party for you, so I called an Uber. And again, I apologize for embarrassing you in front of Mr. Myers, but I’m sure that he knows the damage the cocktails served at his party has done." I lied to Toni. I wasn't feeling ill; I had a few cocktails, yes, but it wasn't enough to make me drunk. Hussain was the real reason why I left. Sitting there before him, lost in those brown eyes, guilt consumed me every second that passed by. And the smirk on his face defeated whatever confidence that lingered within me.

"I don't know, Allison. I don't know if I will get another chance like that," she mumbled on the other end of the phone.

"That's fine. Don't beat yourself up for my silly mistakes. There will be other opportunities."

"It's like you don't want to stop working at that diner. I did that for you, Ali. I hate the way Venice treats you. I hate how she treats all her workers."

Taking a deep breath, I tucked my hand under my head, resting it in the middle of my palm. It was 7 AM, and I was having a slight hangover. It's way too early for this conversation, and I should be getting my rest to deal with a controlling Venice and shouting customers.

"Do you have to talk about this now," I groaned. "I love you and all that, babe, but I need to mentally prepare myself. I have work in one hour."

"Then call in sick," she uttered in annoyance.

"I can't. I’ve exceeded the number of sick days given to me per month," I scoffed.

"Alright, I guess I'll see you later. I have to get dressed for work anyway... Oh, and by the way, Mr. Myers was asking a lot of questions about you."

Swallowing the lump of regret in my throat, I nervously bit down on my bottom lip. "Why? Did something happen after I left?"

"No, nothing happened. He just wanted to know your full name, where you work—"

"Did you… did you tell him anything?" My voice cracked in between the words.

"No... I-is there something that I need to know?"

"No," I chuckled nervously, "I wanted to know why he so curious about me, that's all."

"Okay, I'll catch up with you later—heard that cooperate is calling a meeting. I hope it's in regards to our incomes. A girl can do a lot with a little extra money."

Grinning widely, I sat at the edge of my bed, staring across the room at the frame with Gary's picture.

"I-I got to go. Talk to you later."

Ending the call, I lowered the phone from my ear, still staring at the picture. It has been seven long months, and I still don't have any closure as to why he did what he did. I have scrolled through my cell phone many times, hesitating to delete his number. Each time I tried, I just couldn't bring myself to do it, but I guess some things don't deserve an explanation. I just have to suck it up and move on.

Still staring at his picture, I rose to my feet, sliding the thin straps of my nightwear off my shoulders, slipping it down my upper arms. The satin fabric gracefully glided over my hips, docking at the base of my feet.

"It's your loss, Gary... not mine," I snarled, as I headed towards the bathroom.

Staring at my reflection in the full-body mirror, I noticed how pale I appeared. I was already skinny, so not having perfect skin was like a death sentence. I didn't feel sick, so I guess it's due to negligence. Since the break-up, I haven't been taking care of myself, and I didn't care. Rolling my eyes at my reflection, I slid into the shower. Closing my eyes, I squeezed the top of the faucet. The sting of the water on my skin poured on my face and down my body. Peace.

Wrapped in a towel, I unhooked my uniform from the hanger. It was rosy pink, with a white collar, striped sleeves, and a ready-made waist apron attached to it. My job didn't pay much, but I was happy doing it. Some days, I look like shit, and I just want to say fuck it. But while I was growing up, I always dreamt of owning a cafe or diner one day. Now, I'm a twenty-five-year-old woman working in one, but I believe that no matter the pace you're going, whether you're sprinting like a horse or crawling like a turtle, forward is forward. Smiling down at my uniform, I slowly got dressed. I wasn't in a hurry. The diner was already open, but my shift begins at eight.

Fully outfitted in my work attire, I sat down on my bed, placed my cell phone in my pocket, and forced my feet into the white flats they provided. Picking up my handbag from the bedside table, I swung It over my shoulder, scurrying towards the door. While snatching my keys out of the keyhole, I twisted the doorknob, looking over my shoulders at my unkempt apartment,

"I’ll clean up later," I whispered. It's become more of a motivational speech because I never get the chance to. Even on my days off, all I do is sleep, eat junk, and sleep again.

Slipping through the door, I made my way out of my apartment, and out into the streets. It was a busy day, but when wasn't it?

"Taxi!" I flagged down the familiar transport and jogged towards the car.

Finally catching up to it, I pulled the door open, skimming my backside on its worn leather interior.

"Good morning, Sam." I smiled brightly at my old friend,

"Good morning, Allison. You look lovely today," he grinned, eyeing me through the rearview mirror.

"You know, Sam, I wear this every day to work. Still, you compliment me every time you see me," I mumbled, intertwining my fingers together.

"Who said clothes had anything to do with the impression you give? True beauty lies within, and it's up to you to let others see it and admire it," he mumbled, as he shifted back into the flowing traffic.

Looking through the window, I glanced at the passing buildings. Sam was right; sometimes we get so caught up with keeping up with fashion and trends that we forget to celebrate and appreciate ourselves. Life is the most substantial gift we could have. My biggest mistake was putting a man’s needs before my own, trying to be the perfect girlfriend. I never missed a call; I stayed in shape; I even took cooking lessons, and for what? Only to be dumped for someone else.

"Here we are, pretty lady," Sam mumbled, pulling up in front of Venn's, the diner I worked at.

Handing him a twenty, I patted him on the shoulder before exiting the car. "Have a good one," Sam said as he drove away.

"Thank you," I whispered, eyeing the Venn's sign that sat high on the top of the building. "I need it."

Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the double glass doors to the diner. It was already packed, and judging by how many people were waiting and how many were eating, I could tell that most of the waitresses weren't here yet. Or maybe they are on strike; they seem to do that a lot here.

"Thank God, you're finally here." Mildred yanked my bag from my grip, forcing a tray into my hands, "Table number four. We tried to bring him his order several times, but he was pretty clear about who he wanted to fetch it for him," she added.

"Me?" My eyes widened, staring back at her.

"Yes! Now go." She gave me a small shove.

The aroma steaming up from the tray flowed into my nostrils and made me froth at the sides of my mouth. It was loaded with my favorite waffles and fried chicken, with pancakes and eggs on another plate, two glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice, and tiny sachets of pancake syrup scattered around. I shouldn't have skipped breakfast this morning. Looking up from the tray, my eyes landed on a man sitting alone at table four. He was browsing through a newspaper held close to his face, concealing his identity.

Setting down the tray, I began to unload the plates. He was sitting alone, so how was he going to eat all of this by himself? Maybe he was waiting for someone.

"Good morning," I cleared my throat trying to make conversation. "What an appetite you've got there," I chuckled lowly.

"I sure do," the stranger muttered, lowering the newspaper and coming into full view.

"Hussain! What are you doing here?"

"We need to talk," he said, folding the paper equally into two halves.