Chapter 3

Jasmine's pov

"Momma will come pick you up after school, ok?"

Davis nodded, he leaned forward and kissed my cheeks. I handed his lunchbox to his teacher and walked him to his desk.

You might be wondering why I gave his lunch to his teacher, that's because she's Adele's younger older cousin... I won't give his lunch to any random person.

"Be a good boy and don't give your teacher a headache, ok?"

He nodded again. I kissed his forehead and smiled at him.

"Momma loves you"

"Love you too, momma!" He replied.

I turned back to his teacher.

"Please take care of him, give me a reminder call after school.. I don't know if I'll be very busy today"

"No, problem, Jas!"

Adele groaned tiredly, she's being resting against the doorframe all these while.

"Why don't you just stay to keep him company?" She said.

"Well, I would if I could" I replied.

She scoffed and lifted herself off the doorframe, she grabbed my hand and started pulling me out.

"Bye, baby!" I waved at Davis.

"Bye, momma!" He waved me back with a very wide and bright smile.

I snatched my hand from Adele's grip, when we made it to the school gate.

"Just say you're jealous of our mother-son relationship"

"Me?! Jealous?!" She scoffed. "Never!"

She saw an oncoming taxi and stopped it, she bend slightly to speak with the driver.

"Mike's kitchen, sir"

"Alright, get on in" the driver said.

I pulled the door open and slide in, Adele slide in after me and the driver drove off.

"Because of your mother-son relationship..."

She emphasized on the mother-son.

"... we'll be getting enough scolding from Elvis!" She flicked my ear.

I simply smiled and shook my head, it's in her nature to whine over every little thing.

"We're lucky isn't Monday, there won't be any rush at the restaurant today"

"Fine! Fine! I'm sorry, tomorrow I'll wake up early and I promise our mother-son relationship won't get in the way"

With a doubting huff, she looked out the window.

I used my fingers as comb and smoothed my hair, because we were running late I didn't had any time to comb my hair.

"Your phone is ringing" Adele said.

I looked down at my phone on my laps, it's really ringing and it's Arthur calling.. I wonder why my phone is on silent mode again.

Then it clicked in my head, it must be my little devil at work again..

Davis never let any opportunity to play with my phone slip, I guess he put it on silent mode.

"Davis has started with my phone again" I grumbled as I reached for it.

"Hello, Arthur!" I said.

"Jas, I'm gonna be leaving work early today, just called to let you know I'll be picking Davis from school and take him to the park"

I smiled, I swear Arthur is angel, God sent him to lift some burdens off my shoulders...

Not that I'm calling my son a burden, but I also get tired taking care of him and at the same time worrying about work.

"Jas, are you there?"

"Oh.. yeah, please pick him up, thank you!" I said.

"Ok! And don't worry about dinner, I'll cook.. you just have to worry about your work today"

"Awwn! I swear I can kiss you right now" I teased him.

He chuckled, from the corner of my eye, I can see Adele giving me the "what the heck?" look.. even she knows I'm just joking.

"I won't be surprised, do you wanna know how many times we've both kissed in my dreams?"

I rolled my eyeballs.

"Nah! Keep your naughty dreams to yourself, I'm good"

"She's shy!" He said.

Shy?! For who?! Him?! He's a joke for saying that.

"Right, please don't watch adult films when you're with Davis and don't teach him about kissing girls.. don't forget he's just five years old"

"I'm sorry about, he just asked a question and I answered"

I can imagine his carefree smile, on his face.. he must be wagging his brows now.

"Please, mind your behavior around him. You know kids always copy the bad things easily, he.... "

"Take a breath, Jasmine, I promise I'll mind my behaviours now" he said.

I sighed quick nodded, forgetting he can't see me.

The car jerked, Adele tapped my lap and showed me we've reached our destination.

"Alright, Arthur, I have work now.. talk to you later!" I said and hanged up quickly.

Adele opened the door and stepped out, I also stepped out..I took out my purse and paid the driver.

Then we head inside the restaurant.

"I don't understand you and Arthur" Adele said.

"What don't you understand?" I asked.

"You and Arthur flirt with each other everyday, but you keep saying it's impossible for two of you"

"We flirt?"

I don't see how we flirt with each other, we just have normal conversations.

"Yeah, you flirt with each other a lot...the chemistry between the two of you is very strong"

Chemistry?! Why don't I feel it?

"Just say yes to him and give Davis a daddy"

I scoffed.

"Davis already has a daddy" I said.

Even though I hate him, hearing his name makes me sick..but the fact remains that, he's my son's father.

---

"Gather around, everyone!"

We heard Elvis said, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention.

Adele and I sneaked in, trying to escape Elvis's predatory eyes and blended with the others.. gathering around the counter.

"Phew! We're lucky Elvis didn't notice we're late" I said.

"Ahem!"

Elvis cleared his throat, his eyes narrowed at us and he eyed me..I guess I spoke too soon.

"Good to see you finally join us, Jasmine!" He said.

I smiled. "Good morning, Elvis"

He simply huffed and turned away from me, I mimicked his expression.. Adele laughed briefly.

"I wonder how his wife and kids cope with him at home, he's always serious.. always keeps a straight face" Adele said.

I chuckled but it's true though, since I started working here I've only seen Elvis smile twice.

Although, I understand him, it's not easy being a manager in one of the biggest restaurants in Las Vegas...

"So.. I got a call from Mr Mike this morning!" He paused and studied everyone.

Everyone is whispering among themselves, asking why Mr Mike suddenly called.. Mr Mike is our CEO, owner of Mike's kitchen!

"Silence!" He said and the whispering stopped, then he continued.

"Mr Mike said, we should be on our best behaviours today... because we're gonna be having a very important guest! He said no mistakes are allowed..."

I leaned closer to Adele's ear and whispered. "If Mr Mike is coming over with an important guest, then I'm done for"

"Why?" She whispered back.

"My uniform is so outdated" I replied.

By outdated, I meant, my uniform is damaged beyond repair.. it feel into a blue paint, when I was trying to dry it the other day.

I was thinking of wearing a mufti today and get another uniform after work.. now, I don't know...

"I feel you sister" Adele said in a mocking tone, I pinched her arm and she hissed quietly.

"... Mr Mike said, he's gonna increase the salary of the two waitress or waiters that are gonna serve him and his guest..."

Salary increments?! I want that favor!

If my salary is increased, it's gonna go a long way for Davis and I.

"...I have already picked the two people that will serve them. Those two people are..."

His eyes scanned us. Please pick me, please pick me, I pray in my heart.

"... Robin and Skai" Elvis said.

The rest of us sighed in disappointment, I threw my arm around Adele's shoulder and glared at Elvis.

"Others should be on their best behaviours and server our customers well. Also..." He paused.

His eyes landed on Adele and I, what does he wanna say now.

"... thank you all so much for your hard work last week, you guys did a great job and we made quite a lot. So, thank you for your hard work!"

We clapped happily, it's very rare for Elvis to praise us.

"That's it for today, you can all go back to your respective duties!"

Everyone started finding their ways back to their post, Adele and I turned too.. but Elvis stopped me.

"Except you, Jasmine, you're coming with me to my office!" He walked towards his office.

I groaned and Adele gave me an apologetic look, Elvis is so gonna scold me for coming late again.

"Just pray I come out in one piece"

"Don't worry sister, he's not gonna hurt you"

I nodded and headed straight to Elvis's office.

Writer's pov

Thanatos stepped out of his private jet, his assistant, Clark and driver.. Peter, got out after him.

He checked his wrist watch and realized it's still quite early.

"June, call Mike's secretary and inform him we've arrived!" He said to his assistant.

"Yes, sir" she replied.

He turned to Clark, but Clark is making a phone call.

"Mr O'Briens, the car is ready" Peter said.

Thanatos nodded and followed Peter towards the car, Peter opened the door and Thanatos slide in.. Clark followed too.

"I just spoke with your mom, she said I should persuade you to attend the dinner.. she said it's important"

Thanatos simple hummed.

"Why are you humming? How should I reply her when she calls me again?"

"Tell her to call me directly!" Thanatos replied.

Clark sighed and muttered under his breath, then he started typing on his phone.

"Mr O'Briens, Mr Mike's secretary said we should head to Mike's kitchen.. Mr Mike would receive us there!" June said.

"Peter, you heard her!"

"Yes, sir"

Thanatos threw his head back on the seat, he tossed his phone on Clark's laps.

"I'll take a short nap!"

Jasmine's pov 👙

"Elvis?" I called as I pushed the door open and stepped into his office.

"Come in" Elvis said.

He pushed his laptop aside and took off his glasses, he rest his hands on the table.

"You wanna see me?" I asked the most obvious question.

"Yes" there's a long pause. "Jasmine, what's going on? This is the third time this week"

"I'm sorry, Elvis, it's just I..."

"Is it because you've been working overtime lately?"

I shook my head quickly. "No, no"

He sighed.

"When you begged me to let you work overtime, I asked you if it's gonna affect your efficiency and you said no... so, what's going on now?"

I kept quiet. He's right, working overtime is taking a toll on me.. but it's the only way I can make more money.

"Where's your uniform?" he asked.

"Ruined" I replied.

He stared at me silently, not knowing what to do.

He opened his drawer and pulled out a new set of uniform, he threw one at me and I caught it with ease.

"Change into your uniform and get back to work"

"Thanks, Elvis"

He nodded. "I'm still keeping you here, because you attend to our customers well.. make sure you don't get a fourth strike, that will be.. goodbye to this job"

"I understand" I said.

He gestured me to leave, without wasting another minute there, I rushed out.

I breath in relief when I stepped out, my hand in my chest.. thankfully I wasn't fired.

"What did Elvis say?" Adele asked.. which made me jump slightly.

"When did you get here?" I asked her.

"I was here the whole time, I thought Elvis would yell at you.. so, I came to plead"

I nod, such a nice friend.

"Well, he only warned me not to be late again"

"Hmm, that's good" she saw the uniform in my hand. "I see you've gotten a new uniform"

"Yeah, Elvis just gave it to me"

"Alright, go change first, I'll cover for you" I nodded and headed for the locker room.

---

I heard whisperings and saw my fellow waitresses and waiters rushing back to the counter.. where Elvis just addressed us few minutes ago.

"Heyyy!" I grabbed Adele's arm and pulled her back.

"What's going on?" I asked her, gesturing to the others.

"Oh, Mr Mike is waiting outside to receive his very impressive guest.. Elvis said we should gather up to welcome the guest"

"Huh? Is this guest that important that we even have to welcome him?"

"Yeah, come on, let's go!" She said and pulled me along.

Immediately Elvis saw me, he pulled me aside to stand beside him.. I gave him a confused look.

"Of all these waitresses, your behavior is the best.. you'll greet him with me" he said.

I simply nodded and quickly put on my very sweet, warm smile.. I'm not trying to brag but my friends say I've got a smile that melts hearts.

"... you'd see our restaurant provides the best service after I show you around.."

I heard Mr Mike saying, but I toned him off when I heard all the waitresses fawning over someone.

"He's so handsome!"

"Gosh, he even looks way more handsome in reality than on TV!"

"I'd do anything to kiss the ground he walks on!"

I frowned, only those few meters away from me has seen the guest.. is he so handsome that these girls are giggling about?

They don't know handsome face can be deceiving.. just like how I was deceived by that cock!

Hmph! I shouldn't think about him.. this is the time to do my job well, Maybe Mr Mike might change his mind and increase my salary too.

"Hey! Jasmine, it's my idol" Adele leaned closer to me and whispered.

"Your idol?"

She nodded and giggled like a teenage girl seeing her crush for the first time.

At first, I didn't calculate what she said.. until I saw him walking towards me.. then her words repeated in my head.

Her idol! Thanatos Miguel O'Briens!

What is he doing here?! Why did he have to show his disgusting face at my work place?!

My heart is aching at the sight of him...as if my heart is breaking all over again!

Five years! Five good years!

He haven't seen me yet, he's busy shaking hands and waving at the girls fawning over him.. what a flirt! So unprofessional!

My hands balled beside me as I felt anger building up inside me.

I felt like going over there to punch his face until he's disfigured!

But I know I can't, I'm not ready to face him.. he's my past and I'm not ready to face my past.. maybe I should sneak away now that he hasn't seen me yet.

But...

"Come on, Jasmine, let's go greet him!" Elvis said.

Without giving me time to speak, he grabbed my arm and pulled me along with him.

"Mr O'Briens, welcome, sir!" Elvis greeted him.

I bowed my head so he wouldn't see my face, I snatched my hand from Elvis and took slow steps backwards.. I don't wanna see his face.

"You're..." He trailed off as if waiting for someone to complete his sentence.

Even his voice is annoying, I better leave here quickly.

I tried to leave but these girls wouldn't let me, they've blocked the way because they all want to get a glimpse of that devil.

"Oh.. I'm Elvis Presley and this is..."

"Excuse me" I tried to make way for myself, but these crazy girls have suddenly gone deaf.

"Jasmine? Where are you going?" Elvis asked and I froze.

I clenched my jaw and sucked in air.

"Mr O'Briens is here, where are you going?" He asked again.

I cleared my voice.

"I'm going to the restroom" I changed my voice and used a weird french accent.

Elvis released a nervous laugh.

"Your restroom can wait, come greet Mr O'Briens first!" Elvis said.

"I'm pressed, I really need the restroom now" I said, still in my fake accent.

I just wanna get away from here. But I heard Mr Mike cleared his throat.

"Everyone is saying hello, but you can go to the restroom and say goodbye to this job!" Mr Mike said.

Now that Mr Mike is involved, there's no way I can escape.. and beside, I have no cause to hide away from him.

If I run away, it'll only prove that I still love him and...

This is the only place I can make decent money, I can't lose this job because of some useless jerk!

I should show him that I'm living fine without him! I should show him that I survived even after he abandoned me!

"Jas, just say hello" Adele mouthed at me.

I nodded, I took a deep breath, put on my warm smile and turned around.

"Hello, Mr O'Briens, I'm Jasmine Reinle!" I said and reached out my hand for a handshake.

Thanatos just stood frozen, his mouth hung open and his eyes widened in surprise.. like he can't believe what he's seeing.

I scoffed mentally, yeah, I'm still alive and breathing! I screamed in my head.

"Mr O'Briens?" Mr Mike and Elvis called him at once.

But Thanatos doesn't seem like he's even listening to them, he took slow steps towards me and I took slow steps back in return.

"B-baby... " He trailed off.

Before I could realize what's going, he's pulled me into a very tight hug.. he pressed me to himself as if he wants to confirm if this is real.

"Mr O'Briens?" Mr Mike and Elvis called at once again.

Murmuring erupted as I looked at everyone, they're all having curiosity in their eyes.

This is embarrassing and annoying, I tried to pulled away but couldn't.

"Baby, I have been searching all over for you" he said.

His words just seem to increased my anger, bringing out all the pains I've been trying to bury in me all these years.

Not knowing where I got the strength from, I pushed him off me and turned to leave.. but he caught my wrist.

"Baby, don't go"

"Baby?!" I scoffed and snatched my hand from his grip.

The anger in me was too much, that I couldn't control my anger.. I did what I wanted to do when I first saw him come in.

I raised my fist and landed a punch on his face randomly, but I hissed quietly when I felt my hurt.

Everyone gasped at my action. Thanatos stepped closer.

"Baby... "

My hand landed on his cheek, cutting him off. Elvis rushed to me and grabbed my hand.

"What are you doing, Jasmine?" He queried me.

I ignored him and glared at Thanatos.

"Baby, I'm sorry... "

I don't know, but hearing him call me baby just kept increasing my anger.. I broke free from Elvis's hold and landed another slap on Thanatos face.

Just then, I saw his best friend, Clark rushed towards us.. he held Thanatos and checked his face.

"Holy sh*t! What's going on?" He asked and turned to me. "Crap!" He exclaimed in shock.

Yeah.. crap! Bloody liars!

"Baby, listen.... "

"Shut up! Stop calling me that shitty name!" I yelled at him.

Everyone is looking at us in confusion, Mr Mike cleared his throat and stepped forward.

"Jasmine, your behavior is out of our work conduct, I don't think you fit in here anymore.. you're fired!"

I snapped my head to face him, I can feel me gonna transfer my aggression now.

"There's no need to fire me, I quit!" I yelled and ran towards the exit door.

"Baby!" I heard Thanatos call me but I didn't turned back.

I just ran out!