BRIANNA

“I lost my job at the restaurant.” Cherry dropped the bombshell, and I stared at her in surprise, trying to process what she just said.

“What did you just say?” I asked, still struggling to absorb the words.

“I said I lost my job at the restaurant.” She repeated, a sad smile playing on her lips.

“How did that happen? When did it happen?” I asked, eager to understand the situation.

“I didn’t do anything offensive, I swear. I was just 20 minutes late because my aunt delayed me—I was helping her with something. And not to mention the traffic jam I got stuck in. Mrs. Williams said something about the owner telling her to fire me the next time I came late, and I guess today was just not my lucky day.” She explained, trying to smile but failing miserably. My mind went to Mr. Adrian when she mentioned the owner of the restaurant. I couldn’t blame Mrs. Williams for firing her; it was all Mr. Adrian’s fault.

“I’m so sorry, babe. I wouldn’t blame Mrs. Williams for that. The owner of the restaurant is to blame.” I comforted her, patting her back.

“I don’t blame Mrs. Williams either, it’s Adrian’s fault. I won’t call him ‘Mr. Adrian’ anymore; he doesn’t deserve it.” She said, and I chuckled a little, even though I knew I probably shouldn’t be laughing at a time like this.

“When have you ever called him ‘Mr.’? You’ve always called him ‘crazy boss,’ and here’s more proof that he’s crazy.” I teased.

“You’re right,” she giggled, “I’ve never called him ‘Mr.’ because he wasn’t my boss. He’s your boss. He’s just handsome for nothing… and crazy!” She exclaimed, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“I wonder how you cope with his craziness every day,” Cherry mused.

“Oh, me? I show him that he’s not the only crazy one. He’s crazy, I’m crazy, so we show each other pepper.” I said with a smug smile, and Cherry burst into laughter for the first time since she’d told me about losing her job.

“Ooh, I trust my best friend. I trained you well.” She giggled, and I looked at her like she had grown a second head.

“You mean I trained you well, right?” I asked, and she laughed boisterously.

“I know, I know, you trained me, but let me pretend I trained you.” She replied.

“Better let that stay as pretense.” I smirked, and she laughed harder.

“So, what are you going to do now about your job? Working in the club won’t be enough.” I asked, once I had calmed down.

“Don’t worry about that. After they sent me out of the restaurant, I started looking up jobs online, and I saw that the CEO of M.Collins Fashion Industry, a popular fashion brand, is looking for a secretary. I’m going for an interview tomorrow.” She answered.

“Wow! That’s so fast! You didn’t waste any time at all.” I exclaimed.

“You know me, girl. I get things done quickly.” She said, sounding proud.

“Oh, shut up, you idiot. I wish you luck with your interview.” I said.

“Thanks, bestie.” She smiled.

“Now, let’s talk about you. Who was the person that dropped you off? I saw you getting out of a car that didn’t look like a cab.” She waggled her eyebrows.

“That’s nothing.” I tried to brush it off, but she didn’t relent.

“Don’t tell me that was your boyfriend!” She whispered-yelled, eyes wide, and I facepalmed.

“That wasn’t my boyfriend, Cherry. That was my freaking boss, who insisted on giving me a ride for God knows what reason, and he didn’t give me a chance to object. Happy now?” I snapped.

“Fine, I had a hunch it was that crazy boss of yours, but I wanted to hear it from your mouth.” She said, clearly satisfied.

“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes, tired of the conversation.

“We’ve been sitting here for over twenty minutes. Let’s eat something before we leave.” She suggested.

“That’s a good idea. Bills on me.” I said, and she nodded as we waved for a waitress to come over. Just then, my phone rang—it was my mom. Shit! I forgot to tell her I’d be coming home late tonight.

“Hey, mom.” I answered, trying to keep my tone calm.

“Brianna, are you okay? You should have gotten home by now, but I can’t find you anywhere.” My mom’s voice was laced with worry.

“I’m fine, mom. I’m with Cherry at the restaurant down the street. I forgot to call you and let you know I’d be out late.” I explained apologetically.

“It’s okay. Your sister and I were just worried a little.” She said, and I could hear the relief in her voice.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be home soon.” I reassured her.

“Is that Cherry?” She mouthed at me, and I nodded yes.

“I want to speak with her.” She mouthed again, and I told my mom before handing the phone to Cherry.

“Good evening, aunt.” Cherry greeted my mom.

“You don’t have to worry about Brianna, she’s with me. So, don’t worry, everything’s fine.” Cherry said, and I could hear my mom respond, but I couldn’t make out her words.

“Bye, aunt. My regards to Mariana.” Cherry said and handed the phone back to me.

“I ordered for you while you were on the phone.” Cherry said with a grin, and I looked down to see two plates of cheeseburger pasta and two glasses of water on the table.

“You ordered correctly.” I gave her two thumbs up, feeling grateful as I dug in. The food looked and smelled too delicious for me to keep staring at it.

I was halfway through when I heard a male voice call my name.

“Brianna?”

I froze, confused about why someone who wasn’t Cherry was calling my name. Who knew me here?

“Brianna.” The voice came again, and this time, the person was standing in front of our table. I looked up, and the face was unfamiliar.

“Excuse me, but do I know you?” I asked, my mouth still full of food, which probably made me look ridiculous.

“Ouch, you don’t remember me?” The guy asked, looking taken aback.

“Have we met? Because this face doesn’t look familiar.” I said, genuinely confused.

“You’ve really forgotten me?” He said again, sounding disappointed.

“I don’t have time for this. You can either tell me who you are, or get out.” I replied, frustrated.

“Hey, hey. It hasn’t gotten to that yet.” He said, holding up his hands in surrender.

“Then tell me who the hell you are.” I snapped.

“It’s me, Carlos—the guy who gave you a ride to that estate the other day.” He responded.