Mother of Alpha - Burgov Series III

8. Diana

Chelsea has been avoiding me for the last two days. Rightful so, because after the stunt she pulled over my nicest, best tipping customer, I was ready to blow up on her. She was conveniently around only when Sean was awake, but oddly so, just a second after I was putting him to bed, she was out for one of her hookup nights, just to get back home in the morning when I was preparing breakfast to already awake Sean. Maybe that wasn't all that irrational on her part to do so. She knows me better than anyone, and she probably suspected there was one hell of a lecture pending for her.

I had one rule for her. Just one simple rule. Be a normal human being at my work. It's not that hard, is it?

I know she cares and she doesn't want me to get hurt, but this time her overprotectiveness went too far. What would I do if this Vanya man talked with my manager and I ended up losing my job?! We could never survive on just her salary, and finding another position with a good enough income could take a while.

Besides, he didn't even make a move on me. Yes, he was coming in every day, but he was just friendly, nothing more. Sure, he's charming and I kind of look forward to seeing him, but that's just it.

I really regret telling Chels about him. But the note and his first big tip were something I thought she would find funny. And she did, she even said, and I quote 'Sounds like my kind of guy'. But when she came in on Monday and saw him, it was like she became this crazy person once again. It's a good thing she didn't do anything worse. But still… we need to go over some ground rules once again.

That's why I let Sean sleep in today, and waited for her by the door. If she thinks she's so sneaky, she can make breakfast for my always hungry son by herself.

Like clockwork, just when 8am struck, keys rattled in the hole and she let herself in. Her hair was disheveled and she kept tilting her head from side to side as if she wanted to get rid of minor neck pain.

Was she sleeping on a park bench or something?

But I shoved my motherly instincts to the back of my head. She's twenty-five for God's sake, she can deal with the repercussions of her own actions. I stopped in the middle of the hall and crossed my arms.

"Hey, Cuz." - I greeted her, but my tone lacked the friendliness I always have for her.

She whipped my way and started looking around like a deer caught in headlights.

"Where's Sean?" - she asked, looking behind my back, and I knew she wanted to use him like a human shield once again.

"Asleep." - I said with a grin that I was pretty sure didn't reach my eyes.

"Oh." - she said, but I was sure she wanted to cuss instead.

"We need to have a word, you know."

"So we're still on this? I thought you would let it go by now." - she said nonchalantly, passing me by and going to the fridge for the water bottle.

"No, I haven't let it go. I thought we had it settled. Chels, my workplace, is one of those spots where you can't show your true colors. Do you have any idea what could have happened?! If he got mad, you could have had me fired!" - I started stopping by the counter.

"Oh please." - she rolled her eyes. - "The guy is halfway in love with you. I could have slipped him some MiraLax and he still wouldn't say a thing to cause you trouble. Although, I'm pretty sure the burger you brought him did a fine job with that either way."

"He's not halfway in love with me. He's just a customer. And a pretty good one. So please, don't go around causing havoc because you think there's something more, while there's not. We can't afford me losing this gig." - I tried to reason with her, but her indulgent smile said it was a lost cause.

"You're blind Dee-Dee. The way he's watching you… you can almost hear wedding bells. I'm telling you, he's into you, and I just did you a solid." - she shrugged, taking another sip from the bottle.

"Yeah, I'm sure you think so, but could you explain what exactly makes you so certain, to not say delusional?" - I asked, wrinkling my forehead. Sometimes, talking with her was like rehabilitating a madman. She just wouldn't listen, because, whatever it was she pictured in her head, she believed in it.

"Because, if I haven't scared him off, and furthermore, his Monday's burger hasn't done it either, the guy's been coming to the restaurant for you. Tell me, did he at least once sit in Sarah's section?"

"Well, I don't think so." - I said carefully, knowing she was on a mission to turn this argument around, to the point when I would be the one apologizing to her.

"So you see, we can cross out that he's coming in for the food. Besides, have you seen his body? Guys like him don't eat greasy burgers every day."

"He usually orders a steak." - I said, not even knowing why that was important right now, but Chelse was an argument wizard, and somehow I always ended up explaining myself.

She c****d her head to the side and smirked.

"The fact that from dozens of your customers you remember his preferences only proves my point. You have the hots for cute Russian too." - she beamed.

"Don't be ridiculous!" - I shrieked, but accidentally my voice went so high that probably dogs four blocks away could hear me. - "What I meant is that he's just my customer, and as a good waitress I remember those things." - I added after an awkward throat clearing.

"Whatever you tell yourself at night, Dee." - Chelsea snorted. - "But the bottom line is that I was just looking out for you and he passed the test. He seems normal, and if I say that, you should trust my judgment."

"You also told me I should look for a date on Tinder. So forgive me if I don't hug you for either of those poor favors." - I said sarcastically.

"Well, it works for me."

"You don't look for dates, but for hookups!" - I threw my hands in the air. It was impossible to argue with Chelsea and come to a reasonable conclusion with her. - "Look Chels, all I want is for you to promise to never make a scene or bother my customers again, okay?" - I said much calmer in a tone I tend to use on Sean.

"Fine. But mark my words, he will make a move on you. I just know it."

I waved her off, because I had no time nor strength for this conversation anymore.

"I'm going to work." - I said, deciding to break this argument and move on. Hopefully Chelsea will remember to stop meddling with my job. - "Wake up Sean and give him some breakfast before his day camp. What time do you have your last appointment today?"

"At five. But it's with Mr Jenkins, and you know he tends to fall asleep on my table, so there's a chance I would take longer than an hour with him."

I actually laughed at that. The countless stories Chelsea brings home from her massaging gig are always a lot of fun. Especially when she talks about her elderly clients who can be either endearing or highly indecent, or sometimes both.

"Okay, I'm off at four, so I'll pick up Sean. Just feed him before he goes, okay?"

"Yes, Ma'am." - she said with a mocking salute, and I went to get ready.

Chelsea isn't the easiest person, that's for sure. But I know she means well. After everything she did for me and Sean, it's hard to stay angry with her. She was the only one by my side when my world turned upside down. She was the one who said f**k everyone who doesn't accept our decisions. And she was the one holding my hand at the most important moment of my life. She may be younger, but she was my fiercest protector ever since I can remember. And the ordeal from two days ago only reminds me that she probably still is.

On my way to work I started thinking about what she said. Is it even possible that this whole Vanya comes to Meatology for me? I mean it's not like it's impossible, but at least far-fetched. What would a man like him, handsome and judging by his clothes and car he is driving, quite wealthy, want from a simple waitress like me? I'm not like Sara to think that some Prince Charming will one day walk through the door and that awful bell, announcing new guests, would suddenly sound like a siren call. No, I'm definitely not that type of girl. So if, by any chance, Chelsea is right, he's coming in every day for one reason only. For s*x.

And no matter how tempting that could be, that's where Chelsea and I differ the most. She can easily separate s*x from how she calls it, catching feelings, like it was some sort of disease. But I'm not like that. There was that one time when I let myself be charmed by a devilishly handsome guy, who, despite all this wonderful weekend we spent together, left me completely shattered.

No, I'm not that kind of a girl anymore. I don't want a spontaneous rush of passion with no strings attached. I can't allow myself to do that ever again. So no matter how charming Vanya is, our... whatever the hell it is, ends in a restaurant.

Besides, I don't even need all this hot and spontaneous heat of the moment. I'm perfectly fine on my own.

Although the frequency of charging my vibrator might speak against this statement.

The day started normally. Thursday isn't the most busy day of the week, actually, compared to Friday and the weekend is always rather slow. But even so, each time the bell above the entrance rang announcing new guests, I instinctively turned to see who it was. I'm not sure if I was looking forward to seeing him today, or was it out of fear that Chelsea could actually be right, and the last guy who I thought was decent on this planet, would turn out to have an agenda too.

It was all so confusing. My body was reacting strangely to his presence. It's like part of my brain is shutting down, and I don't have full control over what I'm saying or asking. I caught myself on it multiple times. I asked him things that were way too personal for the platonic customer-waitresses stage of familiarity. And I found myself really curious. It's like I subconsciously want to get to know him better, but the rational part of my mind keeps yelling at me, to not go down this road, because at the end is a big brick wall with the sign 'heartache', on which I would inevitably crash. So I guess I want Chelsea to be wrong, because maybe if she is, I could regain my faith in men.

But when, at precisely 2 pm, the bell above the door rang again, I knew it was him. I don't know why, I don't know how, but even without looking at the door I knew Vanya had just entered.

I tried to stay busy, even focusing on taking order from another table, but even that didn't help, and I stayed aware of his every move and that he, once again, sat by the booth in my section.

Damn it Chelsea! I'm overthinking everything because of you!

I sighed and started going his way, more self-conscious and, for some strange reason, all nervous. He greeted me with the same nice and comforting smile as he usually sports.

"Hello again. Chef's special and four slices of chocolate cake, I assume?" - I asked, immediately kicking myself for cutting the distance between us. Maybe I was to blame here, because I kept sending him all these mixed signals? That's it, I'm way too friendly.

He grinned and his gray eyes looked brighter than usual, and I couldn't believe I even noticed that. Most of the time, I can't remember if the guy's hair was light or dark brown. What is the matter with me?

"Is Alejandro testing new flavors again?" - he asked.

"Nope. Thursdays are completely safe." - I said, returning the smile.

"Well, then, I'll take it."

His gaze on me when he said it was so intense that I felt the heat spreading over my cheeks.

Stop acting like a teenager!

"Coming right up." - I said, practically running away from him.

I kept the necessary distance, all the time blaming Chelsea for messing up with my head.

We had another short and perfectly respectful small talk when I brought him today's specialty. He made a joke, I laughed, and oddly so, I haven't even pretended it. It was so effortless, so natural, and honestly, it scared me.

That's probably why I was feeling relieved when he asked for the check. Most likely because nothing that Chels had implied happened. That was good, she was just getting into my head and, just like I thought, there was nothing there.

"Okay, here you go." - I said, putting a carved, ceramic bowl with a bill on the table and I attempted to go away, but this time I ran out of luck.

"Diana…"

And just by the sound of my name on his tongue I knew where this was heading.

"Yes?" - I turned around to face him, even though my every instinct was telling me to pretend someone else was flagging me.

"I was wondering if you would agree to go grab a coffee with me? I love this little dance we have, but I think we would like to sit down together and actually talk even more."

He looked as if he really wanted me to say yes. And a part of me wanted that too. But the reality tends to hit you like a wrecking ball, especially when it reminds you you're no f*****g Cinderella and no wedding bells will come out of it, no matter how great of a guy he is.

Now, he sees me as a pretty face. An easy target who laughs at his jokes. But when he takes a peek inside my life's baggage, he will run for the hills. So why even bother?

"Vanya, I…" - I swallowed hard because, no matter what, being cruel was never in my nature. - "Unfortunately, I don't see that happening. I'm really busy after work, and I honestly don't have time for it."

That wasn't a lie per se. Chelsea already spends more time with Sean than I do, throwing coffee dates into it would only push me further from what really matters.

His smile fell, but he nodded respecting my answer. At least he was having enough class to not cause a scene, although I'm fairly positive that's the last time I saw him.

Knowing the spell was broken, I stepped away from the booth. And, when a short moment after he was leaving, I kept asking myself if I had made the biggest mistake of my life.