My Weakness

by Alison Mello

  Walking out of my room, I quickly looked around for my phone. Looking on the couch, the counter, and even under pillows, I couldn’t find it.

  “Kay, have you seen my phone?” I called out to her.

  “I haven’t!” she yelled from her room. Sighing, I gave up looking knowing I wouldn’t have time to search anymore. I grabbed my jacket, as it was starting to get cold with winter coming, and my purse.

  “I gotta go, Kacey. I’ll see you around five or so!” I yelled as I made my way out the door. I heard her yell back as I shut the door. I turned and made my way out of my apartment building. Pulling my jacket closer around me, I called for a taxi.

  When I got in a taxi, I stared out the window. Suddenly, a realization hit me. I left my phone at Ashton’s! Shit! I didn’t have time to go get it from him, and I didn’t quite remember how to get back to his place. What also sucked was that I didn’t know his number to call him and see if I could somehow meet up with him to get it. Looks like I’m either going to have to buy a new phone or somehow reach Ashton to get mine back. Sighing, I ran my hand over my ponytail. The taxi came to a stop outside of the restaurant The River Café. It was sort of small, but it had one of the best views in the whole city. It sat beside the river and overlooked the city from afar. It was a real romantic spot. I wished someone would bring me here.

  The place was always busy, and people who had money or were celebrating a special occasion came here. I could never afford this place, even though I got thirty percent off. Smiling kindly at the taxi driver, I paid him and went toward the door. I took a deep breath and opened it and made my way toward the back room to put my stuff away and get my apron. Honestly, the cafe was a good place to work. They treated me somewhat right and paid pretty well. The only problem was the owner thought all the waitresses should look slutty, thinking that would draw more customers.

  Grabbing my apron after putting my purse in my locker and locking it, I wrapped it around my waist and started for the kitchen. People scurried around the kitchen doing one thing or another. I instantly knew it was already busy and the lunch rush hadn’t even started yet. Seeing one of my work friends, Riley, struggling with a tray of food, I rushed over to help.

  “Let me help,” I said, grabbing three plates.

  “Thanks, Layla,” she said, gratefully grabbing the remaining three.

  “No problem. Let’s get this out.” She nodded and led the way out of the kitchen and into the dining room. People were seated in all the available seats and were chatting. Following Riley toward a table by the window, I stood to the side holding the plates as she laid them down for the right people. Smiling at me gratefully, she took the last plates from my hands and I turned to the front desk to see what my tables were tonight.

  “Hey, Kayleen, what are my tables today?” I asked the hostess.

  “Hey, Layla, glad you’re here. We are packed today and it’s only ten-thirty. You have tables three, five, seven, nine, eleven, and thirteen,” she said, looking down at the charts. “Tables five, seven, and eleven were just seated a few minutes ago. The others are under Kim and Riley.” Smiling in thanks, I hurried over to table five not wanting to make them wait any longer. We were pretty understaffed, so usually I had to take on about eight tables alone. Memorizing the tables I had, I plastered a smile as I got to the table.

  “Hello. I’m going to be your waitress, Layla. What can I start you guys off with?” I asked, taking out my writing pad and pen. After the couple gave me their order, I hurried it back to the kitchen and went to my other tables getting their orders, drinks, and their checks.

  Over the next hour or so I bounced between each table, the kitchen, and back. I didn’t get a break and was constantly moving. Sometimes I wasn’t even serving my tables but helping other waitresses carrying plates and stuff. Just as I was dropping an order off to the kitchen, Riley came over and told me Kayleen from the front desk was asking for me. Wondering what she needed, I made my way over there.

  “You needed me?” I asked her once I got to the front.

  “Layla, I need you to take table twenty-three out on the deck. No one else can take it,” she told me hopefully.

  “But I already have six tables,” I protested slightly. It wasn’t like I didn’t want to take the table. It’s just I was already busy and table twenty-three was outside and in a corner almost where no one could see it. It was of course one of the nicer views, so lovely-dovey couples liked that table. I couldn’t count how many times I had gone out there to take orders only to find the couple in a heavy make-out session. And having to break them apart was not fun.

  “Please? Riley just got done with one of her tables and said she can take one of yours,” Kayleen said. With her looking at me with puppy dog eyes, I gave in. Why do I have to be so nice?

  “Okay, fine. Table twenty-three, right?” I asked, wanting to make sure I got the right table. As she nodded, I sighed inwardly and made my way out the back doors that led to the outside deck. It was a nice day. The sun shone brightly, warming up my skin. I suppressed a sigh as I walked through the door.

  If only I could be out soaking the sun instead of working. Making my way to the corner of the deck, I saw two males already sitting. The guy who had his back to me had wide shoulders, encased in a nice dark blue suit, and almost shaggy dark brown hair. The guy across from him was nice looking too. He had short hair that was blonde, and a well-defined jawline that I could see from here. He was also dressed in a nice suit that hugged his frame. Great, I get the table with not one, but two possibly hot guys. Walking over to the table, I smiled.

  “Hello. How are you guys today? I’ll be your server, Layla,” I said, taking out my writing pad and pen then looking up at them. My breath caught in my throat. I stood there looking like a fish out of water with my mouth open. I didn’t think I’d ever see him again, let alone see him this soon. Sitting in front of me was none other than Ashton.

  ***

  Ashton

  After getting dressed in a white shirt and a dark suit, I called for my car to be brought around out front. I had only thirty minutes to get to a meeting on the other side of the river. Straightening my tie, I grabbed my cellphone and Layla’s.

  When I had gotten done with working out, I was on my way to shower when I noticed a different cellphone next to mine. Confused, I picked it up and looked at it. It was an older model, whereas mine was the new one, and had a light blue case. Definitely not mine, must be Layla’s, I thought. A small part of me almost jumped in excitement because having her cellphone meant I would have to see her again. Smirking at myself, I set the phone back down and headed to the shower. Once I had stripped, I stepped into the warm water.

  The water cascaded down my back and soothed my tense muscles. After standing under the water for a good few minutes, I washed my hair and body, washing all the sweat off of me. After spending about ten minutes in the shower, I finally stepped out and wrapped a towel around me. When I looked in the mirror, I saw a man about twenty-five with shaggy dark brown hair that needed a cut, and a pair of steel-blue eyes that already had bags under them and stress lines around them. A light stubble grazed my jaw. I looked down to my chest and stomach. My body was well defined and an eight-pack reflected in the mirror. I looked older than I was, and I knew I worked harder than I should. I should be having more fun and stressing less, but working helped me and got my mind off certain things.

  Looking at the clock, I saw I needed to get going. Walking into my huge walk-in closet, I went straight to my suits. I had a huge selection, but I grabbed a white button-up shirt, dark blue dress pants, and a dark blue tie to go with it. Straightening my tie and shirt sleeves, I pulled on the matching blue suit jacket. I went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and brushed my hair into place. When I got back into my room, I put on my Rolex, and grabbed my wallet and both Layla and I’s phones. I’ll have to go by the office and see if I can get information on Layla, I thought to myself as I made my way out of my apartment.

  W
hen I went down the elevator, it came to a stop at the bottom floor a minute later. Stepping out and through the front doors, I saw Clark there already with my car waiting for me. Nodding at him, I slipped through the open door and settled in as Clark shut the door behind me. The whole ride to the restaurant, I replayed everything I planned to say to Mike. He was planning on investing his millions in my company, and I needed to say the right things to get him to join. With him invested in me, hopefully some of his other rich friends would come on board as well. Being a millionaire at twenty-five made some people skeptical of me, mostly the older men with money. They didn’t want some “kid” being trusted with their money. I could see what they meant, but if they ever took a glance at my records they would see how well I do, and that I’d make sure their money is well invested.

  Clark pulled up in front of the restaurant in what seemed like minutes. Checking my watch, I saw I was only a few minutes late—fashionably late, I’d like to call it. Being later than the company you’re waiting for shows that you don’t really care all that much, but in reality, you do. It’s supposed to make that person think you have much more important things to deal with. It also helps if you add in, “Sorry I was late. I got stuck at the office going over files and such.”

  Stepping out of the vehicle, I nodded at Clark in thanks and walked into the restaurant. I liked to come to this place with future investors. It helped seal the deal with the view and the sexy waitresses. The moment I walked to the front desk, the woman there immediately straightened up. Smirking, I started talked to her.

  “Hello. I already have a reservation. My other party may even be here. It’s under Miller,” I said, flashing her a smile girls drool over. Her cheeks turned red as she nodded and looked for my reservation on her computer.

  “Uh, yes. Your party is already here waiting for you, Mr. Miller,” she said, trying not to stutter. I took a brief glance around the restaurant and from the corner of my eye, I saw her pull her shirt down a tad bit more to show more cleavage. Hmm, she doesn’t look too bad. Maybe I’ll have to get with her soon. Seeing my eyes trailing to her breasts, she smiled and walked me out to my table on the deck facing the river. I saw Mike was already there and taking a sip of his drink. Smirking at the girl, I sneaked a hand around and grabbed her ass then sat down. She stood there flushed for a second then turned and left. Smiling inwardly, I turned to Mike.

  “Hi Mike. Sorry I’m late. I got stuck at the office,” I said, lying.

  “No, that’s fine,” he said. Mike was about my age, maybe a little older. He had blonde hair that was short, and blue eyes. He was well built and could look intimidating when he wanted to. “Glad we could meet up.”

  “Same here. We have some things to discuss.” Before I could say any more, a female voice interrupted me. The voice sounded oddly familiar. Turning, I came face-to-face with Layla.

  Chapter 6

  Layla

  Seeing Ashton almost made me gasp. What the hell is he doing here? He just stared up at me. I saw the moment he went from surprise to amusement.

  “Layla,” he said, my name rolling off his tongue. I couldn’t keep myself from liking how he said my name. He made it seem fancier or somehow sexier. All I could picture was us in bed together the night before. Not wanting to seem unprofessional since he had company, I decided to ignore him.

  “Hi, I’ll be your waitress. Anything I can start you off with?” I said, looking down at my pad not wanting to make eye contact with Ashton.

  “Layla.” He said my name again.

  “Yes, what can I get you?” I asked, trying to ignore him. I could feel the other guy’s gaze on me, and my cheeks flamed a pink color.

  “You can’t ignore me forever, Layla,” Ashton said, and I could hear the smirk in his voice. Well, I’m going to try.

  “What can I start you guys with?” I repeated. I heard a snort of laughter and looked up. The guy sitting with Ashton smiled at me and shook his head.

  “Can I get another one?” the blonde guy asked, shaking his empty glass.

  “Of course, what is it?” I asked.

  “Vodka and tonic.”

  “And you?” I asked Ashton, daring a glance at him.

  “Whiskey,” Ashton said, looking at me. His bright blue eyes seemed to freeze me on the spot. He just stared at me until I felt my cheeks turn even redder.

  “O-okay,” I finally stuttered and looked away. I turned and made my way to the bar to get their drinks.

  Layla, ignore him and don’t let him get to you, I told myself as I waited for Ted, the bartender, to get the drinks. For some stupid reason, he just seemed to make my knees go weak. You just like him because he saved you and he took care of you. Don’t think about him and just serve him; then he’ll be out if your life forever. Grabbing the drinks, I headed back to the table. You can do this, Layla. You can do this, I chanted to myself. My legs were almost shaky as I walked back to the table with their drinks. I didn’t know why I was nervous, but I couldn’t seem to calm myself down. Maybe it was because I thought I would never see Ashton again and that I now know he was a millionaire and self-proclaimed womanizer, but who knew.

  “Here you go,” I said, putting the drinks down for them. “You guys ready to order?” I asked, trying to steady my voice. Thankfully, it came out stronger than I thought. You can do this, Layla. You are not weak.

  “Yes, I’ll have the blackened salmon with asparagus,” the blonde guy said, smiling at me while handing me his menu. The guy was super cute. His blonde hair was short but it seemed to fit him, and his blue eyes stared back at me almost with a twinkle. He may have been slightly older than me, maybe seven years, but he didn’t look too bad.

  “Okay,” I said, smiling back. There was one perk to working here: there were plenty of cute guys. “And you?”

  “I’ll have the shrimp stir fry,” Ashton said. He handed me his menu but made sure his hand touched mine and lingered. Taking a deep breath, I forced a smile on my face.

  “I’ll get that in for you,” I said then hurried and turned around. I ignored how my skin tingled at his touch, and dropped the order off at the kitchen and made my way around to my other tables. The whole time I kept telling myself, Just do your job. Ignore him and just serve him his food like the lower-class person you are. After I said that, I frowned at myself. Great, Layla, make yourself feel worse than you already are. But it’s true. Shaking my head at myself, I went back to Ashton’s table to see if they needed anything.

  I straightened my skirt unconsciously. I could see Ashton was laughing at something the other man said because his wide shoulders shook. From here, I could hear Ashton’s laugh and I instantly wanted to hear it again. It was a deep laugh; if only I were in front of him admiring the smile that was probably on his face. The guy across from him had a smile on his face and laughed as well. I cleared my throat as I stood by the side of the table, not wanting to scare them nor interrupt their conversation.

  “Hi. You guys need anything?” I asked.

  “Can I get a refill?” the blonde guy asked again. I smiled and nodded. I looked over at Ashton, but he shook his head. Turning, I went and got the refill. Just as I was heading to take it back, I heard the bell ring for Ashton’s order. Glad, I hurried back to the table and dropped off the drink. They seemed to ignore me and looked to be in deep, serious conversation. I made my way back to the kitchen and grabbed both of their dishes. Balancing the two in my hands, I weaved around tables and to the deck.

  “Okay, here you go. Here is the blackened salmon with asparagus,” I said, holding Ashton’s plate in one hand and setting the blonde guy’s down in front of him. “And here is the shrimp stir fry.” I sat his down and wiped my hands on my apron. “Need anything else?” I asked.

  “No, I think we are good. Thank you, Layla,” Ashton said, his voice deep and smooth like honey. I smiled and left to my other tables. It was kind of weird having Ashton see me like this. He probably thought I was low class and now regretted helping me.


  I went back and forth between tables and the kitchen constantly. The restaurant was getting busier and louder. I already handed Ashton and the guy their bills before going to help my other tables. With my tables content for the next little bit, I made my way back outside to see if Ashton was done. When I walked out there, I found no one. Both chairs were pushed in and empty plates littered the table. Their bills were on the edge of the table. For some reason, a wave of sadness crashed over me. Ashton left without saying anything to me. Why would he, Layla? You’re nothing but trash to him anyways. Clenching my jaw, I picked up their bills and opened each of them.

  Instantly, my eyes widened. They both left a big tip, and by big I meant one hundred dollars from each. Wow! That was a lot; that more than I sometimes got on most nights. I was even lucky to just get twenty bucks when someone was feeling generous or when the holidays came around. Shocked, I made my way back inside I put the one hundred-dollar bills in my pocket. I spent the rest of the night going from table to table, to the bar, and to the kitchen. Finally, five o’clock came and I could leave. I waved bye to everyone and grabbed my stuff, ready to get the hell out of here. As I stepped out of the door, I breathed in the semi-clean air. The air smelled like the ocean, fresh and salty. The sun was still up, and I was glad it was still a combination of summer and early fall. It wasn’t cold or too hot, just perfect outside. Just glad to be done with work, I walked to the curb ready to hail a taxi. Just as I was putting up my hand to get a taxi, a car horn sounded right by me scaring the shit out of me.

  Jumping, I turned around and saw a black limo idling on the curb. What the—I stared at the car as fear slowly crept into me. Who is in the car? When an unknown car pulls up near you, you know it isn’t for a good reason. And last night had me jumpier than usual. I narrowed my eyes trying to not look scared. The door opened and out stepped none other than Ashton Miller.