I'm sorry, sir," I said, trying to steady my voice. The angry customer glared at me, holding out his halfeaten plate with clear disgust. I glanced nervously toward the kitchen, hoping the chef might notice
the commotion.
"I'll speak to the chef right away," I added, reaching to take the plate. But before I could step back,
the man shoved me hard.
I stumbled and hit the floor.
"It's your fault!" he barked, turning toward the exit.
The words slipped out before I could stop them. "If you don't have the money, then maybe don't eat
at restaurants!"
A heavy silence followed. My heart sank.
The man paused mid-step, then turned slowly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "What did you just say?" he
asked, walking toward me.
Panic surged. I backed away and called out for the guards—but before they could respond, someone
else stepped between us.
"Are you deaf or what?!" Levi, our co-chef and secretly, my crush snapped. His eyes blazed as he
stared the man down.
"You okay, Ava?" he asked, his voice deep and steady.
I barely heard him. I was caught in his eyes—until the customer swung his fist and punched Levi
across the jaw.
Gasps echoed through the restaurant.
"Levi!" I cried, rushing to him as he staggered back. Before I could reach him, the guards finally
appeared—but the man shoved one aside and charged at me.
I froze.
Then, out of nowhere, a tall man stepped into the chaos. In one fluid motion, he grabbed the attacker's arm, twisted it behind his back, and kicked him to the floor.
The guards regained control and dragged the customer out.
"What a hectic day," the stranger muttered, rolling up his sleeves. Then he turned to me. "You okay,
miss?"
There was something familiar about him. I stared, trying to place his face—until he let out a fake
cough.
"I'm fine," I said quickly, snapping out of it.
He gave a small nod and walked away.
Levi handed me a glass of water. "Take a break."
"I think I'll head home," I replied, still shaken. I went to the staff room to change, pulled out my
phone, and dialed my best friend.
"Hello?" Rose answered.
"You won't believe what just happened," I said, launching into the story.
She burst into laughter. "Forget that! Do you remember—"
"Remember what?" I asked, confused.
"Our reunion! Duh!"
"Right… fine, I'll be there."
"Be on time, okay?" she said, and hung up.
I sighed. Another problem—I hate reunions.
After hanging up with Rose, I changed in the staff room, still shaken by everything that had just
happened. I stared at my phone, fingers hesitating over the screen.
Then I dialed her number again.
She picked up immediately. "Don't tell me you forgot something else."
"I'm not coming," I said quietly.
There was a pause. "Ava…"
"I'm sorry, Rose. I just… can't. Not this time.
"Yeah," I whispered. "I know."