Don't Touch

I'll figure out how to navigate this mess in the morning.

Right now, I just need my bed.

4

Arisa

“Come on, Arisa,” Cheryl whines as she flicks her head over her shoulder, and glares at me. “You're dragging ass, and it's not going to look good for either if us. I don't want to get blamed for anything because of you.”

“I'm sorry, I'm just exhausted. I didn't sleep very good.”

There's no way I'm telling her the truth. Last night is a secret between me and Monroe. She doesn't need to know that Monroe kept me here late and fucked me in the walk-in. It's none of her business anyway. Not to mention, I have no idea how Monroe is going to act today.

I haven't seen him yet. Cheryl says he'll be here before we open, but I'm not so sure. What if last night really messed him up? What if he regrets it so much, he comes storming in here and fires me on the spot?

All morning my heart's been in my throat, beating so hard it hurts. I'm on edge, jumping every time Cheryl opens or closes a door. I hear a noise and my head flicks in its direction, my eyes wide as I hold my breath.

It's torture. I wish he would just show up so I can know.

“Yeah, well, you need to be on point, Arisa. Monroe isn't going to stand for you lagging ass in his kitchen.” She spins around, arching a single brow. “Then again, you know what, you're not my problem. Don't think I won't make sure he knows who the real fuck up is.”

“Gee, thanks,” I say sarcastically, giving her an over dramatic smile.

“You're welcome,” she snaps, walking across the kitchen with a tub full of freshly washed carrots. “It's good for you to know we're not friends.”

“Yeah, I kinda figured that out yesterday.”

The door in the back opens, hinges creaking as it closes slowly on its own. Heavy footsteps come down the hall, and I know exactly who it is. I can smell his cologne from a mile away. It's a scent that's so unique I'll remember it forever.

“Ladies,” Monroe says as he takes the corner, securing the last few buttons on his jacket. “How are we today?” His eyes glaze over Cheryl and land on mine for a single second, then they move back to her. He runs flat hands down the front of his jacket, smoothing it out.

“I'm doing great, Monroe,” Cheryl says, her eyes twinkling like a schoolgirl who has a crush on her teacher. “I'm just finishing up the prep you asked me to do this morning. But Arisa on the other hand, isn't even close.” Her eyes dart to mine, and a devilish grin softly appears on her face. “She's so far behind right now. But if you want me to step up and help her, I will.”

Brown nose much? What a bitch.

I give her a dirty look. She smiles bigger, pleased with the fact she's throwing me under the bus. Her eyes are speaking volumes right now.

This looks good for me, not you.

This is why you'll never make it here.

Don't mess with me or I'll ruin you.

“You all right, Arisa? You look a little tired.” Monroe looks over at me and winks.

“You could say that,” I answer. “I'm almost done, though. Cheryl's exaggerating a bit about how far behind I am. Everything will be set before we open.”

“Perfect.” His tone is upbeat and pleasant. It makes me relax a little bit. He's not walking around with a scowl on his face and snapping orders. “Oh,” he says, holding up his finger. “I got you something.” Monroe disappears, and I hear the back door open and close.

“You're so lucky,” Cheryl says with an angry frown on her face. “He's normally not this nice when someone is behind. You caught him on a really good day.”

“Good thing then, seeing as you had no problem throwing me under the bus.”

“I told you we weren't friends. My—” The door opens and closes again, causing her to cut herself off.

Monroe walks right over to me with something draped over his arm. “Here, I got you a new jacket. The other one wasn't the best quality and I thought it'd be better if you had one with your name on it.”

He hands me the jacket and I open it up. My name is embroidered across the upper left corner with dark blue thread. The restaurant logo is on the other side. It's beautiful.

“Wow, thank you, Monroe.” I can't stop the smile as it takes over my face.

“No problem.” He smiles, showing all his teeth. His smile is perfect, just like the rest of him.

Even today, after being up late, he looks amazing. His eyes are bright and alive. His hair is nicely styled, and there's not even a shadow of stubble on his face. He smells even better this close to me.