Little Things (Second Chances 1)

She looks over at me, “What’s wrong, Raya?”

I blow out a deep breath, “I’ve been here about ten months and I’m always falling short. Don’t get me wrong, I love everyone here, but waitressing is the not the best way to establish yourself, you know?”

Layla finishes filling up the glasses and places them on the tray. “I get it. It’s a tough world out there and finding a job these days is shit. Here I am, a college graduate with a degree in Biology, and I’m right alongside of you. It’s just hard times, we’ll get through it.”

She gives me assuring reassuring smile and heads to her table to give her guests their drinks. I look over at my section and see that a group of five guests has arrived and is seated at a large booth. I glance at my watch. Three more hours until closing.

I dig into my apron’s pockets to ensure I have my pen and pad and walk over to the newly filled booth. Placing napkins and utensils on the tabletop, I begin my spiel, “Hi everyone. Welcome to Three Aces. My name is Raya and I’ll be your server for the evening. May I get you any drinks while you look over our menu?”

I take their drink orders and walk over to the kiosk to plug in their appetizer, Spinach Artichoke dip. As soon as it’s ready, I place the appetizer on their table and take down their orders. Fifteen minutes later, Layla assists me with handing out their meals.

“Okay, we have the Ace Burger, the Ribollita, the Short Rib Pizzeta, the Saffron Risotto, and scallops.” Layla and I pass out their plates and leave them to it. As we walk to the back of the bar, she pats my shoulder, “Almost closing time. I’m in desperate need of a cigarette.”

I scoff, “I’m sorry, but that’s disgusting.”

She shrugs her shoulders, “I know, but it’s a habit and an addiction that’s harder to kick than some people think.”

“Why would you even start?”

She laughs nonchalantly, “I was young and stupid.”

“Still, that’s no excuse to continue.”

She nods her head, “My reason to smoke is because I enjoy it. Now come on, let’s make these last two hours count.”

His soft hands trail along the ridges of my thighs, his kisses lightly touching my lower neck, his warm breath blowing against my skin. I squirm underneath him and revel in the pleasure of his touch. He shifts his weight to avoid crushing me and plants kisses all over my chin and his hands move to my lower stomach. He looks into my eyes and winks. I smile in response and pull his body against mine.

His pant accelerates, “Raya, you are marvelous, truly breathtaking—your soft skin, mesmerizing eyes, and elegant hair. I love absolutely every part of you.”

I feel my heart flutter as he expresses his love, “I missed you, Duke.”

He bends down slightly and plants his soft lips onto mine. As our lips touch, it’s as if fireworks have exploded around us. His tongue pushes inside my mouth and coaxes mine into a dance. He combs his hands through my hair and my fingers slide down his bare back. His kiss grows deeper and deeper as our bodies heat up. Pulling away to bite my lower lip, he sucks on it for a few seconds.

I squeal as his hands move to my panties and slowly slide them off. I think, am I ready for this? A feeling of panic washes over me and I look into Duke’s eyes. The golden brown hue in his eyes radiates comfort, but for some reason, I can’t shake this apprehensive feeling.

I move my hands to his chest, “Wait, I can’t do this yet.”

He mocks, “Why not? You were ready for me a year ago.”

My mind goes blank, “What are you talking about?”

He shifts his body, unbuttons his jeans, and kicks them off. The panic returns as I focus on his darkened eyes and see greed pour out of them.

“Duke, I want to stop.”

He bends down and grabs hold of my wrists, tightly gripping them, “No, you don’t.”

My heart beats stronger and my breathing becomes ragged as I try to kick him off of me. He grunts but holds his weight on me. I cry out in protest and howl for help. Tears spill down my face as his free hand trails across my exposed breast.

“Please stop.”

I hear a soft chuckle, but realize it’s not Duke. The man on top of me lifts his head and I scream as the horror takes over. Craig.

I thrash my body as much as I can but he’s too strong for me.

“Get off of me, please!”

Craig rejects my plea as he positions himself above me. I cry out as pain and terror courses through my body. My hands tremble and tears continuously spill down my face.