Layla
Ashton freaking Miller! I had danced, gone home, kissed, and slept in the same bed as the most famous bachelor and richest man in New York. Never mind that he saved me from being hurt. I sat there staring at the computer screen, still in shock.
“Damn, girl! You slept with a millionaire!” Kacey shouted.
“Kacey! It wasn’t even that kind of slept. It was actual sleep,” I said, making sure she got that I didn’t have sex with Ashton.
“Whatever! You still slept with him,” she said, looking at me. “You actually did something interesting!”
“What do you mean I actually did something interesting?” I asked, insulted.
“Come on, Lay! You know it’s true. You haven’t done anything interesting since…never! Not even in college. This could be something that could turn into something great.”
“Kay, that could never happen. He has already forgotten about me by now. Plus, I don’t even know him at all. Hell, I didn’t even know he was a millionaire.”
“Lay—”
“Kacey, come on. I need to get ready for work,” I said, getting up and heading to my closet to get out my work uniform.
“Layla, you won’t know unless you try,” was all she said as she stood up, wrapped an arm around me, then left my room. I stood there for a minute thinking about what she said. She might be right, but I wouldn’t be “trying” anything out. It usually didn’t work out anyways. Sighing, I changed into my work uniform and went to put my hair up into a ponytail. Looking at the clock, I saw that it was ten. I had twenty minutes to get to work. My work uniform consisted of a black skirt—a short one I might add—and a tight black shirt that showed a tad bit too much cleavage for my liking. Somehow the uniform passed as presentable for such a highly rated restaurant. Slipping on my high heels—also part of the uniform—I started on my makeup. I didn’t put on much, just a light layer of foundation, a swipe of my mascara, and a little eyeshadow. I couldn’t just show up to work looking terrible because this was my only job, and neither could I complain about the uniform.
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.
When 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.