Page 35 of Stuck With His Mate

Thirty minutes later, I am out of the bathroom and fully dressed in a peach top with the letter “P” boldly inscribed on it—I always wonder what the P stands for, as I do now—and plain black pants.

I grab my keys and purse and securely lock the door behind me before heading to the elevator, taking it down three floors, and entering the lobby, where I reach the glass exit doors of my apartment building.

I walk out and inhale sharply as the fantastic night breeze welcomes me. I enjoy the enticing smells of the city while I work on flagging down a cab. Two minutes later, I'm on my way to work.

The cab stops before a large building with blaring music emanating from within. I pay my fare and find my way into the bar, heading for the changing room.

I barely reach the door before Sienna, my redhead colleague with beautiful hazel eyes, greets me in her usual not-so-beautiful fashion.

“Ah. Hallie. Table 2 needs fried pickles, sparkling wine, and almond nuts. Table 5 ordered chicken tenders and stout—"

I do my own usual routine of zoning out and diving into my fantasy world, which I always visit during work. I can see myself doing what I have always longed for: I dream of Tech.

Sienna’s voice fades into the background as I envision myself living the life that can only exist in my dreams.

Getting changed is an action so automatic, I don’t even realize I’m staring at my bag, fully dressed in uniform, daydreaming the minutes away, until Sienna’s piercing shout shatters my reverie.

“Hallie!”

I stare at her. “Huh?”

“Daydreaming again?” she says, putting her hands on her hips.

I shrug and offer her a warm smile, saying nothing. Shaking her head, Sienna places a full tray of food in my hands, nodding over her shoulder in the direction of the tables I’m serving.

“The orders?” she prompts.

"Okay, okay. Table 2: fried pickles, sparkling wine, and some almond nuts. Table 2: chicken tenders and stout.”

Sienna cocks a brow. I frown, racking my brain, but apparently, I wasn’t listening as well as I thought I was. Sienna snorts and shakes her head.

“Tequila for table 10.”

I show her an apologetic smile as she hurries off. Then, I turn on my heel to take the food and drinks to their respective tables.

First, I approach Table 2, followed by Table 5, and finish up with Table 10. I almost stop midway through handing out the drinks when I see who’s sitting at the table.

My breath catches in my throat as I recognize the dark, wavy hair, stunning amber eyes, and tall, lean frame. He’s a beautiful nightmare, my worst nightmare.

Well, maybe not necessarily my worst nightmare. More like an unpleasant encounter.

I sure hated his guts while we were back in college.

Adrian Lockhart.

He looks up at me, and we lock gazes, his eyes searing deep into mine. I haven't seen him for a long time, and I sure didn't expect him to ever show up here.

I shudder as I remember the air of superiority that surrounded him back in college—the very thing that made me loathe him. We weren't on speaking terms back then. It should remain that way.

I shift my gaze away from him and place his order on the table.

“Your order, sir,” I say in the most professional voice ever.

I turn around to head back into the kitchen when his deep bass voice stops me in my tracks.

“Hallie?” he calls out.

My heart skips a beat. I turn back to face him, raising an eyebrow at him.

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