“I’ll ask around for a nice job for you. I’m always here for you and Kayden.”

“Thanks.” I hugged her.

I stayed at her place till it was dark.

I was relieved when I didn’t see Ryan when I returned home. I went straight to sleep.

The look on everyone’s faces when they had found out I was fired replayed in my head. I recalled the agonizing walk from the locker room to the exit with long stares and whispers behind me. They had known I wouldn’t last long.

Life was so unfair.

***

I succeeded in getting a weekday shift at the diner. Ryan was still a pain in the ass. He kept threatening me with my secrets. I’d tried to make him leave and asked for Mrs. Porter’s help, but he’d told me he would go directly to Tristan if I kicked him out. Vina kept seeing us as lovebirds, and Ryan didn’t miss a chance to flirt with her.

It was Thursday, and the diner was busy. I was left to lock up. I took out the trash and locked the door. I turned around to leave but saw Tristan. He was leaning on his car with his arms folded. He smiled at me, but I looked away and headed to my apartment.

It was a cold night. I wrapped my arms around myself and kept walking. The light-blue waitress uniform was just like my uniform from the housekeeping job.

Tristan caught up with me with his long strides. We walked side by side in silence. His familiar cologne brought old memories. I brushed them away and stared at the trees outlining the streets.

“How are you doing?” he asked softly.

I could feel his eyes on me. I didn’t answer. I ignored his presence.

“Why are you working so much?”

I didn’t say anything.

“Adrian told me you lost your job at the hotel.”

“So what? Are you here to tell me I deserved it too?” I stopped and faced him.

Was he always this tall?

“No. I wanna help.”

“I don’t need your help!” I screamed.

“Why did you reject the money?” he asked calmly, not intimidated by my yelling.

“Because I don’t want anything that belongs to you or your family.”

“I hate to see you like this, and if there’s anything I can do, tell me.”

“I don’t need your pity, Tristan. I’m fine and better than ever,” I said and faked my best smile.

“I know you’re not doing okay, Chloe. Are you really enjoying this?”

“Whose fault is it, Tristan? The last time I checked, I ended up this way because of you and your family!” I said, poking at his chest.

He looked down at where I’d touched him and moved his gaze to my face. His eyes flickered to my lips and lingered there for a few seconds before meeting my eyes. I pulled away quickly.

“I know it’s my fault, okay? And I wanna make things better.”

I laughed at his statement.

“Better?” I said, stepping closer to his tall form.