Forbidden Embers.

Chapter 4: The encounter.

The next morning, she went out very early in search of a job. Although, she was still a college student, she was determined to pay every penny Lucas had spent on her before finally leaving.. She walked into a small restaurant, carrying a bag which held some documents.

She was approached by the manager , who spotted her looking around, confused of where to go.

"Good morning, dear," he greeted, a warm smile on his lips. "What will you like to order?"

"Good morning sir," she greeted politely.

"Oh, I'm not here to get anything," Ava said, chuckling nervously. "Actually, I saw the posters about you hiring, and I came to apply for a job. I hope I'm not late."

"My bad, it's been a busy morning," the man laughed. "Well, I think there's a spot left. But you have to hand in your resume first."

Ava let out a sigh of relief, as she feared that there were no spots left. "That's no problem, sir," Ava answered as she dug into her bag, in search of her file.

"Let's go to my office." He said pointing at the direction of his office.

The office was a small, but we'll arranged room. The manager offered a seat and sat on his chair.

"Okay let's proceed."

She handed her files over to him, silently praying that she got the job, even though she didn't have any notable experience in working as a waiter.

The man pursed his lips, his gaze sweeping over the papers briefly. "Wait a minute. " He dropped the document, looking up at her. "You're Ava Smith, as in Lucas Antonio's sister?"

Her stomach dropped.

'Is he going to report me to Lucas?' she thought.

Ava nodded slowly. "Y-yeah, I am."

The manager leaned back in his chair, a flicker of unease in his eyes. Lucas Antonio. The name echoed in his mind, synonymous with power and influence. He’d heard stories, whispers of his vast business empire, his connections reaching every corner of the city. He’d even had the privilege of serving him once or twice, a man who commanded attention without even trying. "Lucas Antonio," he repeated slowly, as if testing the weight of the name. "Your brother is a very generous man, isn't he? A regular patron, he always brings a large group. He also spends quite a bit of money here, actually." He paused, drumming his fingers on the desk. "Tell me, Ms. Smith, does he know you're here?"

Ava’s heart pounded. She could see the calculation in the manager’s eyes, the unspoken question: Is this going to cause me trouble? "No, sir," she admitted quietly. "He doesn't."

The manager’s eyebrows furrowed. "Hmm. See, that’s a bit of a problem. Your brother is a man who appreciates loyalty. I wouldn’t want him to think that I employed his sister behind his back." He tented his fingers, his gaze fixed on her. "This is a small establishment, Ms. Smith. We rely on our regulars. Men like your brother. I’m sure you understand.” He gave her a pointed look.

Ava swallowed, her dreams of independence seeming to crumble around her. She knew what he was implying. He wasn’t just worried about Lucas’s disapproval; he was worried about losing a valuable customer. And she, his sister, was a liability.

"Sir," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "I understand your concerns. But I assure you, my brother has nothing to do with this. I am here seeking honest work, and I am perfectly capable of doing this job. Please, just give me a chance. I won't disappoint you."

The manager hesitated, his gaze flickering between Ava and the resume on his desk. He saw the desperation in her eyes, the genuine need. He also saw the potential for trouble, the risk of offending Lucas Antonio. He sighed, the weight of his decision pressing down on him. "Alright," he said finally, his voice grudgingly. "One week. Trial period. You prove yourself valuable, and we’ll see. But if Lucas comes around, asking questions, you’re on your own. Understood?"

Ava nodded quickly, relief washing over her. "Understood, sir. Thank you."

"Congratulations, you are hired ma'am." He said extending his hands for a handshake.

"Thank you sir." She said accepting his handshake.

One evening, at the restaurant...

"Waitress!" A man with a light, tanned skin tone and very handsome, well-defined features called. He wore a casual, but expensive looking outfit, that made him stand out, like he didn't belong to such an average restaurant.

"Good evening. How may I help you?" she asked, approaching his table.

"Yeah, please get me a drink," he requested, his eyes briefly meeting hers.

He quickly turned to look at her. "Wow, Ava! Is that really you?" Mateo exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise. "What a coincidence! I never thought I'd see you again. You look amazing!"

Ava grinned. "Hey, Mateo! You look dashing as always."

"Thank you," he replied, blushing slightly. "So, what are you doing in Texas? I thought you were more of a Mississippi guy."

"Oh, just passing through," Mateo shrugged casually.

Just then, the manager came striding over, a frown creasing his face. He pulled Ava aside.

"What are you doing?" he demanded in a low voice. "You're not supposed to fraternize with the customers like this. You serve them what they need, and then you get lost. Got it?"

"Oh, sir, he's my high school friend," Ava explained quickly. "We lost touch ages ago, and we were just catching up."

"I don't care," the manager interrupted sternly. "That's not what you're paid for. If you keep this up, I'll have no choice but to fire you."

"I'm so sorry, sir," Ava apologized, her voice laced with anxiety. "It won't happen again."

"See that it doesn't," the manager warned, casting a sharp glance at Mateo. "Now, get back to serving the other guests."Mateo, who was still sitting and waiting, gestured to Ava as she finished her shift.

Several hours later, Ava was finally done. "Goodnight, sweethearts," she called to her coworkers, grabbing her bag.

"Goodnight, Ava!" they replied in unison.

As she exited the restaurant, she spotted Mateo leaning against a sleek Mercedes-Benz, a patient smile on his face.

"Oh! Hi," she breathed, surprised.

"Hey," Mateo greeted warmly.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Don't mention it," Mateo replied, returning her smile. "Hop in. Let's go."

"Alright, boss," she chuckled, sliding into the passenger seat. Mateo opened the door for her and then walked around to the driver's side. As he drove off, a comfortable silence settled between them, which Mateo eventually broke.

"So..." he began, glancing over at her. "How's your brother?"

"He's fine," Ava answered promptly, a hint of tension in her voice.

Mateo, concerned asked. "Why the sudden change? You've become so quiet these days. You were never this reserved before. You have always loved talking," he pauses, his brows furrowing. "That reminds me, why are you working at a restaurant?"

Ava turned to the window, not answering his question. An uncomfortable silence slipped in between them.

Thankfully, she noticed they were already in her neighborhood. "I'll just get off from here, Mateo," she said, averting the question. "My house is just less than a minute away.

"Ohk just chill, I'm gonna take you inside."

" Oh no, just drop me off outside the gate, I promise I'll be fine." She objected.

"Ok if you insist." He dropped her off, said goodnight and left after watching her enter the mansion.

Exhausted, she practically dragged herself to her room, longing for the moment her head hit the pillow. Lucas, who had watched Mateo drop her off through the window, waited impatiently for her to come inside.

But as she was about to step through the door, a voice stopped her: "Where are you coming from?"