4.A COMPLIMENT...?
1285 Words
With a deep exhale, I knocked on Rick's door and took a step back.
I was anxious to the point that I bit my nails until they hurt. I had no idea what I was going to say, but I was ready to beg just to keep my job. The rest of my sanity depends on it.
"Come in."
I pushed the door open and entered. Rick was seated with a cigar in his hand. His eyes lit up when he saw me.
"Kae, you're here today," he said. His face was calm, collected, and it somehow unsettled me—as if he'd already decided to fire me.
I took a step forward, hands gripping my bag. "I'm so sorry I didn't show up yesterday."
He hummed and took a drag of his cigar. He exhaled upwards then focused his gaze back on me.
"Kae, I just want to know one thing," he said. "Why didn't you call?"
"My phone isn't working," I replied, shifting from one foot to the next.
"What happened?"
I licked my lips. "I... my uncle, he was sick. I had to stay home with him."
I lied.
Well, half lied but still. I couldn't possibly tell him the truth. I couldn't tell him that I was forced to stay home and be a house slave.
I couldn't tell him that I worked all day and never get any rest.
I couldn't tell him that without this job, I would be running mad because of the hell I lived in.
He exhaled and crushed the cigar in the ashtray. "Kae, are you sure that's what happened?"
I nodded, ignoring the stiffness in my neck. "I'm sure."
He studied me for a good ten seconds before finally giving me a small nod. "Okay. You can go."
"T-Thank you," I muttered before hurrying from the office.
I stuffed my bag in the locker and then headed for the janitor's closet. I pulled on my overalls, slipped on my gloves, grabbed the mop and bucket, then get to polishing those floors.
Hours later, the bar was bustling and I was planted in my usual spot—staying invisible in the shadows. Earlier, Rick had given me an energy drink and I took it willingly. My body didn't feel as overworked as yesterday.
"Kae!"
My head snapped to the side. One of the servers—Aliah—was waving me over. No one ever called me unless it was a spill or something that needed cleaning. I grabbed my mop and made my way through the bar.
"Took you long enough," she spat, face twisted in disgust.
I groaned inwardly.
From what I'd seen, Aliah carried herself like she was the top server in the bar. I'd never spoken to her, hadn't even looked her way, but there was something in the way she moved—like her attitude defined her entire personality. I didn't like it, though I kept the thought to myself.
"Rick's asking for you in VIP, section two," she muttered, flipping her hair before walking off.
I exhaled and made my way towards the VIP area. Section two was quieter, more private—the cleanest part of the bar whenever we closed.
I stepped inside and was immediately met with Rick. He was standing in front of me, a beer in his hand.
"Kae, you're finally here," he said, and I forced out a smile.
"I am... Is there a spill?"
He shook his head and draped a hand over my shoulders. I didn't think much of it, just a friendly gesture, nothing more.
"Everyone, I want you to meet Kae."
My body froze.
My head snapped up.
Three pairs of eyes landed on me—three men in tailored suits, their watches glinting under the lights.
But only one held me.
He was seated with legs crossed, a glass of amber liquid resting in his hand. His hair was slicked back, though a few stray strands brushed his forehead. And his hands... they mirrored mine, a map of white constellations etched across them.
My fingers instinctively tightened around the mop. My body trembled under his intense gaze. I couldn't look away, couldn't tear my eyes from the constellations on his hands, like they were silently calling out to me.
"Kae," Rick said, forcing my eyes to his," these are some good friends of mine."
"Okay," I whispered out, lowering my eyes to the floor.
Rick turned to the men. "Kae works really hard. And she's one of the best I've got."
I smiled a little at the introduction. I do work hard but I wasn't the best. Not even near it.
Then someone spoke, low and calm.
"Beautiful."
My heart skipped. That voice... that word... I'd heard it before.
But... no.
It couldn't be me.
I was NOT beautiful.
I was an alien—never meant to exist on this earth.
"Have a seat," Rick said, and a frown formed on my face.
"I'm working," I said, trying to keep my voice light.
He shook his head and pulled me towards the opposite couch.
"I'm your boss, and I'm commanding you to take a break."
I reluctantly sat down, keeping my hands on my lap. Rick slipped into another seat and finished off his beer.
I kept my eyes on the floor. Somehow, it felt like everyone else disappeared, leaving only the man whose gaze I could feel burning into my face. Why was he staring at me like that? It couldn't be because of my condition—he was just like me.
Unless...
"What's your full name, love?"
I slowly lifted my eyes.
His were already locked onto mine. I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry.
Love?
A nickname... for me?
My eyes flicked to Rick, but he was deeply invested in his phone while sipping on another beer. The other men around weren't paying any attention to us.
I licked my lips before forcing myself to speak. "Kae... Kaelani."
A smirk sprang to his lips, and he took a small sip of his liquor.
"Perfect."
My eyes flicked downwards. I was NOT perfect. Not even my name was.
"Kaelani."
I looked up. He smiled.
He finished off his liquor and sat the glass on the table. He uncrossed his legs and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
"You haven't accepted my compliment," he said, catching me completely off guard.
I held his gaze, unblinking.
Why... I didn't even know what to ask myself.
The compliment... was for me? But why? Couldn't he see that the word didn't mesh well with me?
"I..."
I started, but never finished. I didn't know what to say. My fingers itched to fidget, but I forced them to rest in my lap.
He leaned back just slightly, a small, knowing smile tugging at his lips. "You're staring at me," he said, his tone calm, teasing just enough to catch me off guard.
"I... I'm not," I stammered, looking down at my hands.
He chuckled softly. "Sure you're not. Funny, because your eyes keep finding mine."
My chest tightened.
I forced myself to look away, but my mind betrayed me, replaying the way his gaze had landed on me.
"You're beautiful, Kaelani," he added, his voice quiet this time.
My heart skipped.
I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry, caught somewhere between wanting to respond and wanting to run.
I exhaled softly, trying to calm my racing heart. When I felt okay, my lips parted.
"T-Thank you."
His smile widened. "You're welcome, love."
My heart slowed, but only a little. I could still feel the warmth of his attention lingering across the room.
I swallowed hard, uncertain if it was fear, excitement...
...or both.
- Writer
