His Rejected Surrogate

CHAPTER 2: Favorite 'Customer'

Amanda

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our Montana Bar. I want to dedicate this song to all of you. I hope you like it.”

The crowd clapped their hands and the music started playing.

‘Kiss me hard before you go

Summertime sadness

This song is more like a dedication for me. Just like in the song, I'm wearing my red dress and heels. I want to kiss away the remaining dignity I have in me because nothing scares me anymore. Whatever happens in my life, I will accept it as it is, hoping it will give me a happier ending.

I finished my song, and they gave me a round of applause.

“I want to thank everyone for coming tonight. Sad to say that this will be my last performance, as I will go somewhere far. I’m so grateful to all of you for supporting me all the way.”

The people inside the bar whispered to one another. Some of them blurted, “We will surely miss you, Maria. Hope you will visit us here soon.”

“We only come here because of you.”

"Yeah man, you're the one who brightens my night."

I gave them my biggest smile under my mask. I'm glad that even for three years, they never fail to still accompany us to this bar.

After a while, one of the waiters there went upstage and whispered something to me, so I nodded in response.

I took the mic and spoke to the crowd.

“The night is still young. Let's enjoy it while we're at it. And now, for the darling of the night that we are all waiting for, let's give it out for the Serenity Band.”

I signaled the next performer to take the lead and play a song for the audience. I went down the stage and followed the waiter.

“The same customer?”

I asked her.

“Yes, girl. The same freaking handsome customers of yours. And he’s waiting on the same spot. You're one lucky girl, Maria. And a damn-a$s choosy one.”

I chuckled and tapped her lightly.

“Thank you,” I muttered and she winked at me.

I took a deep breath and excitedly went over to my favorite customer who's waiting for me.

I admit that this is the only guilty obsession that I have. Before I lose everything, I need to lose myself in him, I need to at least give myself a satisfying reward.

Wait for me, Lance.

***

I excitedly walked towards our meeting place. As usual, he is still waiting at table 11, his hand on his pocket, while the other one is over his lips. He has a well-defined jawline that screams perfection. His autumn brown eyes shine the brightest in this room, even the stars will be jealous. I waved at him, and he waved back at me.

“Hi, Sir Lance.”

I greeted him as soon as I took a seat. He still wore the same handsome face that I admire. He has been my customer for two months now. And he visits here every once in a while, like twice or thrice a week. Although I don’t entertain customers that much, especially when it involves s****l activities, this man is truly an exception. He pays me for the whole night just to talk to me about some random things. And I can’t deny that I also enjoy his company, as I wait every night to see him. Damn, if only I could shove myself to him, I'll do it. Of course, it will only be in my dreams.

“Hi, Maria. I’m glad I was able to meet you for the last time. You're beautiful as ever.

My face heats up at his sudden compliment, and I cracked a laugh to hide my emotion. It isn’t bad to have a little crush on someone, is it? Even if we have known each other for a short time, I felt an enchanting connection between us. Though, we never change numbers, since I still know my boundary. I'm an entertainer, a bar-girl, and he's just my customer.

“I didn’t even expect that you would be here. I think it was two weeks ago since you come and visit our bar.”

I said casually. This is one of the few things that I like about him. I can just talk casually at him and he wouldn't even mind.

“I was so busy with work and some personal matters. It’s good that I dropped by here. It will be tragic if I went here late. I wouldn’t be able to see you.”

“Silly.”

I slapped him lightly in his arms and offered him the drinks that he ordered. He took one glass and gave the other one to me.

“Thank you.” I thank him and take it. I took a sip of my strawberry mojito drink.

After a while, I noticed that he drank everything that he ordered on the table and even requested another round of drinks.

"Slow down, sir."

I commented, crackling. It feels like he wanted to be drunk tonight.

"I am slowing down."

He chuckled and took another bottle.

"Uh oh, nope. That's enough." I stopped him from taking another bottle.

"You told me last time that you have low alcohol tolerance, right? Three bottles are enough."

I said, feigning strictness. He pouted and obeyed like a gentle kid.

“That's better."

I smiled and looked intently at him.

"How are you, sir? Do you have something in mind? Or do you have any problem?"

I asked, concerned about how he is acting up. I can sense like there is something that troubles him.

“Hmm. Not very well. Some clients are very hard to deal with, so I came to seek comfort in this place. Then I remember you."

“Why me? You flatter me so much."

I shy away.

“That was true, though.”

I took another sip then continue, “How will I be able to forget you if you keep on flattering me?”

“You don’t need to forget about me. We can be friends for life.

“I don't want to be 'just friends' though.”

I whispered, wistfully. Who would love a bar-girl like me? Although I don't give in that easily, who would believe that a woman is still a virgin if she works in a bar? No one.

After a long pause, he uttered,

“Why not give me something to remember?"

He uttered, and I can smell the reeking alcohol on his breath. His raspy voice rings in my ears. It sounded kind of dangerous, kind of tempting, kind of inviting.

He stared at my face still covered in a mask, and I don’t know if he can see right through me, or if he can hear the loud beating of my heart, but I swallowed hard, trying to calm my raging mind. I don't think I can even think straight as his face inch closer and closer.

He slowly lifted my mask, and I stopped him before he even finish.

“Not here.”

I said and stood up.

“Let’s go somewhere. Somewhere private.”

He sneered, one side of his mouth rose, and the other side remained in place. I lead him away from the crowd and he followed me to an isolated private room. He was tipsy, walking like a drunk person. I admired his cuteness as I helped him walk straight.

When we got to the lodging area, I saw some of the bar girls with their partners and they giggled at me.