Finding Nymphaea's Haven

Chapter Eight: Uncomfortable Situations

POV

Nymphaea(Delilah)

I finally arrived at the bar a little before nine-thirty. I gave myself thirty minutes before my shift. It would have been close to an hour if Daisy didn't insist I needed to eat something. Basically, she shoved a bagel with cream cheese on it in my face until I took it and ate it. She always tries to mother me when she has the opportunity like this morning. I didn't mind it. It made me feel accepted and like I was actually family.

I decided to use the spare time to go over some training with Mr. Anderson. He showed me how to make inventory orders and what vendors we used, and he gave me some books that will help me study for earning a business degree. Learning all these facts about running a business has helped me. I always wanted to own my own business. I even started college after high school for my degree. Unfortunately, I never got to finish due to life getting in the way. I finally have a chance to try again, and having his support and help really makes it better.

It was close to eleven when the bar started to get busy. Keeping me moving and busy. From serving customers to receiving our inventory order. Mr. Anderson was busy on the phone when the rush started. Locking himself in the office to take the call. I knew it was important, so I knew to make sure not to disturb him in any way. Besides, I knew I could handle running the front without him. While I dealt with the order, I had everyone serving customers and tidying up areas of the bar and patio. Customers were happy, and everything was going as planned.

Once I got done checking and signing for the order, I began to help at the bar. The new bartender, Mr. Anderson hired started having some complications with a few drinks. He did just get his licenses about a few weeks ago, but some customers don't care if they've been waiting longer than they want. We start getting drinks out quicker and clearing the bar counter then. I could tell he appreciated me helping instead of getting on his case. I knew he would eventually get it all done. He just has to keep trying.

I finally got to do some reading around two. The flow of customers kept steady then. I was able to hang back at the end of the bar. I'm sitting here with my nose in the book. Occasionally bringing my attention to the employees to see if they needed a hand. They were working smoothly and finishing everything in a productive time. Making me feel proud that I could manage a crew with no complications.

After doing a quick glance at everyone, my nose went immediately back to where I left off. Getting sucked into the chapters about different graphs and charts and how they're beneficial for certain business forms. I didn't even look up when someone came and sat next to me. Their cologne and body wash filling my nostrils. It's all I could smell now. Causing my concentration to linger on the hits of the scent. My mouth began to water a little from the mint and sandalwood scent coming from this person.

I finally decide to look over to my side at the person. My surprise was definitely written all over my face when I realized that it was Atticus. He's sitting here next to me, just looking at me. Clearly, he was investigating how invested I was in the book before I looked at him.

I felt my cheeks begin to burn from embarrassment. I'm not used to someone just sitting there and watching me. Catching him stare at me like this made me feel noticed. Something I'm not used to.

"You made it!" I say to him while giving him a small smile. I tried to play it off as I didn't just get embarrassed and flustered as soon as I saw him.

He then gives me a devilish smirk. I knew then he knew how flustered I was just from seeing him. He definitely was enjoying this.

"I made it in time to see how concentrated you get." He says with a breeze to his tone. Like it was an extravagant moment to witness. I begin to blush even more now. The little spell this man had me under made me frustrated but thrilled at the same time.

I held up the book, letting him get a better view of it. "I'm just reading up on my studies, and my boss has been helping me."

He reaches for the book. His fingers lightly graze mine as he grabs it. Making little goosebumps rise all over my body. His touch is warm and inviting. Making me wish he'd grab my hand and hold it instead of the book.

He starts to skim it and analyze the contents. I watch him concentrate on something this time. His sharp focus on the book. I've never seen a man actually take interest in something I do. Not since my dad was around. Watching him made me feel safe and vulnerable to getting caught staring at him. It reminded me of when my dad would take an interest in anything I was doing as a child.

He finally looks up at me. His face paused on mine. Studying my expression; clearly trying to figure out what I'm thinking. His expression went from hard to soft then. His eyes began to look brighter. They looked mesmerizing to stare at. I couldn't take my eyes off of his. He began to show an actual smile. It made him look absolutely dashing.

This man could have any pick of women. Like really hot gorgeous women. The ones you see modeling or acting. But for some reason, his sights have been on me. It made me wonder: Can I really trust what is happening between us.

Mr. Anderson finally comes walking out of his office. Heading in our direction when he saw me. I gave him a smile when he got to us.

"How was your phone call, Mr. Anderson?" I ask him as I get up to offer my seat to him. Atticus keeps watching me. Examining my every move. Honestly, it was making me hot and bothered. Being under his stare like this.

I focus on helping Mr. Anderson in the bar stool. He didn't object like he usually does, which made it nice he didn't.

"Oh, it went as expected, but I got what I needed in the end. That's all that matters." Mr. Anderson says with triumph in his tone. I gave him a light squeeze on his hand and smiled at him.

"That's fantastic to hear! Everything has been good out here, too. Everyone has everything under control." I say to him as I walk behind the bar. I try to avoid making eye contact with Atticus. I knew he was still watching me like a hawk. I didn't mind. I just needed some time to get used to it.

"I know you have everything under control, sweetheart. I wouldn't have made you bar manager if you didn't." He chuckles at me. I kept smiling at him. This man was a breeze to be around.

He looks over at Atticus then. I saw him do a quick skim of him before he said something. "And who is this young man?" He still looks at Atticus. Clearly making it known he wasn't actually asking me.

Atticus turns to face him. Holding his hand out to shake Mr. Anderson's. He even let out a small chuckle. Definitely about the young man statement.

"My name is Atticus, sir. It's nice to meet you." He says to Mr. Anderson. Mr. Anderson takes Atticus's hand in his and shakes it. I let out a small sigh of relief.

"So how do you know my Lilah?" Mr Anderson asks him with a firm voice. I knew it was that father instinct in him, making him be protective over me. It was nice to know I had a male role model even as an adult to look out for my well-being.

"We actually met here just the other day. It was during her shift on Thursday. We met again at the party the girls went to Friday. " Atticus says to him as he keeps taking a glance over at me any chance he got.

Mr. Anderson looks at me then. I gave him a small smile. I hope he won't ask any difficult questions. These weren't too bad, but I didn't want him opening any can of worms. I barely know the guy, and I'm not ready to just interrogate him yet.

They kept talking while I began to help the new bartender. I kept myself busy and mainly distracted from what they were talking about. I didn't want to pry and hover. But I didn't want Mr. Anderson to tell him too much, either. I'm not ready for this man to know about my past.

I noticed they were laughing and still talking when thirty minutes went by. I was amazed how they were chatting like old buddies. Mr. Anderson is always a chatty guy if he likes that person. Watching how Atticus was with him made it clear why they're still talking. He didn't let anything take his attention away from Mr. Anderson. He was actually trying to get to know him. Made me want to trust him even more. But I needed to know what Mr. Anderson thought of him. I knew that man could sense trouble from a mile away, and I value his advice when he gives it.

It was close to five when things started to slow down in the bar. Mr. Anderson finally left for the day about ten minutes ago. Telling me that the paperwork I needed was sitting in the office for when I locked up tonight.

There weren't many people in here. I knew the rush would come in an hour or two. So everyone began to get things stocked up and cleaned before the rush came.

Atticus was still here. He just hung back at the end of the bar. Watching me any chance he got. I caught him plenty of times staring me down. He never looked away when I would catch him. He wanted me to know he was staring at me. It made me feel desirable to someone. I haven't ever felt like that before. It's abnormal for me, and I don't know what to do about this feeling.

Once I was done helping out, I went over to him. Standing across from him while I placed my hands on the bar counter.

"You know, you don't have to stay all night." I say to him while giving him a smile. I'm surprised he's still here. I didn't expect him to stay this long.

He shakes his head and lightly laughs. "Already trying to get rid of me, huh? You got another hot date coming?" He says back to me. Giving me a devilish smirk. He looks dangerously sexy like this. Making me want to take him to the office and do unspeakable things to him. I felt between my legs get wet just thinking about it.

I shook my head and giggled. "Of course not. I'm just surprised you stayed this long. And no, no other hot date. Just the one." I gave him a smile. I then realized I couldn't look away. He had my eyes locked with his.

His hand then gracefully sat on mine. His fingers grazing the skin on the back of my hand. I finally took my eyes off his and watched his hand on mine. I had to look to see if it was real or my imagination. The feeling of his touch began to electrify my senses. I was mesmerized by how strong his hand was, but how gentle his hand was on mine.

"I could stay here all night and watch you work. Not in a creepy way, though." He says as he laughs. I laugh with him; I knew he meant it in not a creepy way. Besides, he's been doing it since he got here. "I know you didn't mean it like that." I said to him as I looked up at him.

"Something about watching you work in an environment like this really brings you out of your shell. Like you're actually comfortable here. It's honestly a nice reminder." He says as he keeps rubbing my hand while looking at me.

I'm really beginning to like this guy. I really want to see where this goes. I just hope he has the same intentions.

He let's out a sigh and then let's go of my hand. It made me start to pout, and he caught it. He then rests his hand under my chin. Making me look at him.

"I know I want to stay a little longer too. But I need to go home for a little bit. But I'll come back as quick as I can." He says to me. Giving me another one of his actual smiles this time. I smiled back and nodded my head. He let's go of me and then stands up. Getting as close as he can to the bar. Trying to bring his face close to mine.

"I promise I'll come keep you company tonight. Maybe make a night of it if you're up for it."

I keep smiling and nod my head again before responding. " That sounds wonderful to me. I'll see you soon."

Before I knew it, his face was moving closer to mine. His lips found mine instantly. He held the side of my face as he kissed me. Slipping his tongue in my mouth for a few seconds. When he let go of my lips, I felt breathless. I then heard some of the employees snicker and do their oohs at us. He seemed not to be bothered by it. He just kept looking at me and saying bye before he left.

The rush finally came through between six and seven. Keeping everyone busy and moving. I love nights like this. Makes time fly faster.

I was in the middle of taking a drink order from a customer when one of the waitresses came up to me.

"There's a man that's here to see you. He's says it's important that he talks to you now." She whispers to me. I look at her and nod my head. I had her take the order, and she told me the man was sitting at the booth by the window.

I felt my hands begin to get clammy. Mt heart pounding through my chest. Did my nightmare finally become a reality? Am I really going to have to get ready to run again? I was beginning to love this place. Like we could actually make roots for ourselves here. I can't keep living like this, having to run away and hide again. It's not a life I want my kids to have.

I walk over to the booth. Preparing myself to fight whoever this was if necessary. When I reached the booth, I began to relax a little when I saw Aris sitting there. He looks up at me and begins to shuffle up out of his seat.

"Hey, I need to talk to you." He says as he stands in front of me now. I took a few steps back from him. I could smell a faint scent of whiskey on him. He must have been drinking before coming here. Just great, some annoying situation I have to handle.

"Not in here. I don't need you making a scene." I said firmly to him. He didn't argue. He just gave me a nod and walked out to the patio. I told the girls I'd be out there that I wouldn't be long.

I went out to the patio to find him sitting at the table in the very far corner. The almost unseen spot from the entrance. I knew there was a security camera over in this area, but that still didnt comfort me.

I sat across from him. Not leaving any space for him to sit next to me. I noticed he kept fidgeting with his fingers. I could tell he was nervous about something. Making the hairs on my neck stand eerily.

"What do you need to tell me, Aris? I'm really busy right now." I said to him after waiting as long as I did. I knew he was trying to stall. I didn't have the patience for it anymore. I thought we could be friends, but he was beginning to be a mistake I've made before in the last.

"You look gorgeous. I honestly don't know what you see in him. You could have a man like me, Lilah." He says with a smooth tone in his voice. Like he was trying to lure me with his words. He wanted to hypnotize me to be with him. It made my stomach curl roughly.

"It's none of your business who I'm seeing. We were only friends, Aris. Get that through your head." I snapped at him coldly. I knew I needed to be firm and stand my ground. Especially against a man like him.

He let's out a harsh laugh. Like what I said sounded idiotic to his ears. "You really think he wants to be with a woman who has kids and is running from someone? How many men have actually lined up for that type of baggage?" He barks at me. Almost slurring his words a few times. I knew it was the alcohol talking. Maybe he meant some of it, but I knew he wouldn't be this cruel about it if he wasn't drunk.

I shook my head and sighed. "You need to go home and sleep it off."

I try to stand up, but he reaches for my hand and holds it in his. I stop and stare at him. Reading his face while he holds my hand still. I can't figure out what his end game is on this, and it makes me on edge.

"Just listen to what I have to say. Give me two minutes. If you still don't believe what I have to say, then I will never bother you."

I shook my head. I was already heated from him, grabbing my hand and saying what he said. He was beginning to be a neusance in my life.

"I know I don't deserve you to give me an opportunity. But I have never lied to you, and I never will."

I look at him for a few seconds. He never has lied to me. He may be pushy and doesn't quit, but he always tells me the truth. I knew that was one thing I could rely on in him.

I sit back down and cross my arm across my chest. "You have two minutes."