Saved by the Bad Boy

Disastrous First Day

Warning this chapter does contain mention of assault and could be triggering. Please don't read if you feel like it may be triggering to yourself.

Lacey's face was flushed, her hair tied back in a ponytail that seemed to constantly escape no matter how tight she put it. The black skirt and white top were smart, the apron already covered in food stains. 

"Bless her little heart" whispered Miranda to Sophie and Josh.

They nodded their heads. Sophie was another waitress whereas Josh was the barista and cashier who gave the orders to the cook. 

"She's trying so hard" Sophie murmured feeling sympathy for the poor girl who was trying to give it her all.

"Lacey doesn't give up that's for sure" Josh agreed "she's already spilled four drinks, broken a mug and dealt with a grumpy customer. I almost stepped in but she managed to sweet talk the man and calm him down."

Lacey came back to the counter bearing dirty cups and dishes as Sophie took them from her and walked them to the kitchen. She leant against the counter for a minute fighting back tears. She was no good at this. All she kept doing was breaking things, forgetting things and making customers angry. Why did she think it would be easy? Her confidence was completely shot as she rubbed her eyes and straightened her outfit for the hundredth time.

"Breathe sweetie" Josh winked at her as she gave him a tired smile.

Lacey liked Josh. He was older than her but still in his early twenties with stunning blonde hair with white tips, his blue eyes always twinkling. He had muscled arms and a buff body that clearly came with working out and watching his nutrition. Josh had taken her under his wing and now felt like an older brother despite only knowing Lacey for a few hours. He was also very gay and constantly checking out the male customers while Lacey tried not to giggle at some of the ridiculous expressions he made.

But Lacey was also extremely frustrated. "I'm completely hopeless" she cried throwing her hands up "I'm not doing anything right, I'm stuffing things up and at this rate Miranda should fire me before she loses too much business because of me."

Sophie snorted "you should have seen my first day then" she told a very interested Lacey "not only did I spill drinks and break mugs like you but I also slipped on some water and went flying. My skirt ended up over my head and everyone could see my panties. I was so humiliated."

"But it was a glorious sight to behold" Josh said as she gave him a slap behind the head.

"The point is" Josh told her "is that everybody has a tough first day. Until you get into your rythm and learn everything it will be hard, but then it gets better."

Lacey nodded "so buckle up, tidy yourself and get that ass back out there woman" Josh barked as Sophie giggled next to him.

She gave him a mocking salute as she whirled around and went to the back booth. 

"How may I help you? Are you ready to place your order" she asked the young man sweetly. 

He looked up at her and gave her a leering stare as she fought the urge to make sure her buttons on her shirt hadn't come undone. His shoulder length brown hair was lanky and his brown eyes were narrowed and frightening. He ran a hand and scratched his goatee, his shirt and jeans covered in grease stains, presumably from working on a car.

She almost shuddered as he licked his lips.

"I would say that you most definitely can help me sweetheart" he said gleefully. 

"What would you like to order" Lacey stammered, almost looking over her shoulder to plead with Josh to help. 

"What's good on the menu?" he asked and she gave a sigh in relief.

"The chicken parmigiana is very good as is the steak and salad Turkish roll" she told him with a grin. "I've had both but the steak is my favourite."

He looked thoughtful and glanced down at the menu in front of him. 

"What does this say?" he asked pointing at something that she struggled to see properly.

Lacey bent over and that's all the creepy guy needed. Before she could so much as blink the guy had ripped her shirt and exposed her breasts, one hand clutching them as she screamed. 

"Beautiful" he whispered, as he pulled her onto his lap while she sobbed and tried to move. 

Josh's face was furious as he strode towards them and Miranda called for help but another customer beat him to the punch. Lacey felt an arm grasp her own and pull her strongly out of the man's reach. As the creep tried to stand up the other man grabbed his head and slammed it hard on the table, the man's nose beginning to bleed as he stood up and weakly tried to throw a punch. 

Sophie was now consoling a weeping Lacey who was trying to hold her shirt together, both of them watching the scene in front of them unfold. The man easily dodged the punch and threw one of his own, sending the creep flying backwards and passing out on the coffee shop's floor. It was over in seconds as they all stared in shock, officers flying in and chaos erupting everywhere as statements were taken and the creep hauled away.

"Are you ok" the guy said gently as he walked over to her. 

She stared at him in shock, barely taking in his black shaggy hair or concerned brown eyes. He had a scar along one cheek and his clothes were moulded to his toned and fit body. Any other time Lacey would have drooled over such a stunning man but at the moment she was barely able to speak.

He glanced over at Sophie who understood what he was asking.

"Lacey will be ok. Miranda and I are going to escort her home once she feels ready to go."

"I am so sorry Lacey" Miranda said as she looked at her from the table where an officer was taking her statement "I wish it hadn't happened and I promise you that it will never happen again if you choose to stay. I understand if you don't ok. I want you to take the week and think about it, Ill make sure you are fully paid as well."

Lacey was her name thought the boy with a quick glance at the poor girl who was still trembling. He was mad at himself for not moving quicker or trusting his instincts about the man when he began to talk to the waitress. 

"Well Lacey" he said softly "I wish I had met you in better circumstances. Be safe alright and maybe I'll see you again soon."

He had turned away and was almost at the door when he heard it. 

"Thanks" the voice whispered almost inaudible as he glanced back "thankyou for saving me."

He nodded at Lacey who put her head down. striding out the door as Sophie and Miranda hovered over her and calmed her down while she sobbed. 

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