Fred's POV
I stood frozen, My hands trembled. I didn't know whether to feel angry or betrayed. My mind was blank. I forced a hollow smile and walked away, my chest tight.
I knew a day like this would come. It's why I always dreamed of being wealthy. With money, I'd never have to fear losing her.
"Hey, did you take the order?" Joe called out, stacking paper cups near the coffee machine.
"He said he doesn't need anything," I replied, forcing myself to move.
I walked toward another customer who had raised his hand. "Number 2 on the menu, please," the man said.
I nodded silently. But my mind was still stuck on Summer—her red dress, the way she smiled at him. Should I ignore this? If I do, she might do it again. But if I confront her... what if she breaks up with me? She's already found someone better.
I brought the man's order, but he stopped me as I turned to leave.
"Hey, this isn't what I ordered."
I stared at the plate, blinking. I was tired.
"I'm sorry for the error, sir. I'll get the correct one right away," I said in a flat, professional tone.
As I reached for the plate, I looked up—and there she was. Summer. Her eyes met mine across the room, wide with guilt. And in that moment, my heart betrayed me. She still cares, I thought. If she feels guilty, she must still love me.
My heart thudded in my chest, hope rising against reason.
****
Peter's POV
Phew. That could've gone south. Good thing she took the card. I could tell she's intrigued. If she shows up for the audition, I'll pull strings to make sure she gets the part. Being cast opposite me is a massive break. And it's my opening to win her heart.
I stood and glanced around. Odd—no one else came to attend to me. Strange, given who I am.
I headed for the exit, and that's when I saw him—Summer's boyfriend. The reason she turned me down. Pathetic.
I walked over to the cashier's counter where he stood.
"Hey," I said, flashing a smug smile. "Just a friendly reminder—she'll be mine soon."
He didn't speak. His face paled, hands trembling. I had expected resistance. Maybe an insult or a challenge. But this? Just fear? Pathetic. I almost feel sorry for the kid.
I shook my head and slid my hands into my pockets. No fun at all. I walked out without another word.
****
Fred's POV
I dropped onto my bed with a long sigh.
"What a day."
That guy meant business. But if there's no competition, it means she was never truly special, right? That's what I told myself to stay sane. Still, the thought of losing Summer tormented me. My mind was a reel of worst-case scenarios.
"Hey man, you okay? You look gloomy," Kelvin said from across the room. I hadn't even noticed him there.
"It's nothing," I muttered.
He nodded and returned to his book. That was unlike him—usually he'd press. I guess everyone has their own demons.
A knock came at the door. Clinton opened it and called out, "Yo Fred, Summer's here."
My heart skipped. She came. Relief flooded me—but quickly turned to anxiety. What if she's here to break up?
"I want us to talk," she said quietly.
I nodded.
"Let's go grab some ice cream," she added, already heading toward the elevator.
The silence during our walk was heavy. Outside, under the open sky, she finally spoke.
"Fred, I'm sorry. I should've told you about meeting Mr. Peter. I wanted to, but…" she trailed off. Her voice cracked with guilt.
I wanted to forgive her right away—but I needed to stay firm. I couldn't be taken for granted.
"Who's Mr. Peter?" I asked.
"He's an actor. He liked my performance last night and referred me to an audition." She handed me a card.
I took it, trying to stay serious. She's going places, I thought, pride mixing with uncertainty.
"I'm proud of you," I said finally.
"Thank you." She smiled faintly, then stopped walking. A knot formed in my chest.
"I saw you at the restaurant, Fred. In that apron... I didn't know you had a job there." she said. Her voice was quiet but demanding.
I blinked. So this is about me now?
"I took the job so I could support you. I didn't want to rely solely on pocket money to help you chase your dreams," I said honestly.
She gave me a long, searching look, then smiled. "That's really sweet of you. Thank you."
There was a pause. No more words came, so I shifted the conversation.
"So… when are you going to Los Angeles for the audition?"
She sighed. "I haven't decided yet. Not when guilt is still holding me down."
I smiled softly. She really does care.
But as we continued walking, a whisper tugged at the back of my mind.
This audition could change everything—her career… and maybe even our relationship.
To be continued.....