Harlem's POV
It's a Sunday night and I'm working at the bar. Gio has found a new person who starts next week and this is my last night here. I've actually enjoyed working here all these years it was nice. Gio and Ted wanted to do something for me commemorating my last day, but I begged them not to as I may cry. I would still be coming over so to me there's no need, even though it would be rare because of our shooting time increment. Gio still insists that he pay me the full money for the month but I told him no, I know he will still send it though and I'm not really complaining, I've been using my savings to pay off rent and eat and I still have a whole 4 months till I get paid.
I look around the bar that is somewhat half full. Most people are seated on the tables today so the waitresses are the ones serving them. I hear the door bell ring and someone walks in. Ted looks the guy over from where he's seated and looks away. The man strolls to the bar. I look to see him but his face cap is shielding his face.
"What would you like to drink?" I say already bringing out a glass. "It's me" the man says and I look up to look into the green eyes of Ezra Roth. My eyes go wide.
"Uhm, what are you doing here?" I whisper shout, even though nobody can hear us. "Can we talk, somewhere quiet?" he asks. I look around me to see that nobody is paying us any attention. I sigh and signal for Layla to come over. I make eye contact with Ted and his eyes are inquiring so I just give him a thumbs up. He looks away.
"Lay, can you cover up for me at the bar for five minutes? I have a visitor." I ask her. "Of course." she nods and rounds the bar. "Thanks, Lay."
"Follow me." I tell him. He does, walking closely behind me and silently. We go through the back that is reserved for employees only and when I look around to make sure no one is close, I turn to him.
"Roth. What are you doing here?" I ask and fold my arms. He takes off his cap and adjusts his hair. "I wanted to talk to you about something important" he says taking a step forward.
"You couldn't tell me on Friday? You had to come to my workplace?"
"Well Friday, you caught me unawares and I wasn't in the right state of mind" he states.
"Oh, so you admit something was wrong with you on Friday?"
"Maybe "he mutters staring into my soul. I look away and sigh.
"Okay, what is it you want to talk about? Mind you, I'm only listening to what you have to say because you're my boss" I state as a matter of fact.
He chuckles "I suspected. I plan to abuse it a lot by the way" he says smirking that gorgeous smirk of his. Yes, I admitted it.
"Whatever. Are you going to talk?" I say avoiding eye contact because his words make my tummy feel funny.
"Yes. Firstly, I'm here to tell you that I'm aware of what happened the last time my…. acquaintances and I came to your bar. No, actually I just found out not too long ago and therefore on their behalf, I'm here to sincerely apologize for that. What they did was inhumane and belittling. I sincerely hope you accept my apology" he says looking me in the eye. He's serious, I can tell.
But Christ, did he have to? I was satisfied with making him look like the villain in my head but now, not so much. I clear my throat. "Thank you, that was…. nice." I say looking everywhere but at him. You can tell I'm not really good with these things.
"The woman that… slapped you. She's, my fiancée. So, I take the full blame." What? He's getting married to that witch? He looks at me exasperated and searching my face "Say what you want to say"
"Well, I mean, couldn't you have found someone who doesn't, you know, slap people?" He snorts. "You and your sense of humor. Actually, it's a forced marriage and it's for business. My dad did the same thing actually, it's just that my mom was amazing and they ended up falling in love, which is why they're still together, but I'm not exactly lucky in that aspect or in any for that matter." He looks away.
Why does the idea of a forced marriage make me feel weirdly elated? Stop. Shun those thought Harlem, you're better than that. I shake my head mentally and look at him to see him staring at the ground thoughtfully. I study him for a few seconds and say "I think you're pretty lucky"
He looks back at me and tilts his head as if to ask me why. "I mean come on, you're the CEO of a billionaire company, do you know how many billionaires we have in the world? They're not up to 400 people. I'd say out of the 8 billion people on the planet, you're pretty lucky. I mean, not marriage wise but yeah, you're pretty lucky." I say.
He laughs a little which also makes me smile a bit. He stares at me, long and hard, it gets uncomfortable. "What?" I ask annoyed.
"How do you do that? How do you always find a way to make me laugh every time we meet? A lot of people can't do that."
"Well maybe, the problem lies with you and not me" I look up at him and state. He laughs again. "Fair enough, ice princess." I narrow my eyes at the nickname but don't say anything. I know he wants a reaction.
"Before I go, I have something to give you" he offers me small paper bag that has been stapled shut. I look at him with mock shock.
"No way Roth. You brough a bomb to my workplace?" I ask and take the bag. It's so light, like is there anything in there at all? Maybe it is a bomb.
"Yes, but I would rather you open it when you get home, wouldn't want you to endanger the lives of many especially Gio, your boss." he says playing along.
"Wait, how do you know Gio?" I ask. He blinks again and says "It's online" It is?
"Oh okay. But seriously, what's in the bag?"
"It's a secret you can only find out at home" he says smiling. "But now that my business here is done, I'll be on my way. After you" he says walking to the door and putting his cap back on. I have a lot of questions still, I look at the bag, sigh and walk out. Hopefully, I don't regret not asking them.
He follows behind me and stops at the bar again, Layla smiles at me as I come around. "I'm really going to miss you when you go "she says pouting. I smile back at her "I know sweetie but eventually I'll have to" I tell her. She sniffs and leaves. Aww, don't you dare make me cry Layla.
I remember that Ezra is still here and catch him watching me from across the bar with a raised brow. "You're leaving? Finally?" he asks.
I roll my eyes. "It's just because Gio finally found someone, I'll miss the place" I look around nostalgically.
"That's good, not that you'll be needing it anyway" What is he talking about? My savings are taking the brunt for this. Whatever.
He stands up to go "See you whenever we meet again, Harlem Tamrin" he says smirking and tipping his cap at me like a cowboy and I smile subtly shaking my head.
"Don't flatter yourself, Roth" I reply to his retreating figure. He leaves and I look at the paper bag, what could be in it?