Catherine's POV
I still could not believe I was hired just like that until I was told to resume the following day.
Just like that? I had asked myself but the pure joy I felt from that little milestone override my shock.
I left and wanted to share the news with Shayne but I changed my mind.
I have no other person to share the news with except for Gerald. But I also hesitated and my finger hovered over the screen of my phone, contemplating on doing that. It won't mean anything to him.
With that in mind, the sadness of being alone really struck me in full force.
Except for my sham marriage, I am completely alone. Instead of heading home, I went to a fancy restaurant a few blocks away to treat myself to lunch.
The ambience of the place seems to console me and I spent a few minutes staring at the murals on the walls.
Eating here is what people call fine dining and it would probably cost a lot for each portion of food.
I confirmed my suspicion when the menu was given to me, the prices are way to high for the portion of food they would probably serve.
And for almost a thousand bucks I was served a small slab of steak and some inedible leaves. A bottled of red wine came with it and a faint memory of last night crept up my mind. I had been a little unhinged and impulsive with my words.
"Enjoy your meal". The server in a crisp uniform said curtly and I replied with a soft thank you.
I was half way through my meal when a familiar laughter bubbled in my ears.
The fork in my hand froze for a second before I reclaimed my grip on it and paid attention to my food.
I wouldn't have thought I would run into her here.
I must be really down on my luck.
I saw from the corner of my eyes as they took the seat a short distance away.
I took a quick glance to confirm if I had heard right and yes I did.
It was my only sister and her husband, Dane.
The food I was chewing had suddenly gone sour in my mouth.
I hurried up and requested for the bill, I pretended not to notice them as that would make things easier for me.
"Here". I absentmindedly took the bill and gave my card for the payment.
At the first swipe the machine beeped and decline. I looked up sharply to make sure that was my card.
"Please try it again". I said softly, in a plea and denial at a strange sensation that was growing in my chest.
Has my card been frozen? I thought in panic.
Only one person came to mind, the man that was my father until a short while ago.
He would not be that cruel to freeze it right?
I thought frantically and pleaded in my mind until the same beep repeated from the machine.
The worker was beginning to look at me strangely. She looked over at the security and I knew the issue would escalate if I don't think of a solution fast enough.
"Please give me a few minutes to sort this". I said and held my phone in a death grip.
Shame was eating up at me and I hesitated on calling him. He would probably wonder why I can't afford a meal. But that is how pathetic my life is right now.
"Hello, this is Gerald Dalkeith". His voice sounded from the phone and the richness of the baritone made me pause.
"And this is Catherine McLane". I replied after a while.
"Yeah I know". He replied and I could almost see his smile as he said that.
"I'm not supposed to do this!"
"I need your help right now". I said softly and he went silent for a few seconds. I would have thought he didn't hear me until he asked for my location.
"Huh?" I said in confusion.
"Just tell me where you are". He repeated and I did.
After seeing that I was making calls to clear my bill, the worker had returned to her duty post. But now from several tables away, Anna stared at me with a wide smile.
The urge to wipe the floor with her face was too overpowering and I almost cringed myself out when Dane reached out to kiss her on the lips.
She smirked at me before circling her arms around him in a romantic manner.
I stifled a chuckle, they book look good together. A couple of trash.
I waited eagerly for a response from Gerald but the doors of the restaurant opened suddenly and there he was.
He walked in and his eyes searched around for a few seconds before they landed on me.
"Why is he here?" I thought in panic.
Oh no!
"Hey." He said softly and smiled at me.
I looked at him nervously and almost turned away in shame.
"Why are you here?" I asked in a whisper as eyes were beginning to turn in our direction.
He had came in with two bodyguards probably thinking I was in trouble since I asked for help.
His long jacket and the serious expressions on his men face made them look like a crime gang.
"You said you needed". He replied with a confused look and checked me all over.
His eyes lingered on my short skirt for a few seconds before he looked back up at me.
"I need help with the bill… my card declined". I finally confessed in a small voice. I was embarrassed beyond words.
He nodded and straighten. Saying something to his men, he held out his hand to me.
"You look extremely beautiful today would you mind going somewhere with me?" He asked and I could not hold back the chuckle that escaped my lips.
I looked over at Anna and Dane, they were both looking at us and the look on their faces were satisfying.
She managed a twisted smile as she noticed my gaze and I smirked back.
This is just the beginning Anna.