Chapter 20
The week passed in a blur, a haze of dark, depressing clouds that seemed permanently settled over Colette’s head. She spent her days toiling away in the
city, moving from one place to another in a desperate search for a job. Each evening, she returned to her friend’s flat, and the façade of strength she wore
all day crumbled. She cried into her pillow, mourning the man who had made his choice. Matt hadn’t called, nor had he tried to see her again. His silence
was a loud declaration of his decision. He had chosen Iris.
Every morning, Colette told herself that it didn’t matter, that life must go on. But as night fell, doubts and fears consumed her. She tortured herself with thoughts of Matt, wondering if tonight he had finally taken that other woman to bed. The scenes played out vividly in her mind: Matt’s naked body entwined with the pale, slender form of another woman. She twisted and turned in her narrow single bed, the sheets tangled around her legs, before finally
crying herself to sleep.
She tried her best to stay away from her friend’s flat for as long as possible each day. Searching for jobs was a convenient excuse to avoid the place that had become her torture chamber. The bed reminded her of Matt, and she couldn’t escape the images of what he might be doing in their bed–whether alone or
with someone else.
She didn’t need to wonder for long. Fate intervened in a way she never anticipated. That week, she landed a job as a waitress at Dupree’s, an upscale restaurant in the middle of the city, bustling with rich patrons passing through its revolving door every other minute. The manager was a good friend of Zoe’s and agreed to take her on as staff, despite her lack of experience. Colette had never waited tables before, but she was determined to prove herself.
Monday marked Colette’s first day at Dupree’s, and she was eager to make a good impression. The restaurant buzzed with activity, a symphony of clinking glasses, sizzling pans, and lively chatter. The staff was welcoming and supportive, each person playing a crucial role in the seamless operation of the
establishment.
Stacy, a towering figure at six feet with vibrant chewing gum pink hair, was the first to greet Colette. Despite her striking appearance, Stacy had a warm, infectious energy that put Colette at ease. “Welcome to the team,” she said with a broad smile, handing Colette an apron. “Stick with me today, and you’ll do just fine.”
Evie, who worked the till, was a petite woman with a sharp wit and a quick smile. She gave Colette a reassuring nod. “If you need anything, just holler,” she said, her fingers flying over the register as she handled a customer’s bill.
The morning passed in a blur of activity. Colette shadowed Stacy, learning the ropes of waitressing: balancing trays, taking orders, and navigating the busy dining floor. The afternoon rush had just ended, and the restaurant staff was enjoying a brief lull when a group of black–tie businessmen walked in.
Their polished leather shoes and the expensive scent of their cologne signaled that they were high–end clients. Stacy, ever the professional, approached them first to take their order. She returned to the counter, visibly bristling.
“All okay, Stace?” Evie asked, noticing her friend’s flushed face.
“Yes, just that female blonde viper among those men irritated the hell outta me!” Stacy shrugged, passing the order to the chefs.
“What did she say?” Evie pressed.
“She asked how the manager allows me to have pink hair while working in a place like Dupree’s,” Stacy replied, rolling her eyes.
“What a bitch,” Evie snorted, and Colette, though just listening, silently agreed.
The order was large and extravagant: barbecued lamb, grilled seafood salad, chicken parmigiana, lamingtons, and their best dish, the Barramundi fish. Colette assisted Stacy in taking the food and drinks to the table.
As they approached, Colette’s heart sank. There, in the center of the group, was Matt, smiling and nodding as Iris, seated beside him, made an elaborate
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1:41 pm P P Pм.
Chapter 20
display of her business acumen, discussing stock market anecdotes with the men around her.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
