"Gia, wait up!" I heard Phoenix's  voice call after me as he ran across the parking lot to catch up. I didn't allow myself to stop or even slow down as I tried to make it to the car.

Just as I reached the car door I was startled to feel Phoenix's over-sized man hand grab my arm and turn me around to face him. "Just hear me out, alright?" He was out of breath, his usual casual demeanor gone.

"I really don't want to hear it, Phoenix. Just go back to your girlfriend and finish your freaking breakfast." Or should I say...my  breakfast? I was more bitter about her eating my French Toast  then maybe I should be. But God, she was just so unnecessarily rude.

I suppose she had managed to hit a sensitive subject, when she said no one wanted me. She was mirroring my own thoughts, and insecurities. Mocking my need to find a place where I belonged.  I know I had said part of me felt bad for her, but that feeling changed after this morning.

I knew what it was like to want someone who doesn't want you..but I would never, ever speak to someone they way she spoke to me. She let her own insecurities and jealousy turn her into a hateful person, and that I could not condone.

"Gia..you know nothing she said is true, right?" He seemed to be able to read my thoughts as he tried to comfort me, but I was too angry with him.

"Oh okay, so you didn't play me then?" I folded my arms over my chest and stared him down, feeling very ready for a fight. "This is all your routine, right? How many girls are we talking about? Do I even want to know?"

He was shaking his head, trying to protest. But I was so angry and upset I was beginning to get to a shouting level. "What are you like the welcome wagon around here!? You break the new girls in town in like some sort of initiation, or what?!" He stopped trying to protest and stared at me quietly, seeming to decide to let me finish freaking out.

I was flailing my arms about like a mad woman. If someone was to drive by and see us, I'm sure they'd think I was mentally unstable. But I was on a roll. "You know, pretty soon you're going to run out of new girls to hook up with. You'll have to start camping out at the border. 'Hello and welcome to Meadow Hills! Quick, take your pants off!'"

"Shut up." Phoenix  finally said, interrupting me. I glared at him, slightly surprised, and offended. Did he just tell me to 'shut up?!' That's seriously all he had to say?

"What was that?" I urged him to repeat himself, but not because I didn't hear what he said. I was daring him to repeat it, fully prepared to knock him the hell out.

The next thing that happened, happened too quick for me to react, or even process it until it was happening.

He grabbed my hips and pushed us against the car, my body pressed between the cold metal of the car door and the warmth of his muscular frame. I gasped in surprise and he took the opportunity to press his lips against mine.

As soon as our lips touched I melted into him and he deepened the kiss, one hand on my hip and the other had grabbed a handful of my hair. His touch was electric and his lips felt like magic..which is probably the cheesiest thing I've ever said, but it was true. It was so true.

I knew this was a bad idea. I knew I should be pushing him away, but instead I let him devour me. He finally broke our kiss, lightly placing his hand on my throat. "I said shut up, Gia Pet." His husky voice was a whisper as he kept his eyes on my lips. I sat there with my mouth open staring at him, still in disbelief what just happened.

"Wh-what the hell was that?" I blinked several times, he smirked at me while I tried catching my breath.

"You deserved it." His smile lit up his whole face as he took a few steps back and let me breathe. Just as I was finally beginning to think straight, I glanced across the parking lot to the front door of the diner just in time to spot Charlotte Valentina, glaring at us with her hands clenched into fists and murder in her eyes. 

It was obvious she had seen the entire thing, and she was livid. I actually began to wonder if she was going to lunge at me like she was a lion and I was a zebra.

Phoenix  turned around to see what I was looking at, and froze when he saw Charlotte. But before anything else could happen, Phoenix's  mother Jayla  came stomping out the front door looking seriously stressed out.

I could hear her across the parking lot, her voice full of authority. "What did I just say, Charlotte? Why are you still out here? Go home!" She pointed towards a Red Mazda  in the lot, which I could only assume was Charlotte's  car.

"You can't make me leave! Just wait until my mother hears about this, you'll lose our business forever!" Charlotte's  voice was a high-pitched screech as she stomped her foot, her anger dissolving her usual cold but collected demeanor.

Jayla, who I was coming to find out was quite a powerhouse of a woman..looking not at all phased by her threats. "It's funny you should say that. Because I fully intend on calling your mother and explain to her why you're no longer welcome in my diner." Phoenix  clapped his hands together, as if celebrating.

I was still too stunned to do anything but stare like an idiot. Not just stunned Charlotte  was being kicked out, stunned from just experiencing the hottest kiss of my entire life. You know, so far.

"You can't stop me from coming here!" Charlotte screamed in Jayla's  face, pointing at her accusingly. There was a heavy arrogance in her voice mixed with blind rage.

Jayla  just laughed, and folded her arms over her chest. "I'm the owner, Miss Valentina. I'm tired of you coming in here just to keep tabs on my son, and now you're chasing away paying customers? I absolutely can stop you, in fact...that's what I'm doing right now." Jayla  shooed her off, waving her hands toward Charlotte's car, while Charlotte was on the verge of tears.

"So, go. Go home and tell your mommy. She's welcome to come see me anytime if she doesn't like it."  Charlotte screamed as she stomped towards her car, shooting dirty looks in our direction.

As we watched her get in her car and speed off, I knew she probably wouldn't give up. But that was easily the most satisfying thing I had ever seen. I officially loved my new boss. The thought of having to wait on Charlotte  everyday while I work here had me tempted to quit before I even started. Now that she was banned, I wouldn't have to worry about seeing her. At least not here.

Jayla  started walking across the parking lot to where we stood, staring at her with our mouths hung open. When she approached us I could see a remorseful look on her face, and I wondered if she had heard what Charlotte  had said to me in there somehow.

But I didn't even see her in there, she must have been in the kitchen. How would she hear her from the kitchen? Unless..someone had told her about it?

My eyes fell on Phoenix, who had a huge smile on his face. Did he tell his mother after I had left? Jayla  pulled me out of my thoughts by breaking the silence. "I'm sorry to you both for her actions. Especially you, Gia. I hope you realize her behavior isn't really anything to do with you. She's not one to accept rejection. Her mother was the same way in school." She rolled her eyes, looking annoyed. Something told me that she didn't get along with Charlotte's  mother, anymore than I got along with Charlotte.

I smiled politely, still trying to process all these different emotions coming at me in such a short period of time. It had certainly been an interesting morning. "It's not your fault, Jayla. Thank you for doing that."

She shrugged, as if it was not a big deal. "I should have done it sooner. But I wanted to be professional, and I was afraid of looking like a vengeful mother. Charlotte's family is quite the staple around here." She let out a deep breath, that sounded like it was filled with dread. She pulled out her phone from her pocket, and began going through her contacts. "Which reminds me, I have a very unpleasant phone call to make to Charlotte's mother. But please Gia, come in and eat. It's on the house, okay? Don't give that girl the satisfaction of chasing you off. If you need anything, I'm always around."

With that she walked across the parking lot and back into the diner, her phone attached to her ear. Phoenix  turned his attention to me, a genuine smile on his face.

Part of me had to search for something to say, my mind still on that kiss. But I didn't want to give away how much it had shaken me. One amazing kiss didn't mean we were dating or anything, and I still had questions that needed answered.

"Your mom is awesome." I finally said, and he nodded in agreement. I decided to ask one of my many questions. Maybe if I kept myself talking, my lips would stop tingling. "Did you..say anything to her after I left?"

He awkwardly ran his fingers through his dark hair and looked down at the ground. I knew the answer was yes before he even spoke. "I might have gave her a few highlights. I'm pretty sure she's been wanting to do that for years. She's probably in the kitchen doing the tootsie roll right now." We both laughed at the image, but fell silent when our eyes connected.

I could feel this intense heat between the two of us, part of me wishing he would kiss me again. But I quickly shook off the urge, still determined to protect my heart.

He was temporarily distracted by the sound of a text coming through his phone, and pulled it out of his pocket to check it. I decided to say what I needed to say anyways, thinking it would be easier if his dark eyes weren't burning a hole through my skull.

"Phoenix, I have to know..some of the things Charlotte said in there--" I was interrupted when he let out a frustrated grunt. I looked at him inquisitive, wondering if he even heard me.

"I..have to go." He said remorseful, replying to the text on his phone.  I was almost tempted to ask who he was texting and why he had to leave so suddenly, but I didn't want to sound jealous or nosy. "I'm sorry, Gia. We'll talk later..okay? I'll call you."

He started walking towards his car, leaving me standing there. It took me a few moments to process, but then I realized what he said. "You don't have my number!" I called after him, he turned around to reveal a cocky grin.

"I do now, blue eyes." He winked as he got into his car. I pulled out my phone and went through my contacts. Sure enough, he had saved his number in my phone as "Daddy Phoenix"  with an eggplant emoji next to it. Ha ha..ha ha ha yeah, no. I quickly changed it to "Satan's Butt hole" making sure to add a puke face emoji with a gun emoji next to it. Ah, much better. Save. Aww, look at us being all cute and stuff.

Where the hell is he going? Who is he going to see? Come on, Gia. Don't start obsessing already. Although let's be honest..I've been obsessing since the moment I saw him.

A text message came through my phone, that was still in my hand. I jumped, startled by the sudden noise. As I checked who it was, a smile spread across my face.

Satan's Butt hole 
Your lips are delicious, but they only made me hungrier.

Okay, going to have to change his contact name if I'm ever going to take him seriously. As hilarious as it is. But I found myself blushing at his words, relieved to know I wasn't the only one thinking of our kiss.

"You're looking awful perky today." I jumped and looked up to see Chanel  in front of me, not in her uniform and her car keys in her hand like she just got here.

Her smile was friendly as she studied me, and my face lit up..happy to see her. So much had happened since I saw her yesterday that I was dying to talk about with someone. "Where did you come from?" I asked, noting she was the reason I came here this morning in the first place.

She shrugged and pointed towards the diner. "I'm off today, but I just came by for some breakfast. Employee discount and everything." She did a little victory dance, making me laugh.

"I'll come with you, if you don't mind. I haven't eaten yet and I have tons to tell you." I said excitedly, following her towards the front door. She laughed as we entered the building and found a booth.

"Yeah..clearly. I heard about your little date with you know who." She winked at me as she took off her jacket and made herself comfortable in the seat.

"You did?" I asked surprised, wondering how much she knew. She looked at me like the answer should be obvious.

"Are you forgetting this is a small town? Everyone knows everything." She rolled her eyes and motioned for the waitress from earlier to come to our table.

I did forget what a small town this was sometimes, and I wasn't sure if I'd ever get used to it. I felt like I was being watched at all times.

Then, a thought occurred to me. "Wait. Do you think there's a possibility Charlotte could have found out about it, too?" I asked, still remembering what she said earlier. About taking girls to play paintball being part of his 'routine.'

She seemed taken off guard by question, like it was random. But she thought about it, and finally nodded in agreement. "I'm sure she did. She's got her beady eyes on that boy at all times. Why?"

Could..could she have been lying? Making me think it wasn't special out of jealousy? I was pretty sensitive to the subject of being with a player, and I have been really judgmental towards Phoenix. Could I have overreacted? I rolled my eyes, admitting that it was usually a safe bet.

"You wouldn't believe the morning I've had." I said, covering my face with my hands. Just then the waitress approached our table, her eyes falling when she saw me.

"Oh..you again?" I couldn't help but laugh, not blaming her for not being thrilled. So far there had been a lot more drama at breakfast than food.

"Sorry about all that earlier..I come in peace, I promise!" I crossed my heart with my hand and raised it in the air, as if swearing to be good.

Chanel  looked positively baffled. Exchanging glances between the two of us. "Okay..now You have to tell me everything."

The rest of breakfast was a lot less eventful. I did most of the talking, as I had a lot to say. It's amazing how much can happen in less than twenty-four hours. Playing paintball with Phoenix, my mother finding out, leaving my phone in his car, both him and Charlotte  invading my breakfast, Phoenix...kissing me.

Chanel  listening intently, as if watching a soap opera. Sadly, my life was quickly becoming just as eventful as one. Chanel  laughed hysterically when I told her about Charlotte  being kicked out. She said the only thing that would have made it better is if she was there to see it.

After breakfast, Chanel  followed me to my house so I could drop off my mom's car at home. I had no interest in keeping her car too long and have her freak out again. Then Chanel  and I left in her Toyota 4-runner  to go shopping.

While we were headed down the highway in her car, I scanned my surroundings. "I didn't even think there would be many shopping places in Meadow Hills." I observed, surprised.

She laughed and shook her head while she kept her eyes on the road. "There's not. Not if you want something remotely fashionable. That's why we are driving into the city."

That made sense, and I did need some more clothes..but I also had a concern. "I don't have too much money, Chanel. Is it very expensive?"

She gave me the side-eye before brushing off my words. "Relax. I know all the best places to go. Besides, if you need a little help I got you."

I shook my head in protest. "I'm not letting you pay for me, Chanel. But thank you for offering." I said politely, making her roll her eyes. Something told me that she wasn't going to listen, but she decided to let it go for now.

A smirk suddenly spread on her face, and I studied her suspiciously. "You didn't tell me if he was a good kisser or not. But judging by the way you're glowing, I bet I can guess." She said with a Cheshire Cat  grin on her face.

Um..hell yes he is. Thanks for bringing it to the front of my mind again. I attempted to shrug indifferently, but her laughter gave away that she didn't believe me. "Well, yeah..." I finally mumbled, looking out the car window.

Her eyes narrowed in confusion as she stole quick glances at me. "Why do you say it like that?"

I sighed, worry still on my mind. "It's just the way he took off so suddenly...and we didn't get a chance to talk about what Charlotte said." I could hear the sadness in my voice, and she surprised me by scoffing.

"I know you don't believe all that mess? She was just trying to upset you. Personally, I've never heard about him doing stuff like that with girls. Except for Charlotte, maybe. Once upon a time." A hint of jealousy came over me at her words, thinking about Charlotte and Phoenix going on dates like some cutesy couple.

Of course I knew that was an irrational feeling. He's never hid the fact that he used to date her..of course they did stuff like that. Not that I could picture Charlotte playing paintball.

But wait..does he only do stuff like that with people he dates? Does that mean..he's actually trying to date me? I assumed he was just trying to hook up.

I quickly shrugged off the question, not sure I could handle getting my hopes up and end up being wrong. Then, there was still the little problem of me not trusting him. Besides..he drives me insane. We would probably kill each other if we actually dated.

"Phoenix Santiago is a hard man to figure out, isn't he?" Chanel  finally observed, seeming to mirror my thoughts. Just then, a thoughtful look came on her face as if she had an idea. "You know, maybe he just needs a little..motivation to be upfront with how he feels." She grinned, and panic set in my heart.

She had a plan, and I already wasn't liking it. "Motivation like how?" I asked with my eyebrows raised, staring at her.

She shrugged, looking positively mischievous. "You know how Charlotte blew her lid today seeing you together? Jealousy has a funny way of doing that..revealing who people really are, I mean." She looked at me like she was waiting for me to understand what she meant, but I honestly didn't.

"I'm not sure what you're getting at." I said cautiously, feeling very nervous by her devilish grin.

She rolled her eyes, annoyed she had to spell it out for me. "I'm saying, you've been all about Phoenix Santiago since you met him, right? Well..maybe he needs reminded he's not the only guy in this town." She did a dance in her seat, and I seriously didn't like where this was going.

"Meaning?" I finally said, anxious for her to just say it and stop freaking me out. She flipped her hair back, a look of satisfaction on her face.

"Meaning, we better get you something hot to wear..because we're going out tonight."

author's note: If you enjoyed this chapter, please don't forget to vote :)