Everyone was done cleaning from the deepest corners of the diner up to the visible ones, we cleaned it. Well that's what Ivan wants. He could be a little over reacting when it comes to things like then, especially when he is tensed.

"He looses all his coolness when he's afraid." Jeng laughed beside me as we watch Ivan is standing next to the windows and checking if any cars arrives.

I laughed. "Well, he's one coward when it comes to the critiques too."

"He is just man enough when he wants to be arrogant." Brian scoffed, rolling his eyes. He clearly shows much he hates our boss.

"Here they come!" Ivan proclaimed and ran to us while arranging his suit.

The critiques must be nice, right? I hope they are.

The door opened and three men in tux came in looking powerful and dangerous. They all holds stents and that strong aura.

Ivan immediately welcomes them and told them to sit down as I can see their eyes are already raining around the area, probably checking if it's well designed and the cleanliness.

One of them caught my attention because he is handsome. Not my type but he's one good looking guy. He's the tallest among all of them and I can see that he is the quietest because he barely gives comment or talks with his fellow critiques.

"That's Stephan Draco." Brian noticed my glances. "He's the CEO of Draco's Chain of Restaurants that was just passed to him from his deceased father."

"You know him?" I raised an eyebrow.

"I read about him in an article. He is one of the most eligible bachelors in town." He also mentioned.

"Just like Zephyr Cloud?"

"Yep. He and Zephyr Cloud are best buddies and there tons of them. Very much of a squad goals, I say it." Jeng stated, just adding what Brian stated. "Imagine, they all live in one subdivision that is exclusively just for them! How cool was that?"

I gulped as I turn my attention back to Stephan. So he's a good friend of Zephyr. He must be a billionaire too like him. It seems like they are higher than I expected them to be.

"The horrible thing about Stephan Draco is...he's married." Jeng's face didn't hide the disappointment. "Ariana Cruz is one lucky woman to have him as a husband. I'm want that too."

I laughed. Men like should already be committed. I would be surprised if he doesn't have any girl in his life.

"Oh, they are about to take an order!" Jeng told me and I was the one who volunteered to do it. I made my towards them grabbed my pen and notebook that was just inside the pocket of the apron I'm wearing.

"Good morning." I greeted with a smile. "Your orders?"

Ivan was in the table too. "I will have my usual, dear one. The sausage platter and I want to try your best selling milkshake." The old man spoke so I wrote it down then turned to the other men in the table.

"I'll have your  grilled pepper Steak." The other middle aged man said as well. He looks really serious and he didn't even smiled. "And hot coffee please."

Okay, then. The last was to speak is Stephan who is just sitting there without a smile as well so I don't know if he is happy or angry about something. He really had this manly features coming from those thick eyebrows he got. So it looks like he's frowning all the time.

"Your signature meal." He spoke after a deep sigh. "And no coffee. Just water."

I nodded. Ivan spoke some of the foods we have in this diner. The new meals and foods actually like he is promoting them. The critiques agreed to order those additional foods so they could judge it as well. The waitresses came as well to assist them and ask if they want anything else while I head over to the counter to give the cooks the list of what they ordered.

Honestly, I really have no clue that diners like this is also being critiqued. Why do many businessmen wanted this place anyway? There are many vacant lots that they can build their own without breaking this. How small are those businessmen's mind are? They just think of the money they will get.

Jeez, Ivan surely would totally lose it if this diner was gone from him. Poor guy.

------

A few hours later when the critiques are already gone, my shift is also about to end. I had my things already done so I will just wait for the right time to leave.

"You look different." Ivan spoke from behind.

I slowly faced him and cleared my throat. "Um...is that a bad thing?"

"No, you look more radiant. What have you been doing lately?" He walked closer to me. "Got a boyfriend or something?"

"Huh?" I arched an eyebrow. "That had nothing to do in how I look."

"Well, someone is making you happy." He stated causing me to scoff.

"My daughter is making me happy." I told him, trying to avoid him little by little because he is getting close to where I stand.

"How about a man?"

He is getting on my nerves. "I don't think that it is your business if I have a boyfriend or not."

Ivan eyed me, intently. "Does he know that you have a daughter?"

I rolled my eyes and almost slammed my fist on the counter. "You know what, we are talking nonsense, Ivan. This is going no where."

"I've been courting you for so long, Eleina. What should I do else?" He asked, grabbing my arm and pulling me near him. Oh crap this should not happen.

"Nothing. I've told you before that I don't like you." I managed to remove my arm from his hold. "And you don't even want my daughter. There is nothing you can do." I told him directly then turned away. "But you're a good guy but not just for me."

With that, I finally turned to leave and turn away. I don't need a man like him who only wants me. But then, even Zephyr doesn't know that I have a daughter. It's just the same but I'm giving him a chance.

This is confusing.

I left the diner and head towards Martha's house to pick up Avery. God, I don't know why but I feel so tired lately. I just what to sleep the whole day if I just can. But no.

I didn't stay long in Martha's. Just took Avery and we went home. I dropped all of our bags in the living room and I jump to the sofa.

"Momma, are you alright?"

"Yes, baby. I'm just tired." I softly replied, punching the small bridge of her nose. "How's school?"

"Amazing, Momma! My teachers congratulate me because I won at the spelling bee competition." She shared me, as she down on the coach where I'm lying at.

"That's very good. You don't know how happy you made me, my love." I told her, hugged her causing her to lay on top of me. "Just always be a good girl and be humble."

"Of course, Momma." She approved and giggled. "Momma?"

"Yeah?" I yawned.

"Why don't you take a break?" She questioned, as she glanced up to me. "You've been working all day and night."

I smiled and playfully messed her long blonde hair. "I will, baby. Don't worry. Momma is fine."

"You always say that even if you are not, Momma." She pours her natural pink thin lips.

I shook my head and hugged her closer. "I'm not tired anymore when I see you happy, Avery."

"Really? Then I will always make you happy!" She cheered, and hugged me back, wrapping her tiny arms around my waist.

Oh, I could be better when I'm always like this. Just Avery in my life.

-----

"Ms. Vivian?"

Huh? I opened my eyes and blinked multiple times to see Vivian, shaking my shoulders to wake me up.

My eyes widen and sat up quickly. "Oh crap, what time is it?" I checked my watch.

Shit, I'm late! "Vivian? H-how did you got in? I didn't hear you knock."

"It's okay. Avery was the one who opened the door." She told me. "You have to get ready or you'll be late in the club."

I quickly got alerted and ran to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth before running to my room to wear something nice. I came up with a sleeveless white silk blouse and black slacks then put on my ankle boots.

Shit. I'm late. And I still feel dizzy though.

"Goodbye, honey. Be a good girl." I kissed Avery on the forehead then ran off the building.

I am literally running through the this busy street. I didn't care if I'm bumping into people, all that matters is to arrive at the club. Since Trisha is already gone, someone immediately replaced her and her name is Cara. She's nice and cute, not married but has a boyfriend and she's Zephyr's cousin.

But I don't know what will they react if I got late.

I hope she won't get mad.

I arrived at club, panting. The staff room is already filled and they are busy preparing for their own show on stage. Cara was just outside the room and she sigh of relief when she saw me running towards them.

"There you are!" She doesn't look mad at all.

"Sorry, I was late." I panted while catching my breath. "When is my next act?"

"Honestly, you're next." Cara told me. "Can you sing?"

I nodded "Of course! I can do it. No one is stopping me from my duty."

"Are you sure?" Cara raised an eyebrow to assure me.

"Yep!" I gave him a thumbs up and went to the staff room to place my bag down on my locker. I didn't change my attire because this looks decent enough to wear on stage so there is no problem.

Ara was the one performing on stage at the moment. I have time to breathe in and checked what we are going to sing on the list. Good thing that it is something that I knew.

It's Adele's All I Ask

The song is very pretty and I'm a huge fan of her! I know all of her songs so this one will be easy for me.

"Put your hair up." Dianne suggested as she looked at me before I head over to the stairs. "You look more alluring when they are tied in a bun."

"You sure?"

She nodded. "Let me do it."

I stood in front of the vanity mirror and let her tie up my hair in a messy bun. "There. I'm sure the boss will be drooling over you." She joked, and playfully slapped my butt.

"Oh stop that." I hushed her then left to go the stage because it seems like my next act is on.

When Ara finished singing, I immediately come up to the stage to start. Kyle was there on the piano and he winked at me when our eyes made contact. But I just sticked my tongue out at him making the both of us laugh.

Then the song started...

I will leave my heart at the door
I won't say a word
They've all been said before, you know
So why don't we just play pretend
Like we're not scared of what is coming next
Or scared of having nothing left

Look, don't get me wrong
I know there is no tomorrow
All I ask is

If this is my last night with you
Hold me like I'm more than just a friend
Give me a memory I can use
Take me by the hand while we do what lovers do
It matters how this ends
'Cause what if I never love again?

I don't need your honesty
It's already in your eyes
And I'm sure my eyes, they speak for me
No one knows me like you do
And since you're the only one that matters
Tell me who do I run to?

Look, don't get me wrong
I know there is no tomorrow
All I ask is

If this is my last night with you
Hold me like I'm more than just a friend
Give me a memory I can use
Take me by the hand while we do what lovers do
It matters how this ends
'Cause what if I never love again?

Let this be our lesson in love
Let this be the way we remember us
I don't wanna be cruel or vicious
And I ain't asking for forgiveness
All I ask is

If this is my last night with you
Hold me like I'm more than just a friend
Give me a memory I can use
Take me by the hand while we do what lovers do
It matters how this ends
'Cause what if I never love again?

Then that's the end. I bowed down and left the stage.

I have to get back to the stage after 3 more singers. So I have to get ready for it. I have three more songs to sing before I will switch to the waitressing job.

"You're late."

A smile crept to my face as I heard that deep voice. I raised my chin to see Zephyr standing at the stairs with his arms crossed. His usual facial expression holds his whole look.

"Y-yeah...I'm sorry for that." I scratched my head. "I have fallen asleep before I got here."

"No need for explanations since I'm not angry at you." He stated, placing a hand on top of my head. "You look so breathtakingly hot when you had your hair up but I must say, you look prettier when they are down."

I chucked and gave him a are you kidding me look. "Seriously?"

Zephyr nodded and chuckled then his expression changes. "Have you been sleeping lately?"

"Huh?" I cupped my face and covered one eye. "What's wrong?"

"You have huge dark circles. Are you alright?"

"Of course! I'm feel wonderful. I've been watching some favourite drama series lately so I really go to bed later than ever." I lied, letting out a weak laugh. "But that's no biggie."

"Are you sure?"

"Yep. Very sure." I patted his hard shoulder.

"Okay then." He finally accepted then raised his hand to my cheeks and playfully pinched it.

"Ouch!" I slapped his hand away as I rub my cheek. That hurts, you know! I'm not kidding!

Zephyr bursted out laughing. "You are so cute, Eleina Valentin." He stated, huskily.

"And you're so childish, Zephyrus Cloud." I retorted back, rolling my eyes.

"Are you rolling your eyes at me, baby?" A frown formed between his eyebrows and gave me this hot challenging eyes.

I chuckled. "What if I am? Are you going to punish me like Christian do to Anna?"

"Who?"

"Christian Grey"

He glared. "Who the heck is Christian Grey?"

"The hottest man alive in Fifty Shades of Grey. Doesn't ring any bell?" I stared at  him in disbelief.

"The hottest man alive?" He whined, his frown deepening as he clenched his jaw.

"He's fictional, Zephyr! You don't know him?" I gasped in horror, covering my opened mouth by my hands.

He shook his head. "Am I gonna die if I didn't know him? Why do you look so shock?"

I just laughed out loud and clapped my hands. "You're so funny."

Zephyr's face darkens. "Stop messing with me."

I laughed more and my stomach is hurting already. I can't stop from the laughter! I can't believe how innocent he is when it comes to those kinds of movies! He's so cute to watch though. Very, very cute.

When I was able to stop, I immediately remembered that we the others should not know about us going out on a date. That will just cause rumours around the club and I don't want be involved in that. But it seems like Ara, Dianne and Rose already noticed the strange relationship that Zephyr and I because they have been teasing me. We should stop this.

"We are attracting too many attention now, Zephyr. We have to pull away now from each other now." I chuckled, rubbing my nose and looking around.

Luckily, no one is watching us.

"I already removed the that rule, Eleina. You don't need to be scared of anything now." He softly told me but it was only a whisper. "I will announce it later before going home. I will renew the rules and the contract so don't worry about it."

"What? You really that so that we could date?"

He nodded. "Yes. I have the power to do it so I must use it well."

"B-but that will only suspect everyone—"

"And they won't even care anymore because it's already allowed." Zephyr maintained his decision and talked like it is final.

I ran my hands through my face. "You are one stubborn guy."

He shrugged and chuckled boyishly. "Thats what I was know for."

"I doubt that." I teased, playfully pushing him away from me. "I have to get ready. I have another act on stage in a few minutes."

Zephyr smirked. "Alright then, good luck."

I just crinkled my nose then walked passed him.

"Wait, Eleina?" He called causing me to turn around and gave him a questioning look. "I always love it when you sing on stage. You're amazing." Then this time, he turned around to walk away first leaving me there, blushing and the  wild creatures in my stomach to go wild.

When I arrived at the staff room, almost all of the people there are going crazy and looks like that just witnessed me and Zephyr. Crap.

I thought they are mad or going to accuse me of seducing the boss which is forbidden in the club but it came out the opposite. They were actually squealing and clapping their hand once I entered. Okay, what was that for?

"Boss and Eleina, sitting on a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" They sang in chorus.

What is this? Elementary school?

"Finally, the boss will always smile now!" They cheered and everyone laughed.

"Shhhhh!" I shushed them, blushing and really embarrassed right now. "Guys, t-that was nothing."

"Oh really?" Rose smirked, teasingly. "God, the boss never talks to his employees except for those who are managing this club! He never even talking to us or even look at us."

"You're one special girl!" One of them shouted and started making teasing sounds.

Their reaction is not what I am expecting, honestly. I thought they will start gossiping about me and will start to hate me.

"You guys are not mad? Or will accuse me of something horrible?" I questioned, with my eyebrows touching.

"Mad?!" Ara rolled her eyes. "Who would be mad when their boss will finally soften up!"

"With that, Mr. Cloud will be less strict and arrogant."

"Is Zephyr really that bad before?" I asked, curiously, sitting down on one of the benches inside the room.

They all went silent. "Oh my, they are already in first name basis!" One of them screech, excitingly.

I faced palmed myself and just laughed it off. "But seriously? You are not going to accuse of something horrible? Like gossip things that I seduced him or..."

"Eleina, for the past months working with you. We know that you're not that kind of person. You are very hardworking and it's kind of obvious that the boss got attracted to you." Dianne stated, giving me a wink. "And fuck gossips. Those are forbidden in our rule."

"I was the one who went against the rule of club."

"Rules, my ass." Some of them retorted. "None of us are good enough to obey the rules, Eleina."

"Just so, you know...don't tell the boss." Ara whispered.

Everyone went back to their own doings. I just sat down and watched Ara do her own makeup.

"I can't believe how nice the people here." I murmured. "Not a single person here even thinks I'm a slut or goal digger."

"We don't care about nonsense things like that. All that matters is that we could work and support the people we are supporting." Ara explained, applying a red lipstick and purked her lips more. "Most of the people here are already committed."

My eyes widen and my heart thumbs. "Wait, what do you mean?"

Ara pointed someone in the club. "For example, Alexis over there is already married."

My jaw dropped. "No kidding?!" That just gave my hopes up.

It's true. "Some of us already had kids too." She added. "But we are all desperate for money and the salary is enough to support  me and my family so I hid it." Ara mentioned, "Please, don't tell the boss. That has been a huge and hidden secret that we have."

"Wait, you're a mother, Ara?"

She smiled confidently. "Well, yeah! A mother of two beautiful kids."

"Husband?"

"Boyfriend."

"The father of your children?" I'm really curious, huh.

She shook her head. "Nope. The father of my children are asshole."

"Like me!" I gasped, blurted out.

She  gave me a confused look, "What?"

I let out a weak laugh, murmuring some soft prayers and how should I answer her. "I-I have a child too."

"No kidding?" She gasped, as she eyed me from head to toe. "You're a mother with that radiant glow you had?"

"I-I'm already a mother. But unlike you, I do not have a boyfriend." I told her, "Please don't tell anyone! I don't want to get fired!"

Ara laughed at my reaction. "Sweetheart, don't be so scared. We've been hiding our children from the boss so we could save our job. We are just shielding each other." She turned her chair to face us. "We are all fighting for our position here."

"I know." I sigh.

"But the problem is, what if the boss really falls head over heels for you. Will he be able to swallow the fact that you have a daughter." She wondered.

"Yeah, that's what I'm nervous about too." I breathe in, running a hand through my face. "Should I end this while nothing is still going on. While we are not yet fully committed with each other."

"What? Don't ! Can't you see how serious the boss looks at you?"

I remained silent. I don't have a clue what to about this.

"But I have to protect my daughter."

"Eleina, you are thinking too much." She chuckled. "Sometimes, us, mothers deserves someone that will satisfy our hardworks and come on, we have been sacrificing too much so how about a little reward?"

I laughed. "A think you are referring to someone to a one night stand, guy."

"Maybe. It helps." She shrugged then bursted out laughing.

"You're crazy." I chuckled and stood up. "I should get out. I will be singing in a few minutes again."

"Okay. Be a little flirtatious when you sing just to tease Zephyr a little. It helps. You will have many tips too." She winked causing me to laugh out loud and went out.

-----

For the first time in my life, I gather up all of my confidence when I sang on stage after Ara gave me a little suggestion to be flirtatious when I sing.

And I did. But not too much.

I was smirking sexily and swayed my hips a little as I sing and it works! The clap was even louder than before. I hope Zephyr likes it because I had fun.

While I was getting ready to go home, my head started to sting again. I nearly held onto the post because my vision just blurred in an instant. Good thing I quickly got into my senses. Shiz, what is happening to me? This headache keeps on coming in and I don't know why.

It was already four am and about to go home when I saw Zephyr waiting for outside the club, he was leaning against his car and probably waiting for me. When his glance turned to me, he didn't look so pleased.

"Hey." I approached him.

"What was that act you did on stage?" His was frowning.

The side of my lips lifted. "Why? You don't like it? I did great, right? The crowds liked  it!"

"The crowds liked it but I didn't." He grimaced, his had his hands inside the pockets of his coat but I can sense that he is curling them into a fist.

"I thought you liked it." I softly responded, faking a disappointed look. "I actually did my best to perform like since I'm getting comfortable on stage."

"Eleina, you've been attracting so many unwanted attentions from those perverts!" He was controlling his voice so he couldn't shout. "I was with these group of Japanese businessmen when you performed your second act and they wanted you for a night! They are even talking how beautiful you are on stage!"

The words suddenly died in my throat as I process what he said. "They think I'm beautiful?"

"Seriously? That's the only thing you remembered for what I've said." He narrowed his eyes at me.

I laughed. "Come on, why are you acting like that?"

"Because I don't want them staring at you like the other girls in the club. You are different from them."

"Oh yeah? How did I became different? I told you to treat me like everyone else." Of course I was teasing him already. I just want to see how will he react to my little games.

Zephyr groaned and ran his hand through his  hair and seems like he's thinking of what he is going to say. "Eleina, even if you told me to treat you like everyone else I can't help not to obey it."

"But why?" My arched an eyebrow.

"Because what I feel for you is different from everyone else!" He blurted out, and seems like I already pushed  all of his buttons.

And with that, I was taken back. He is getting a little comfortable with confessing to me. How cute he is. Such a handsome man and I can't resist him.

"Why are you smiling like that you?" He asked, turning his face away from me. "Come on, I'll drive you home."

I nodded and let him take me to his car. The car he is using right now is different from the others. This one is more simpler yet it looks really expensive. I don't want to hide anymore to the others because they already know and it is so cute that they are all happy about it.

When I was finally driven back to my apartment, Zephyr didn't force me to come up to my place. I kept on telling him that I have a roommate that is working really hard in the morning so she needs a lot of rest at night.

"Tomorrow, a new manager will arrived at the club." Zephyr mentioned, before I could leave his car.

"Okay." I mumbled, I don't think I have no right anyway even if he tells me or not.

"My cousin was jus a substitute until Donna arrives from Canada." He told me, looking at me intently.

"Donna?" I quickly got curious. A woman again.

"Yeah, she's a good friend of mine back in the days. She is currently working in Canada and now I offered her a job since she is the real  manager in my club before." Zephyr explained like it was was nothing to worry about.

"Oh-kay." I gulped and didn't know why I stutter a little. I was going to open the car door when Zephyr held my face, behind my ear while he rubs his thumb on my cheek.

"Sleep well. It looks like you need one." He stated, leaning down to place a quick kiss on my lips. "Good night, baby."

I blushed as I felt shivers down my spine. "Y-yeah. Good night. Drive safe."

He smiled and brought his hand down on his lap and I used that time to leave his car. Like before, I went up to our floor and turned  lights on, I checked on him on the window and he was standing outside his car. He gave me one last wave before he hops in and drove away. 

He is one heck of a guy, eh?

As I was about to go to the bathroom, my head stings again causing me to really held on to our dining table.

God, what is happening. I suddenly felt dizzy and feels like I am going to throw up.

As far as I know I haven't ate anything that will upset my stomach. Well, this sure is nothing to worry about. I just need to sleep maybe and everything will be alright tomorrow.

To be continued...

----

Summer heat is killing me here in my country! Done thing but write stories because I am aiming to finish three books this year so I am praying that my brain will function well!