We remain silent in the kitchen for some time, focusing on cooking. I’m thankful Jim takes note of the new orders and serves the meals to avoid customers seeing my split lip and bruised, swollen eye.
As the final customer bids us farewell, the diner's usually bustling atmosphere begins to wane, leaving only the two of us in its cozy confines. Jim turns his attention to me with a look of empathy and understanding. 'For what it's worth, Astrid,' he says, his voice gentle yet earnest, 'whatever happened to your mother, I'm sure she wouldn't want you blaming yourself for her death. I'm sure she also would not want your father hurting you all these years because of it.'
I can't help but correct him. My voice tinged with a hint of newfound clarity. 'Stepfather,' I interject, setting the record straight.
Jim blinks, momentarily taken aback. 'Your stepfather? I thought' He starts before I interrupt him, my revelation still fresh and surreal. 'Yes, I only found out myself last night,' I confide, still trying to process the news. 'Apparently, my birth father died when my mother was pregnant with me.'
Jim's eyes fall to the floor, a sombre expression clouding his face. 'I'm so sorry,' he murmurs, his voice heavy with sympathy.
A sigh escapes my lips, and my shoulders slump. 'I was sorry at first, too, but I don't know now. Maybe it might be a good thing he isn't my real father,' I admit, a flicker of uncertainty in my voice.
Jim nods, offering a supportive smile. 'Oh, I almost forgot. Do you think you could work late tonight?' he asks, changing the subject. 'I have important people coming from the next town for an important meeting. It would be great if I could join them for a change instead of serving the food and drinks.'
My thoughts shift to the man I now reluctantly call my stepfather. 'I'll have to ring my stepfather and ask,' I reply, my voice holding a hint of bitterness. 'But I'm sure he will agree if it means more booze money for him.' It feels so strange, so foreign, thinking about and calling him my stepfather.
I reach for the wall-mounted phone and dial the number, my heart pounding as I await his response. 'What,' comes his gruff reply.
'Hey, um, Jim wants to know if I can work the late shift tonight,' I explain cautiously. 'I think there’s going to be some kind of corporate meeting here tonight.'
'I suppose I could use the extra money,' he mutters, his response laced with indifference. 'But I expect you home straight after,' he adds before abruptly ending the call and slamming the phone down.
All my earnings from work have always been paid into his account, a constant reminder of my captivity. I can't even save money to move out or buy a bus ticket to get away. Despite my stepfather receiving my entire income, I still prefer the refuge of coming to work over staying in the oppressive environment at home.
I turn back to Jim with a forced smile. 'It's fine. My stepfather says I can work the few extra hours,' I inform him.
Jim nods and smiles. His eyes fill with gratitude. 'Good,' he exhales with relief.
A few hours pass, marked by constant dishwashing and meal preparation, as the anticipation for the important meeting grows. I meticulously craft a food platter fit for the occasion. My curiosity about the impending gathering gnaws at me like an insistent whisper. Unable to contain my intrigue any longer, I turn to Jim with an eager tone. 'Is there anything I need to know about this meeting?' I ask him, hoping for a hint of insight.
Jim pauses in thought as he considers his response. 'We're just having some problems in the town of Shadow Crest,' he reveals.
My surprise is obvious as I reply, 'Oh, in Shadow Crest? I've never been there before. I've heard it's full of aggressive people who act like wild animals.'
Jim can't help but burst into hearty laughter, echoing through the kitchen. 'It's not that bad, and I live there. Am I aggressive? Do I run around like a wild animal?' he teases, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Caught in the warmth of his laughter, I chuckle along, conceding, 'Good point. No, you aren't aggressive. And, no, you don't run around like a wild animal. Not that I know of anyway.'
Jim shakes his head, his laughter subsiding into a smirk. 'If only you knew, Astrid,' he muses, his words hinting at a hidden truth. 'The guests will be here any minute. Just take everyone's drink order and bring out the food platter when you're ready.'
I nod in acknowledgment, my professional demeanour taking over. 'Sure thing, boss,' I affirm, a smile playing on my lips.
As the evening air grows chilly, I reach for my hoodie. 'Oh, and Jim, I hope you don't mind if I wear my hood up. I don't want to be stared at or questioned about the split lip and bruised eye.'
Jim's understanding gaze met mine, and he nods with a reassuring smile. 'Of course, that's fine.'
Minutes later, the distant rumble of car engines grows louder. The vehicles halt in unison, their doors slamming shut. The sound of footsteps echoes through the gravel lot, each step announcing the arrival of an impending assembly. The quaint bell hanging above the diner's entrance clangs loudly each time one of the men crosses the threshold, its melodic chime punctuating the air. I can't help but steal a surreptitious glance, rising onto my tiptoes to glimpse the dining area beyond the kitchen ledge.
In the dimly lit dining area stands a gathering of formidable figures, about eighteen men, but not ordinary ones by any measure. Their frames are massive, with muscles rippling beneath their suits. They have an intimidating presence over their very being, accentuated by their rugged good looks. Then, a strikingly handsome man enters the scene. The room shifts in his presence, the men parting ways to make way for him as though he were someone of immense significance. My heart skips a beat as I take in the sight before me. His hair is a deep, lustrous black, framing a pair of captivating blue eyes. His lips, full and inviting, accentuated a chiselled jawline that could cut through steel. My eyes fix on those lips, an irresistible curiosity igniting within me—what would they feel like against mine?
The room seems to come alive with an undercurrent of eagerness as the handsome man inhales deeply, his nostrils flaring with interest. He raises a curious eyebrow, looking around to find something or someone that has piqued his curiosity.
'Jim, what is that smell?' The man asks, his voice laced with intrigue. His gaze shifts in my direction, and panic surges within me. Without a second thought, I duck, my heart pounding rapidly.
'It smells like vanilla and cookies,' he continues.
I pretend to make myself look busy, pottering around the platter with my back to everyone, and then enter the back store room to get away. I close the door behind me and take a few moments to calm my breathing. I can’t hear what they’re saying while I’m in here, but that’s probably a good thing.
Jim approaches the gathering of guests. His voice is calm as he addresses them. 'If you gentlemen would kindly make your way to the kitchen counter,' he begins, his tone even and reassuring, 'Astrid will take your order. But, please, no one freak out.' His eyes lock onto Alpha Ryker, conveying a message meant for him alone. 'Especially you, Alpha Ryker, when I tell you that Astrid is a rogue. That is probably what the strange smell is,' Jim explains.
Alpha Ryker's response is explosive—a burst of anger that shakes the air around them. His fist slams onto the table with a loud thud, his voice rising in furious protest. 'What!' He shouts at the notion.
Jim reacts swiftly, placing a calming hand on Alpha Ryker's tense arm. 'Alpha Ryker, you need to calm down!' Jim pleads assertively. 'Astrid is just a young girl who needed a job. Astrid has been under my employment for almost a year now and is one of my best workers. We're also not in your territory, so Astrid isn't trespassing. She hasn’t done anything wrong. So, I suggest you sit down and behave!' His words carry a warning.
Alpha Ryker fiercely gazes at Jim. 'Are you threatening me, Jim?' He growls, his voice low, dangerous, and strangely animalistic.
Jim takes a step back. 'Of course not, Alpha,' he replies, his words carefully chosen. 'I'm just reminding you. As much as you and everyone here dislike rogues, she has done nothing wrong and will remain out of all this.' The tension in the room slowly ebbs as Alpha Ryker begrudgingly takes his seat.