He contemplates while serving many beverages to neighbouring consumers.
“Observe,” he exhales as he concludes the final beverage. “Throughout my acquaintance with Ricky, I have never observed her engaging in a romantic relationship. She may have occasional flings, but nothing substantial. Her primary focus is Braylon.”
My lips involuntarily curve into a scowl when Jimmy enquires about the identity of this Braylon individual.
Ruben detects the envy and smirks. “Calm down, my friend. Braylon is her three-year-old son. He is her entire universe. She exists for that little boy,” he laughs while offering me more whisky. “He is your sole competitor.”
I flush with humiliation, and several questions arise in my head, however presently, just one preoccupies me.
“Where is the father?” I enquire, aware that his presence may complicate matters.
Before he can respond, Ricky’s aroma permeates my nose, prompting me to once more conceal my documents in my pocket. Determined to avoid rejection tonight, I hastily rise from my seat and head directly to the dancefloor, seeking to disappear behind the throng of undulating people.
“So, Jay!” she exclaims, causing my heart to plummet at the realisation that she now possessed my name.
I navigate through the crowd, manoeuvring in various ways to mislead her until I emerge on the opposite side of the building. To my dismay, she is immediately behind me.
Upon exiting the dancefloor, a group of females at a table beckons her, insisting on a new round of drinks. She scowls at me while recording the order, and I seize the opportunity to make my strategic exit to the top level, where I was meant to monitor the dancers doing private shows.
I successfully evaded Ricky for the remainder of the evening, preoccupying myself by responding to disturbance calls over my earpiece. During the concluding call, I assist the other guards in rearranging chairs and tidying up after the customers.
I successfully evaded Ricky for the remainder of the evening, preoccupying myself by responding to disturbance calls over my earpiece. During the concluding call, I assist the other guards in rearranging seats and tidying up following the customers’ departure.
The waitresses depart first, although I remain with Ruben to assist in the cleanup, observing helplessly as Ricky exits in a fury.
“At least you successfully navigated tonight without facing rejection,” Ruben remarks as we transport enormous waste bags to the dumpsters. “Priscilla informed me via text that she babysat Braylon, so we will remain here a bit longer to ensure you avoid encountering Ricky, allowing you additional time to contemplate your intentions regarding her.”
As promised, Ruben and I do not return to the house until nearly 4 am, with Ricky and her kid having departed well before our arrival. Her fragrance permeates the home, with Jimmy incessantly whimpering, imploring me to locate her. I exclude him and silently enter the spare room, where I discover Melina alert and awaiting my arrival.
“How was it?” she enquires with enthusiasm. “Have you secured the position?”
I nod with feigned excitement, however she perceives my insincere grin.
“What is the matter?” she enquires, concern evident in her gaze as she gestures towards the bed. “What transpired?”
I wish to save Melina from concern over my relationship issues, so I only smile and kiss her forehead.
“I signal for you to sleep.” “It is inadvisable for you to be awake at this hour.”
She scowls at me, anticipating the truth, although I am unable to confess that my own partner also rejected me. I remove my shoes and don basketball shorts before re-entering the room.
Melina scowls at me as I retrieve a pillow and blanket from the bed, but I only respond with a broad smile. She expresses her exasperation by rolling her eyes upon recognising that I would not provide any information in the near future, and ultimately settles into bed. I recline on the floor and await the onset of sleep, although my tumultuous thoughts prevent me from achieving rest.
Was I unwanted by anyone? I contemplate while gazing into the room’s darkness. Was I so reprehensible that my own father and partner declined to retain me?
I endure another hour attempting to keep my eyes shut, and at 8 AM, I remain fully alert. Unable to sleep, I quietly enter the hall and take a brief shower, contemplating my course of action with Ricky.
When I exit, Priscilla is already consuming sausage and eggs. She smiles bashfully and awkwardly rises to present me with a dish.
“I hope you appreciate it,” she flushes, swiftly averting her gaze and resuming her seat.
I express my gratitude and occupy a seat just opposite her. We both eat our dinner in quiet, uncertain of what else to express.
“Ruben informs me that Ricky is your friend,” she eventually articulates, lifting her gaze from her dish. “She is a virtuous individual,” she grins, though the expression does not reach her eyes. “You are quite fortunate. She will be an excellent partner.”
