Chapter 3 YOU AGAIN

Chapter 3

Isla POV

"I tapped the mattress, checking for my last night's customer. The broad, king-size bed was empty, despite my hopeful taps. I snapped out of my daze, noticing the large space was vacant. 'Sir?' I called out, my eyes struggling to open due to fatigue. I smirked to myself, thinking, 'Mr. Xander is quite the active one,' as I threw off the duvet and got out of bed."

"Mr. Xander?" I called out, my voice sharp and echoing through the silent room. "Are you in the bathroom?" I knocked on the door, my fist clenched in anticipation. "Xander?" I repeated, my voice laced with frustration.

My eyes widened in shock as I realized he hadn't paid the balance from the previous night. I leaned against the wardrobe, slamming my hand on the door in exasperation. "Gosh, he stiffed me!" I muttered to myself, feeling annoyed and cheated.

I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself. I couldn't believe she had done this to me again. It was the third time he had skipped out on paying me, and I was starting to feel like a charity. I thought we had an understanding, but I guess I was wrong.

I walked over to the nightstand and picked up my phone, dialing Sophia's number. It went straight to voicemail, of course. I left a stern message, telling her that the customer she provided needed to pay me what he owed me or I would have to take action.

I sighed and rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on. This was not how I wanted to start my day. I had bills to pay and a business to run, and I couldn't afford to be chasing after clients who didn't want to pay.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Sophy. "Hey, girl, what's up?" she asked, her cheerful voice a welcome distraction from my frustration.

"Not much," I replied, trying to sound calmer than I felt. "I'm just dealing with a difficult client."

"Sorry, girlfriend, it's already after 8," Sophia reminded me. "You wouldn't want to be late and risk getting fired at the coffee shop." My gaze drifted to the clock, and I let out a weak sigh as I reluctantly got up from the couch, my legs straightening out on the floor. "Yeah, thanks for the reminder. I'll get dressed and meet you at the reception."

I dragged myself to the bathroom to start getting ready for the day, still feeling frustrated about the situation with Mr. Xander. But I knew I had to put it aside for now and focus on my shift at the coffee shop. At least I had Sophy to vent to and a distraction from my worries.

As I got ready for work, my mind kept wandering back to Mr. Xander and the money he owed me. I couldn't believe he had stiffed me again, and I was starting to feel like I was never going to get paid. I sighed and pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand.

When I arrived at the coffee shop, Lisa was already there, the girl I was having the same shift time with, sipping on a latte and chatting with our coworker, Alex. I joined them, and we chatted about our weekends and our plans for the upcoming week.

"As the morning rush intensified, my focus sharpened, but my phone rang twice, and I couldn't answer it. My caller ID showed Sophy's name, but I ignored it, prioritizing my interactions with customers. The buzzing of my phone was a constant distraction, but I pushed it aside and stayed focused on my work."

"I trudged to the counter, tucking the towel into my apron, my legs already aching from a busy morning. I gazed out at the bustling cafe, where customers were still lining up with their orders. 'Phew...' I sighed before dialing Sophia's number. 'Hey, Soph,' I said, dusting off my coffee-stained apron as I waited for her to answer."

"Hey, girl! What's up?" Sophia's cheerful voice answered on the other end of the line. "Not much, just trying to survive this crazy morning," I replied, rolling my eyes.

"Ah, I feel you," Sophia commiserated. "So, what's new with you? Any updates on the Mr. Xander situation?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to share. But Sophia was my closest friend, and I knew I could trust her. "Actually, I got a weird text message a little while ago," I said, my voice lowering. "Someone wants to meet me at the park at 1 p.m. and claims to book me for a night before it's dawn.

Sophia's tone turned serious. "That sounds suspicious. Do you think it's a trap?" I shrugged, even though she couldn't see me. "I don't know, but I'm going to go anyway. I need money to survive, girl.

"I need coffee," a dim voice said, breaking my concentration. I quickly raised my eyebrows to glare at the customer, my eyes fixed on him with an unyielding gaze. "Isla, are you there? Isla?" Sophia's voice continued to ring from the phone, but my shock and distraction prevented me from focusing on the call.

"Isla, are you there?" Sophia's voice came through the phone again, this time with a hint of concern. I shook my head, trying to clear the cobwebs. "Yeah, Soph, I'm here," I replied, my voice low and cautious.

The customer took a step closer, his eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity. "I need coffee," he repeated, his voice low and gravelly.

I hesitated, my heart racing. Something about this guy didn't feel right. "Uh, okay," I stammered, trying to keep my cool. "What can I get for you?" But then my mind snapped into focus. "Xander!" The name rang out like a bell, and I quickly raised my gaze to meet his. "You bastard!" My shrill voice cut through the morning atmosphere, drawing the attention of the other customers.

His eyes flared in recognition, and I could tell he remembered me. "You!" he pointed, his voice dripping with malice. But I was quicker.

I rushed forward, the cup of coffee trembling in my hand, and poured its scalding contents all over his expensive blazer suit.