Chapter 3 OVER THE EDGE

Chapter 3

Xander POV

"What on earth is going on here, Miss?" I exclaimed, my voice rising in disbelief as the barista's sharp remarks echoed throughout the café, drawing the attention of other patrons.

"Are you really questioning this, Mr. Xander?" she shot back, leaning in closer, her tone dropping to a threatening whisper. "You still owe me for the service last night," she hissed, her teeth clenched in frustration and her eyes burning with fury.

"You can't be serious about being so rude over just $150," I protested, feeling coffee seep into my suit as I cautiously stepped back. "You're hiding behind that counter, pretending to be a barista, but you're nothing more than a fraud!" I hurled the insult, yet her stare remained fierce, unwavering and intense.

Frustration and anger bubbled within me as I let out an exasperated sigh and stormed out of the café, my blazer flapping behind me. My thoughts were consumed by my daughter Ally's persistent requests; she had been nagging me for her favorite coffee from this place, and I knew I'd face her wrath if I failed to bring it home.

"She's absolutely diabolical!" I muttered, tapping the steering wheel in irritation. I rolled up my tinted windows, a wave of unease washing over me. "A sophisticated woman with a volatile streak," I grumbled, my mind racing with thoughts of Isla. "I can't stand women like her; she reminds me too much of Olivia," I added, my nostrils flaring in disgust. Just then, an urge to sneeze hit me, and I quickly covered my face with my hand, my discomfort evident in my posture.

Sitting in my car, I tried to gather my thoughts, but my mind was a whirlwind of memories about Isla and Olivia. Why did women like them always manage to get under my skin? I inhaled deeply and turned the key in the ignition, resolved to move past the awkward encounter.

Yet, as I drove away from the coffee shop, an unsettling feeling crept in-my life was about to take a turn for the complicated. Little did I realize, Isla was merely the beginning of my troubles.

Suddenly, my phone rang, shattering the quiet in the car. I picked up, hoping for a welcome distraction.

"Hey, Dad. It's Ally. Did you grab my coffee?" I let out a sigh, massaging my temples. "I'm on my way, Ally. Just hang tight, alright?" But once again, I had forgotten the coffee. Maybe ice cream and chocolate would have to substitute for her caffeine fix.

"Dad, no! I really need coffee!" Ally's voice trembled with sadness, escalating into a near-wail. "Ally, please stop crying. I promise I'll get your coffee. I just need to swing back to the café," I urged, trying to calm her down. But before I could finish, the Bluetooth cut out-Ally had hung up in frustration, leaving me feeling both annoyed and anxious.

With a heavy sigh, I turned the car around, heading back to the café. I couldn't believe I was doing this, but I couldn't ignore Ally's tears and tantrums. As I re-entered the parking lot, my anxiety spiked. Isla was still behind the counter, her gaze locked onto me as I walked in.

"Well, look who decided to come back," she said, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "The busybody man returns."

I clenched my jaw and stepped up to the counter. "Just hand me the coffee, Isla. I'm not in the mood for your antics."

She arched an eyebrow. "Oh, I can tell you're quite eager for my little games, Xander. If you weren't, you wouldn't have come back here, would you?" I forced myself to stay composed, aware that Ally was waiting for her coffee. "Just hand me the coffee, Isla. Please."

"Here you are, Mr. Impolite and Demanding!" Isla plopped two cups of coffee onto the counter, a straw clattering down beside them. I felt a wave of annoyance at her careless behavior. "You really need to clean up your act, Isla," I said, grimacing as I picked up the coffee and straw.

As I turned to leave, Isla called out, "Hey, Xander!" I glanced back, narrowing my eyes. "What is it now?" I replied gruffly.

Her grin was teasing, but there was a glint of warning in her gaze. "Don't forget to settle your tab, because..." She snapped her fingers, the sound resonating in the room. "Next time, I might not be so friendly when I address you, Xander."

Her voice trailed after me as I walked away, the unspoken threat hanging in the air like a dare. I could sense her watching me, and I realized this wouldn't be the last I heard from Isla.

Stepping out of the coffee shop, a sense of discomfort washed over me. Isla's final words echoed in my thoughts, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I had just tangled with someone dangerous. As I slid into my car, I spotted a piece of paper on the passenger seat. It was a receipt from the coffee shop, with a handwritten note at the bottom: "Payment due: $150.00. Don't forget, Xander."

I let out a frustrated groan as I started the engine and drove away from the coffee shop. Resolute in my decision to forget about my encounter with Isla, I came to a stop at a red light when, out of nowhere, my car began to sputter and then stalled completely. A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I pondered what other misfortunes awaited me. That's when I noticed a burly security officer striding toward my vehicle, his expression stern and unyielding, exuding an undeniable authority.

"Just what I needed," I grumbled under my breath, shaking my head in disbelief. "A relentless security officer who has no idea who's behind the wheel of this car." I let out a dry chuckle, adjusted my glasses, and pulled out my phone to search for a fix to my car issues. "This day really couldn't get any worse."

As the security officer reached my window, his piercing gaze locked onto me with unwavering intensity. I steeled myself for whatever confrontation was about to unfold, curious about his intentions.