You Again?! ( My firecracker babysitter)

Chapter 1

Sophia POV

"Hey, mother fucker, over here!" I tossed the towel at a male waiter, a sluggish and naive guy who had just started working a few hours ago. I snorted in disgust, thinking he was a jerk and a numb ass. I was arranging wine cups at the wine bar when a familiar voice caught my attention.

"Sophy Harvey, what's up?" I turned gracefully, knowing full well who would dare to call my name so boldly. Anger flashed across my face, but it quickly subsided as I took in the sight of a new face standing alongside him. I raised my chin stylishly, pointing at the young man. "Who's this dude with you, Teddy?" I asked, my tone laced with a mix of curiosity and wariness.

"A friend," Ted answered, his chair scraping against the floor as he stood up, the sound echoing through the night. I felt a surge of unease at the sudden noise. "Ted!" I sneered, but quickly composed myself.

Mr. Handsome's expression turned stern, and I apologized profusely, adding ice to the ice bucket as I struggled to regain my composure. "What a disgrace," I muttered under my breath, chastising myself for my foolish mistakes. "Silly me," I added, pinching myself for my carelessness.

"Do you care for a drink, Teddy?" I asked, trying to sound friendly despite my reservations about his request.

As I poured the liquor into the short glass cup, the glooping sound filled the air. This cup was reserved for our VIP customers, and I was proud to be one of the professional bartenders who got to serve them. I focused intently on the pour, making sure not to spill a single drop.

"Here you go, Teddy," I said with a smile, handing him the glass. "Enjoy your drink."

"Je vous remercie, ma très chère Sophy," he said with a charming smile, thanking me in French, a language I usually find irritating when used to express gratitude.

But I played along, responding with a formal "You're welcome, sir" as I carefully balanced the tray of expertly mixed potato liquor glasses. My steps were slow and deliberate as I catwalked down the three steep stairs that led to the exclusive VIP section.

The glasses clinked softly on the tray, and the soft glow of the VIP area lights highlighted the delicate condensation on the glasses. I felt a sense of pride and professionalism as I made my way down, my eyes fixed on the waiting customers, and my gaze also drifted discreetly to Isla, who was sitting among them, looking stunning as always.

"Hey, Soph!" Isla's soprano voice cut through the thick atmosphere of cigarette and shisha smoke, which hung heavy like a fueling station, laced from person to person.

"Browny's not going to stop smoking, so get your slim-fitting body out of their mist, Isla," I said, French-accenting the heat, but not when you're with them, girlfriend. I advised, tilting my head to the side.

"I know, I know," she replied, picking up her bright orange purse-thank God it was orange-because Isla was notorious for her questionable fashion choices and matching outfits.

Isla's response was laced with a hint of sarcasm, but I knew she appreciated my concern. We exchanged a knowing glance, and I continued on my way, delivering drinks to the waiting customers in the VIP section. Later, I retired to my cantor, with Isla by my side, holding up the empty tray.

As we stepped away from the bustling VIP area, I let out a sigh of relief. "Well, that was a night," I said, shaking my head. Just then, an alarm clock started ringing loudly, and I gazed at Isla suspiciously. Her raised brow and stifled giggles hinted at her mischievous and playful tactics.

"Did you bring an alarm clock with you?" I asked, incredulous.

She nodded, a smile spreading across her face. "Yes, I did, and I'm sorry, but I need to get back to work."

With that, she hurriedly left my side, rushing towards the stripping pole. I watched her go, still trying to process the unexpected turn of events. The alarm clock's incessant ringing faded into the background as I shook my head in disbelief, chuckling to myself. Only Isla would think to bring an alarm clock to a nightclub.

"Is she a stripper?" Mr. Handsome asked me, his eyes wide with surprise.

"Yes, she is," I replied quickly, nodding in Isla's direction as she skillfully writhed her waist around the pole.

"You want to book her for the night?" I asked, turning to Mr. Handsome, who seemed enticed by Isla's performance.

My voice echoed through the clubhouse, "Go girl!" as I cheered her on, drawing attention from the surrounding crowd.

Teddy, who had been ignored by Mr. Handsome, looked at me with a raised eyebrow, but I just shrugged and continued to watch Isla's mesmerizing performance. The music pulsed through the air, and Isla's body seemed to fluidly move to the rhythm, her skills on full display.

I pulled out a pack of cheese and sponge cake, decorated with vanilla icing cream. "I love you, baby," Teddy said, his hands filling with cake as he took a large bite. His eyes scrolled through his phone, and his conversation with me was minimal.

"How much for the night?" Xander asked, his eyes still full, concentrating on Isla.

"500 dollars for the night, sir," I replied, my eyes fixed on the cash in his hand.

He quickly dropped a bundle of 350 dollars, and my eyes widened, surprised by the prompt payment. I gently placed a card on the counter. "She'll meet you in the room. Enjoy your night, sir."

He nodded, his eyes still fixed on the stripping pole, and began to walk away. I watched him go, impressed by the ease of the transaction. Some nights were indeed better than others.

"Hey Isla, come on, you've got work to do!" I shouted out, the hisses from the crowd making me gasp out a loud "Oh!" like an owl. "Room 296, take the spare key!"

Chapter 2

Isla POV

I gave the mattress a little tap, hoping to find my last night's guest still lounging around. But nope, that spacious king-size bed was as empty as my hopes. I shook off the sleepiness, realizing the room was a total ghost town. "Sir?" I called out, my eyelids heavy with fatigue. A smirk crept onto my face as I thought, "Mr. Xander sure knows how to keep things lively," before tossing the duvet aside and hopping out of bed.

"Mr. Xander?" I shouted, my voice slicing through the silence like a hot knife. "Are you hiding in the bathroom?" I knocked on the door, my fist ready to unleash some serious frustration. "Xander?" I repeated, irritation dripping from my tone.

Then it hit me like a ton of bricks-he hadn't settled up from last night. I leaned against the wardrobe, slamming my hand on the door in pure exasperation. "Seriously? He ghosted me!" I grumbled, feeling both annoyed and cheated.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to pull myself together. I couldn't believe he had pulled this stunt again. This was the third time he'd skipped out on me, and I was starting to feel like a charity case. I thought we had a deal, but clearly, I was mistaken.

I strolled over to the nightstand and grabbed my phone, dialing Sophia's number. Naturally, it went straight to voicemail. I left her a no-nonsense message, letting her know that her customer needed to cough up what he owed or I'd have to take matters into my own hands.

With a sigh, I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache brewing. This was not the way I wanted to kick off my day. I had bills to pay and a business to run, and I sure as heck couldn't be chasing down clients who thought they could skip out on their tab.

Just then, my phone buzzed to life. It was Sophy calling. "Hey, girl! What's going on?" she chimed, her upbeat tone a refreshing break from my mounting frustration.

"Not much," I responded, attempting to mask my irritation. "Just handling a tough client."

"Girl, it's already past 8," Sophia reminded me. "You don't want to be late and risk losing your job at the coffee shop." I glanced at the clock and let out a resigned sigh as I slowly rose from the couch, my legs stretching out on the floor. "Yeah, I appreciate the heads-up. I'll get ready and meet you at the reception."

I trudged to the bathroom to prepare for the day, still simmering over my issues with Mr. Xander. But I knew I had to set that aside for now and concentrate on my shift at the coffee shop. At least I had Sophy to talk to and a way to distract myself from my troubles.

As I prepped for work, my thoughts kept drifting back to Mr. Xander and the money he owed me. It was infuriating that he had stiffed me again, and I was beginning to feel like I'd never see that payment. I sighed, pushing those thoughts away and focusing on what needed to be done.

When I finally arrived at the coffee shop, Lisa was already there, sharing a latte with our coworker, Alex. I joined them, and we chatted about our weekends and what we had planned for the week ahead.

"As the morning rush picked up, I found my focus sharpening, but my phone rang twice, and I couldn't pick it up. Sophy's name flashed on the caller ID, but I chose to ignore it, prioritizing my customers instead. The persistent buzzing of my phone was a nagging distraction, but I pushed it aside and concentrated on my work."

I shuffled over to the counter, shoving the towel into my apron, my legs already screaming from the morning rush. I peered out at the lively cafe, where folks were still queuing up for their drinks. "Phew..." I let out a sigh before punching in Sophia's number. "Hey, Soph," I said, brushing off my coffee-splattered apron while I waited for her to pick up.

"Hey, girl! What's going on?" Sophia's bubbly voice chirped from the other end. "Not much, just trying to get through this wild morning," I said, rolling my eyes like a pro.

"Totally get it," Sophia said sympathetically. "So, any news on the Mr. Xander drama?"

I paused, debating how much to spill. But Sophia was my bestie, and I could trust her with anything. "Well, I got a strange text earlier," I said, lowering my voice like it was a secret. "Someone wants to meet me at the park at 1 p.m. and says they want to book me for a night before dawn."

Sophia's tone shifted to serious mode. "That sounds fishy. Do you think it's a setup?" I shrugged, even though she couldn't see me. "I'm not sure, but I'm going anyway. I need cash to get by, girl."

"I need coffee," a grumpy voice interrupted my thoughts. I quickly shot a glare at the customer, my eyes narrowing like a hawk. "Isla, are you there? Isla?" Sophia's voice kept coming through the phone, but my shock and distraction made it hard to focus.

"Isla, are you there?" Sophia asked again, this time sounding a bit worried. I shook my head, trying to shake off the fuzziness. "Yeah, Soph, I'm here," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

The customer stepped closer, his gaze locked on me with an unsettling intensity. "I need coffee," he repeated, his voice low and rough.

I hesitated, my heart pounding like a drum. Something about this guy felt off. "Uh, okay," I stuttered, trying to keep my composure. "What can I get for you?" But then it hit me. "Xander!" The name burst out of my mouth, and I quickly lifted my eyes to meet his.

"You again?!" he sneered, his tone laced with venom. But I was faster.

I charged ahead, the cup of coffee shaking in my grip, and splashed its searing liquid all over his pricey blazer. "Yep, it's me again!"

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.