Just as my thoughts were a mumble jumble in my mind, my phone started vibrating. Kat’s name was on the screen, and I knew why she was calling. It was late so she probably thought that I was no longer working at the office. I glanced over at Reiner who was busy staring at his computer screen. It wouldn’t kill anyone if I answered this call. Silently, I got up from my seat and exited Reiner’s office.
“Hi Kat…” I said through the phone.
“Where are you? Is everything, ok? You’re not sick, are you?” Kat fired her questions at me in rapid succession.
I knew she was worried because I haven’t turn up to work since last week.
“I’m fine…umm…things are just busy at work…” I replied, it technically wasn’t a lie.
“Oh…but you’re coming back to work soon, right? This weekend is going to be so busy, and I miss having you around,” Kat asked.
“I…I’ll see if I can make it…” I replied, afraid to commit to anything at that point.
“You better make it. It’s so weird without you around and being understaff isn’t cool…” Kat complained.
“I know. I’ll try my best to be there, ok?” I said as I tried my best to reassure her.
“Ok…ok…” Kat said but I could tell that she wasn’t convinced.
“I gotta go. I’ll text you later…” I said apologetically.
“Ok, bye!” Kat replied before she hung up.
I removed my phone from my ear before a huge sigh escaped my lips as I stared at the screen. How much longer can I evade talking about this with Reiner?
“Where do you have to go?”
I turned just in time to see Reiner closing the door of his office behind him. Great, he overheard me. I closed my eyes briefly when I realized that I might as well just tell him the truth. It would save me the trouble of trying to find a way to bring this topic up later on as well.
“The thing is…Kat’s been asking when I can return to work at the bar. So, I was wondering if…” I said hesitantly before the cold look in Reiner’s eyes killed off all of my remaining words.
I guess that’s a big fat ‘NO’ for you, Natalia…
“We’re married now, and you’ve moved in to live with me. There’s no need for you to work a second job at the bar anymore. You should just quit,” Reiner said matter-of-factly.
Although I had expected that Reiner would say something like this, I was still disappointed and saddened. The worst part was that I knew that Reiner was probably right. When I started my job at the bar, it was to make ends meet because I didn’t have any money and I couldn’t keep on leeching off Queen and her sympathies forever. However, things are different now.
“I know that you’re right, R…but I really enjoy working there. Even if the work is tough and late at night but I’ve made really good friends there, you know? They’re like family to me…” I said in a small voice as I tried to make my case.
Reiner listened patiently to me, and I could tell that he wanted to be sympathetic.
“I understand how you feel…” Reiner said, his voice gentle.
“Then…” I whispered hopefully.
“I’m sorry but I can’t allow you to do that. I think you should move on with your life. Concentrate more on your career here or if you want a career elsewhere, we can also discuss that,” Reiner said logically.
I knew that what he said made a lot of sense. Unfortunately, although work at the bar was fun, there wasn’t really a career path attached to it and I wasn’t utilizing the skills that I had spent so much time to study and learn. However…
“I’m just worried about the work and my colleagues at the bar. If I’m not there, they’ll be so understaffed when it gets busy especially during the weekends…” I continued to argue my case.
“You’re just a waitress, Natalia. I know you like the job, but the bar owner can easily find someone else to replace you,” Reiner pointed out quite bluntly.
“I know that…but still…” I mumbled before glancing down at the floor.
Of course, I knew that I was easily replaceable. Jamie could easily hire another girl to work as a waitress instead of me. However, I really enjoyed my work there and I wanted to see my friends and colleagues.
“Is it just the work or are you worried about not meeting a certain someone?” Reiner asked and I could feel his eyes on my face.
I knew from the way that his blue eyes were looking at me that that ‘certain someone’ that he was referring to isn’t my dear friend Kat.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about…” I muttered darkly.
I could still recall the day that Reiner ran into Charles when we were walking to his car. That was a mess to say the least. Suddenly, I felt very annoyed and irritated. His words really got to me and I realized that I hated that he doubted me. On top of that, I didn’t like it that he would refer to Charles that way.
“We’re married now so that makes you, my wife. I won’t have you serving drinks to other men,” Reiner said decisively.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what I should be feeling. I’ve been with Reiner long enough now to notice that he’s got a very possessive streak. Sometimes, I admitted that I found that trait in him very adorable. However, at times like these, it was just too much for me to handle.
What about just for now when they haven’t found a new replacement? Shouldn’t it be ok for me to go out to help them out?
“I understand that, but can I please go help them out until they find someone new to replace me?” I asked pleadingly, not wanting to get into an argument with him over this.
–To be continued…