Teasing Phoenix

PHOENIX

I yawn, rub my eyes with the back of my thumb, then close my laptop after reading the email from the manager of the coffee shop I recently bought.

I can’t help but think about the parking lot girl—her eyes, her laugh, and the way she jumped when she finally guessed the right name. It just...she makes me smile. I know one day, there’s a possibility of crossing our path again. This town is not that big, but the question is when?

I wake up just when my alarm goes off. After my breakfast, I shower, then I wear a shirt and jeans to look more casual. I will check first the restaurant since the night club will open at night.

It’s almost eleven when I get out of the restaurant, and everything is under control.

I answer the call from Mom when I get inside the car. “Mom, how are you? Did you take your meds on time?”

“Oh, honey, I’m good. Don’t worry about me. How about you? How’s your business?” She sounds relaxed.

After the divorce, Mom was diagnosed with Acute coronary syndrome. She’s on regular meds, diet, and monthly appointments.

“I’m doing great, and business is good. Aren’t you planning on coming to see me?”

She doesn’t like this place after the divorce had been finalized. She never remarries. Unlike dad, who met women and having a fair share of mistresses.

“You know the reason why, but since your dad passed away, I might think of revisiting that place. So much about me, I heard from Hawk that you met someone. Tell me about her, honey.”

I slump my head back against the seat. I’ll kick his ass. “I didn’t meet anyone, mom. It was just a short conversation. I shouldn’t have mentioned it to him.”

Mom laughs. I never introduce any woman to her—even my college girlfriend.

“Well, you know Hawk. He’ll tell me everything about you. You really should date and get married, honey. I’m not getting any younger anymore. I want to see my grandchildren before I’ll die.”

I don’t like the idea of dying. Dad just passed away a few months ago. I love my mother so much, and I will do everything if I can just extend her life.

“No more talking about dying. Why not ask Hawk for grandchildren? He has a wife, and I can’t just impregnate any woman you know that.” I sigh. This conversation is getting nowhere.

“Oh, honey, I’m not worried about Hawk. His life is stable. You, on the other hand, have everything except a woman to warm your bed at night. I don’t like the idea of you just banging around, Alexander Phoenix. It’s time to move on and date, and have a girlfriend.”

I groan, “Seriously? Is this really the reason why you’re calling me? To lecture me about banging women. Christ, mom! if I meet someone I like, I’ll let you know. I want you to be proud of me and be happy for me.” I run my fingers through my hair in frustration.

“You know that I’m proud of you, and I’m happy with your business, but you can’t stop me from worrying about your future—like when are you going to settle down and have a family.” I can hear the disappointment in her voice, but I can’t blame her though because life is too short, and even my father died at only sixty.

“Can you give me a break? I’m not forty. I’m twenty-six, and I still have so much time to meet and date someone.” Yeah, contrary to what I have in mind, but it’s the only way to stop my mother from dragging me to this issue.

“That’s what I’m worried about. I would die first before you would date and have a girlfriend. Just like what you said, you’re only twenty-six and you still have so much time.”

Honestly, I’m getting pissed. I bite my lower lip. Suddenly, I remember the parking lot girl. Jesus!

“Mom, I’m already late. I really have to go to see the shop. We’ll talk about this next time. Take care, okay?”

“We’re far from done, Alexander Phoenix. I love you.” I can still feel her disappointment, and it fucking hurts.

“I love you, too. Bye, Mom.”

I feel guilty. I always did everything she wanted me to do except this relationship thing. My parents didn’t have a good marriage and ended up divorced. I don’t want to be like them when I settle down.

I broke my heart once, and I don’t like breaking it again.

am surprised to see the parking lot that I almost don’t have a space to

vanilla, and sugar wafting in the entire place as I enter. The tables are almost full, and the waitstaff

makeup-free face, and a hint of lip gloss on

on her hand with a cup

Fuck!

my coffee shop and doesn’t have any idea about me?

noticed me yet.

Sam.

She ignores the big tits woman and walks toward

Hot!

Fuck!

down to my

place that catches everyone’s attention. She’s babbling

cock is happily reacting to her innocent touch. Shit again! She notices my bulging pants. I clench my jaw, grit my

to us, she stops cleaning, then she looks at me wearing a shock looked on

I’m more

he’s hurting her. Even as big as he is,

that didn’t do me any harm. Let’s talk in your

in

Samantha,” I tell her a little Bossier, then I face Daniel again. “Ask

He looks at Sam.

change her apron,” I order and look at her again who still looks terrified. “I’ll talk to you later,

on my tongue—it rolls delicately like honey. I smile at her

she nods, I follow Daniel to his office.

chair in front of his desk.

I don’t know why I even ask, but he

“Two years. She’s one of the hard-working waitresses, but she’s only working as a part-time though because she’s

by the arm

Williams. She’s like a sister to me, and it was her first time to get into an accident with a customer. I apologize

me, Chase. Apologize to Samantha. She looks terrified back there, and it’s not good to scare someone in front of

right, and I

Now tell me about this coffee shop.”

he’s doing even though my blood is still boiling to what he did to Samantha. He does

I get out of his office and scan the place. Samantha is nowhere to be found.

the waitress with

me. “Mr. Williams, she went through the back of exit. Her shift is over thirty

Did she go home?” The panic in my voice is obvious,

“Not yet. Her ex came and wanted to talk

there

Shit! Did I just burst out my anger on

“Um, she insisted on talking to him alone. She said she can handle him.”

groan. “Where?”

She points to the kitchen.

there they are, in an intense conversation, and I want to break every bone in

when he

away from her. His eyes

Sam gasps beside

you ever going to touch her! You, motherfucker hurt her more than once, and I wouldn’t dare do that if I were you. If I ever see you get near her, or I heard that you talk to her again, I will fucking find you and kill you myself!” My fist is already trembling and wanting to punch him, and it takes all my courage to control myself for the sake of Samantha.

“Y-yes.”

don’t release his shirt, yet.

I grab his shirt stronger that might rip

“I-m s-sorry, Sam.”