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.

I drive my car to the coffee shop where my next visit is. I’m already late. I am

sugar wafting in the entire place as I enter. The tables are

apron—her hair tied in a neat bun, makeup-free face, and a hint of lip gloss on her healing lips. Jane Doe is wearing a light pink shirt, skinny

woman that I thought about frequently has a tray on her hand with a cup

Fuck!

She’s working in my coffee shop and doesn’t have any idea about

noticed me yet.

a name Sam. Then she stops

She ignores the big tits woman and walks toward my direction, and the

Hot!

Fuck!

down to my jeans.

The sound of the tray, cup, and saucer echoes in the entire place that catches everyone’s attention. She’s babbling and says something that Mr. Williams

to her innocent touch. Shit again! She notices my bulging pants. I clench my jaw, grit my teeth, and breathe deeply to calm myself.

the manager Daniel Chase comes rushing to us, she stops cleaning, then she looks at me wearing a shock looked on her face. She’s more beautiful in

want to kiss away those worries and pain away. Daniel is pissed at her, but I’m more pissed when he grabs her tiny arm to

was just harassed by her ex, and now he’s hurting her. Even as big as he is, I can surely knock

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

nods in

little Bossier, then I

looks at

her apron,” I order and look at

delicately like honey. I smile at her to assure

I follow

lets me sit on the chair

she’s been working here?” I don’t know why I even ask, but he looks surprised by my

waitresses, but she’s only working as a part-time though because she’s still in college with some girls who also work

glumly. “Do you always grab them by the arm when they did mistakes or just Samantha?”

to me, and it was her first time to get into an accident with a customer. I apologize for my behavior earlier.”

apologize to me, Chase. Apologize to Samantha. She looks terrified back there, and it’s not good

right, and I

Now tell me about

the meeting. Daniel Chase is actually good at what he’s doing even though my blood is

the

I ask the waitress

went through the back of exit. Her shift

name Amy on it. “Wait a sec. Did she

“Not yet. Her ex came and wanted to

narrow my eyes. “And you let her go there alone to talk to

I just burst out my anger on

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

I groan. “Where?”

points to the kitchen.

break every bone in his body. One more touch on her again, he will regret the day he’s born. I hear footsteps coming, and

I see red when

him away from her. His eyes widen in shock

Sam gasps beside me.

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

“Y-yes.”

I don’t release his shirt, yet. “Apologize!”

his shirt stronger that

“I-m s-sorry, Sam.”