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.

next visit is. I’m already late. I am surprised to

as I enter. The tables are almost full, and the waitstaff is busy. Nobody notices me

in a black 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

on her hand with a cup

Fuck!

shop and doesn’t

hasn’t noticed me yet.

name Sam. Then she stops and looks at her.

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

Hot!

Fuck!

content spills on my shirt down to my jeans. Hot coffee. Shit!

echoes in the entire place that catches everyone’s attention. She’s babbling

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

a shock looked on her face. She’s more beautiful in broad daylight—her gorgeous blue eyes glimmer with pain

and pain away. Daniel is pissed at her, but I’m more pissed when he grabs her

by her ex, and now he’s hurting

do me any harm.

in

her a little Bossier, then I face Daniel again.

looks at

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

honey. I smile at

nods, I follow Daniel

the chair in front of

I don’t know why I even ask, but

the hard-working waitresses, but she’s only working as a part-time though because she’s

“Do you always grab them by the arm when

was her first time

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

“You’re right, and I will, Mr. Williams.”

about this coffee shop.”

Chase is actually good at what he’s doing even though

of his office and scan the place.

the waitress with big tits.

back of exit. Her shift is

apron has the name Amy on it. “Wait a sec. Did she go home?” The panic in my voice is obvious, making Amy

ex came and wanted to talk to her.”

go there

out my anger on her? Poor Amy.

to him alone. She said she

groan.

She points to the

are, in an intense conversation, and I want to break every bone in his body. One more touch on her again, he will regret the day he’s born. I

when he grabs Samantha’s arm.

push him away from her. His eyes widen in shock

beside me.

last time 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

“Y-yes.”

don’t release his shirt, yet.

He hesitates, and I grab his shirt stronger that might rip

“I-m s-sorry, Sam.”