“I know you love her Ari, but you’re too damn good to her and she takes full fucking advantage of that love. You know I’m right. How could you not? It makes me so sad to see you do everythingfor her and get fuck all back for it. And the way she talks to you? The way she hasalwaystalked to you? I wouldn’t be surprised if she only tells you she loves you just to hear you say it back. It’s not how a mother should treat her daughter. Do what you have to for her, but you need to make some fucking time for yourself too.”
Damn.
“Say you’ll come with me, please,” she insists. “I’ll make it worth your while.”
“Oh? How will you do that?”
“I don’t know yet, but hopefully the night will end in us both getting laid, in the kinkiest of ways.” I can’t see her, but I know she just winked suggestively at me and I can’t help but give in to her. She’s impossible but I do know I need to get out and have some real fun.
“Fine. But he better be hotter than hot and willing to put out. Bonus points if he pulls my hair.”
“Eeeek. You are the fucking best! I love your slutty fucking face so fucking much. I’m going to kiss your whore mouth when I see you!” she squeals. “I’ll come to your place Saturday at seven and we’ll get ready. We’re going to meet the guys at the club at nine. Oh my gods, this is so fucking exciting! I hope he ties me up and does fucked up shit to me!”
We hang up just as I arrive at my apartment. I kick off my shoes just inside the door and lock it behind me. Looking around at the mess I haven’t had time to clean up, I let out a sigh. It’s a problem for another day.
My kitchen, living and dining rooms are all technicallyoneroom, leaving just my bedroom and bathroom off a short hallway. It’s small and I don’t live in the safest of neighborhoods, but it’s home for now. Besides, the rent is low and it’s all I can afford as a waitress that relies on tips.
All I want to do right now is get myself off and take a nap and shower. Not necessarily in that order. I pull off the few pieces of clothing on my body, littering them on the floor as I make my way to the bed for a much needed nap. Before I can even consider giving myself that much needed orgasm, I’m asleep.
2
Arabella
It took way too long for me to shower and I almost ended up late for work. The keyword being–almost. Unfortunately, I’ve had to call off work, usually for mom related things like doctor appointments, more than I’m sure my boss is thrilled with. But I'm never late and when I’m here, I’m the best server he has. One of these days, I’ll finally enroll in school and stop living paycheck to paycheck. But today, I need this job.
“Arabella, I was worried you weren’t going to make it. It’s getting busy out there,” my boss, Martin, rushes up to me, sweating and out of breath like he’s just run a marathon. He’s short and stocky, but the man never stops.
“C’mon Martin. You know I’d never do that to you,” I reassure him with a light pat on the shoulder after tossing as much of my hair as I can, into a tight bun.
“You’re right, forgive me. Penny is out there and you know as well as I do, she’s not the best at this job. She stresses me out.” I have to laugh, because he’s not wrong. Penny is terrible. The only reason she’s even here is because Martin owed her dada favor and that turned into giving his precious princess a job. Blech.
“There’s nothing to forgive. Where do you need me?”
“Can you cover section one? There’s a table waiting for you already.” He points to table six, in the corner.
I tie my apron around my waist, click my pen and scribble swirl on the back of my notepad. Thank goodness. It’s never a good sign when you start off your shift with a pen that doesn’t work.
“You got it, boss.” Table six, here I come.
“Welcome to Martin’s Bistro. My name is Arabella and I’ll be taking care of you today. Can I start you off with something to drink while you look at the menu?”
My next six hours are spent running like crazy and serving strangers until my feet feel like they’re about to fall off. Non-stop customers until we closed. Thankfully, I can practically do this job with my eyes closed, because I caught myself numerous times daydreaming about a different life. One where I don’t have to be responsible for everything and everyone. Where I can let go of all this tension and just be a young, irresponsible twenty-three-year-old. Where the weight that pulls me down is lifted from my shoulders and I’m free to actually live a little.
I’m startled from my thoughts, when a glass shatters and Martin hurries up to me with a concerned look etched on his face. “Arabella, are you okay? What happened?” Shit. I was doing it again.
“I’m so sorry Martin. It just slipped from my fingers,” I lie. I totally wasn’t paying attention. I need to either get laid for real or engage in some stellar self-care before I hurt myself. Lately, sex and orgasms have been my only escape from reality, but I can’t help but wonder if Wrinley is on to something with this kinky double date. Maybe a change of scenery is exactly the distraction I need.
“Go home, Arabella. I’ll finish up.” Martin insists while cautiously grabbing another glass from my hands.
“Are you sure?”
“I insist. You worked your ass off today. Get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow.” I nod, grateful for the reprieve and head home so I can do it all again the next day.
By the time Saturday finally rolls around, I’m getting excited to go out and have some fun, but there’s still a lot I need to do. My stomach roils knowing I still have to stop by mom’s. Her previous injuries have taken their toll on her, both physically and mentally, but as much as it’s affected her, it’s also taken a toll on my overall mental health over the years. It’s depressing, a lot for one person to manage and I need some help.
Shifting back and forth on my feet, I grab my phone and press dial. I don’t even know if he’ll answer, but I have to try.
“Hey little sis. What’s up?” Axel answers at the very last second.
