Chapter 1 - Ivy

In a sea of many people, Ivy keeps her head down and her hood up. It's another day and another late-night shift. She doesn't want to get fired from this job as the pay is too easy and the tips are great. It's a pity about the customers though, they are all extremely rich and look down on waiting staff like her. They were the type that Ivy hates the most and one of the reasons she had abandoned that life over two years ago.

It takes her half an hour to walk from her apartment to the restaurant, seeing as her bike is at the mechanics, she will have to get soaked by the rain till she can afford to pay to get it fixed.

Ivy arrived and walked past the red-carpeted front door and she detours to the back alley. She struts in with her head high and the sway of her hips, smiling at her co-workers.

"Hey, boss."

"Ivy, your late again. Quickly get changed. Some big guests in tonight so leave a button or two open."

"Yes, boss."

You know I wouldn't be late if you didn't change my shifts start time without telling me she thought. Ivy bit her tongue and chose not to say those words out loud.

She was not sure who the real boss was, as the waiters will never meet them. This guy just likes the power so gets everyone to call him boss. He gets a bit hands-on with most of the waitresses, if he tries that crap on Ivy though she would break his hands for him.

Ivy gets changed, the uniform is a tight black skirt with a split, heels and a white shirt. It's low cut so she added a red neck scarf to cover her ample chest. Ivy puts on her apron and ties her long wavy black hair up in a high ponytail.

Checking her eyeliner and adding more lipstick she's good to go. Her tips are good at this place, but she doesn't do the things the other waitresses do for the extra cash. Not her style, that's probably why they don't get along with her, she keeps to herself anyway, apart from Pierce.

Ivy went out on to the floor making her way to the kitchen.

"Hey Pierce, where's this going?".

Ivy pointed to the food and looked up at one of her best friends: Pierce. He got her this job and he is an amazing chef. If he can he will cook for her when the kitchen isn't that busy. He has short blonde hair, brown eyes and he's very handsome. Any girl would be lucky to have him, but he is not Ivy's type. She has known him all her life. He's more like a handsome older brother.

"Ivy take this to private room number seven. Big CEO, which means good tips. Don't waste my culinary efforts, smile and make some money for yourself too... Oh and don't spill anything on them."

Ivy laughed and winked at Pierce he knows her personality all too well. She has been known to take revenge on the snobby rich types when they get too arrogant with her. Ivy carried the food through the many tables of rich celebrities. They are good money tables but you want a private room where there are the CEO'S, billionaires and Tycoons. Let's see who's in private room seven she thought.

Private room seven

"CEO Adler, please drink this. We are very happy to cooperate with your company, really it is our honour."

The man being offered the drink sneers at the weak manager of Ace Technology. He's a small fish to this man. He doesn't allow anyone to touch him or his glass, he has a king-like aura that forbid others from getting too close. As he has mysophobia he hates germs and it always ends badly for anyone who tries's to enter his personal space.

"Aiden". The man's deep cello voice fills the room, his eyes were dark pools of immeasurable depth, pools you could drown yourself in and never again come up for air.

"Yes, boss".

His secretary Aiden takes away the glass and brings him a new one refilled.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry my mistake. Maybe my daughter can pour your glass to celebrate."

The Ace Technology manager Mr Fu brought his wife and daughter along, this was a setup. He didn't like to be set up or have woman's lecherous eyes on him. This woman had long straight blonde hair and a very low cut red dress. She leaned over more so he could see her assets up close.

As he was about to get up to leave when the door opened and in walks a petite girl with long black wavy hair tied up in a long and sleek ponytail, which cascaded down her back in mermaid waves.

Her outfit is too revealing but he had noticed it was the staff uniform and it irks him. He saw her smile, her smile could wash away a thousand doubts as soon as light up a room he thought. 

She then bows before putting everyone's food down. He saw she used tissue for each plate so she had no contact with it. She must think he's like every other CEO trading women for deals. How wrong is she? She bows and turns to leave and his heart twinges. But Mr Fu's daughter calls her.

"Waitress I don't like sauce on my food, I asked for it on the side and my steak is still rare it could moo at me".

She had a wicked smile hidden but he saw it he would start wars and burn cities for that true smile, elastic and amiable. Wondering what she would do next he stayed seated. If it where him he would remove her tongue for the insult and for being rude.

"I'm sorry, I'll take that away for you".

She took the plate, was that it?

"Do you think you can just apologise are you trying to ruin this meal".

"No, but if you continue shouting you will ruin people's appetites".

"You, call your manager here right now. Do you know who this man is, who I am. I can have you fired but he can make you leave this City".

"Enough, give her the plate back. Its exactly as she ordered. I hate people who waste my time and food".

She put the plate back down and winked at him, his lips curved slightly, he enjoyed her mesmerizing eyes on his.

He had had enough and couldn't bear to hear Mr Fu's daughter speak to her in a derogatory fashion any longer.

"If that'll be all."

Then she walked out, the graceful sway of her hips made his mouth dry and he licked his lips. He didn't want her to leave but he didn't understand why he felt that way.