The Drazen World: Run (Kindle Worlds Novella) Read online

  As I walk into the Hotel K, another waitress, Kiki, catches up with me and brings me up to speed. Apparently Freddie is on probation for firing Monica and treating her the way he did. Lesson learned—you do not fuck with Jonathan Drazen or his employees. I’ve always wondered how Freddie got hired. I guess he does have some redeeming qualities as a manager, but he’s still a sleezebag.

  As I sling drinks for the socialites of the evening, I remember that all of this is a means to an end. The end of drama in my life. The end of school. The end of my chaotic past. I sure as hell hope it doesn’t catch up with me. I hope to god he wasn’t following me earlier. Maybe he does know where I live. If he wants to fuck with my life so I can’t move on, he could do it. The threat is always there.

  Chapter 4

  I’ve got my heels kicked up on the couch the next morning, my laptop open and coffee in hand as I try to get some research done. Aaron is dancing on the floor next to me while banging on his little yellow bus that plays “The Wheels on the Bus.” For a moment, I stop what I am doing and just watch him. This last year has gone so fast, and I can’t believe how quickly he’s growing and learning. He is so beautiful. My hand instinctively rubs my belly where he once was.

  “Matthew, I’m pregnant.”

  His eyes twinkle. “You’re what?”

  “Pregnant. There’s a baby…” I watch his expression change with each second that passes. “Our baby.”

  “Our baby?” he whispers. His face spreads into a smile.

  “Yeah. I can’t believe it. I’m happy, but you know, school.”

  He lowers his head and lays it upon my stomach. “Aww, Eve, I’m so happy. I love you.”

  We were happy. It was supposed to be Matthew and me against the world. We had been together so long and knew each other so well—or so I thought. I’m not sure how it went all wrong. It went so terribly wrong. Dread and regret from those memories now linger in the air of my apartment, but my thoughts are interrupted by my phone ringing.

  My boss, Freddie, is calling with a job for today. Apparently Jonathan Drazen’s girlfriend just lost her best friend, and they need help at the wake. It pays double time and I could use the money, so I’m in. I just have to drop everything and find a sitter for Aaron.

  Mia is busy today, so I text the sweet teenager who lives with her dad down the block. Luckily, Bea’s available, so I jump in the shower to get ready. I’m not exactly sure what you’re supposed to wear when working at a wake, so I throw a few things in my bag just in case.

  Bea shows up an hour later, and after I fill her in with the details of Aaron’s schedule, I’m out the door. I drive in silence, not even turning on my audiobook as those memories of my not-so-distant past with my ex-fiancé rush through my mind. Tears swell in my eyes as the pain and sadness burn through my heart. Sometimes it seems our history together was so long ago and that makes it easier to forget, but it was actually quite recently that we were in the middle of the worst time of my life.

  Approaching the Echo Park address Freddie gave me, I realize I’ve never been to this neighborhood before, and I’ve heard it’s not the safest. Luckily, the pepper spray I bought when I moved here is still attached to my keychain. I seriously had no idea what to expect moving to such a big city, but I’m thankful I haven’t had to use it yet. Up ahead, I spot the driveway filled with catering trucks and people trimming bushes, planting flowers, and mowing the lawn.

  I step onto the front porch and see a tall Asian woman wearing a mandarin-collared, embroidered shirt and black trousers. She walks up to me and introduces herself as Debbie. She smiles confidently and holds up a black-and-white catering uniform next to me, eyeing me to see if it would fit. We agree that it’s in my size, so she sends me into the house to change.

  When I come out of the bathroom, I’m swept up in the busy energy of the room. Debbie tasks me with filling crystal water pitchers and lining up small crystal glasses on a serving table. The furniture and a piano are moved aside, and tables with chafing dishes line the perimeter of the combined living and dining room. I slip my phone into my apron. When Aaron is with anyone but me, I always check in for emergencies. Experience has taught me that I need to always be ready. Some shit could happen any moment, and it will. It’s just a matter of time.

  I turn around to resume my duties with the crystal setup, and I see Monica. I haven’t seen her since she got fired from Hotel K, and honestly, she doesn’t look good. Her eyes are red, and she looks exhausted. I wonder if she’s having a hard time finding a job. Poor girl.

  “Whoa! Monica!” I smile and kiss her cheek. “You working this gig? Double time!”

  Monica just looks at me, and there’s suddenly a dead space between us. “I live here.”

  I open my mouth, then snap it shut, cocking my head to the side. “Girl, they said it was Drazen’s girlfriend.” My eyes go wide. “Oh, hey! I saw a picture on TMZ from that art show. I thought maybe that was you.”

  Debbie calls from the kitchen, “Hello! Let’s keep it moving.”

  “Later. I’ll explain,” Monica whispers.

  “I want details,” I say. “And I’m so sorry for your loss.”

  Jonathan appears, taking over the room as usual. He comes over and shakes my hand, thanking me for helping out today. As he greets Monica, I can’t help but notice how they are together. Always touching and standing near each other, sharing stolen glances as if no one else is in the room. I’m thrilled for her because he is quite the catch.

  In between my trips outside to the catering trucks, I sneak glimpses of their interactions. She leans into him as she greets visitors passing along their sympathies. He’s always behind her, stroking her back through her sweater. And that kiss? Swoon worthy for sure.

  As the crowd starts to clear out, hugs and promises of staying in touch ensue, and I feel as though someone is looking at me. I’m working, so I assume someone needs another glass of punch or a crab cake, but I turn around and see very blue eyes focused on my ass.

  Okay, what the hell? I’m not even on the rooftop today. There must be something about me in an apron that says “look at my ass.” I shake my head at that thought, my hands on my hips, while I wait for his eyes to make it to mine.

  Eventually he makes eye contact, and his gaze changes. We stare at each other for a moment, the air between us suddenly thick with live energy. I break eye contact and imagine nibbling across his chiseled jawline, down his tan neck, and over those broad shoulders. He’s about six feet tall with a sexy solid frame and straight dirty-blond hair. His long fingers hold a glass of some smoky-colored liquid and I completely lose my train of thought as I wonder how exactly those fingers would feel on my…

  Eve, focus here. I finally find the words to ask, “Can I help you with something?”

  “Yes, please. I need you.” He inhales as he focuses directly on my lips.

  “What?” I’m not sure what he means, but I want it to mean something. “What can I help you with?”

  He squints, coming back into the moment, and shakes his head, saying, “Um, yeah. I need you”—his other hand goes to his forehead and runs through his hair—“to help me find Monica. Please. I’m looking for Monica.”

  My mouth is suddenly dry and I can’t find any words again. His steel-blue eyes are focused so intently on my mouth that I feel warmth spread somewhere around my breasts. Or maybe it’s my feet. I can’t tell right now with the heavy air still between us.

  “Y-yeah, she’s here somewhere.”

  She comes around the corner and spots him. They exchange a handshake and a hug before I realize I’m still staring.

  Monica turns to me. “Sam, this is Yvonne. We used to work together at Hotel K. Yvonne, Sam is my new boss. He owns the Stock Hotel where I work now. He and Jonathan went to Stanford together.”

  Sam and I exchange a knowing grin and clear our throats as though we now have a sexy secret between us and Monica doesn’t know it.

  “Hi. Nice to meet you.” Sam offers me
his hand. “Thanks for your help, Yvonne.”

  “Nice to meet you too. Anytime, Sam.” I bite my lip because his hand is soft but rough around the edges, and that sensation sends a bolt of heat through me. I turn on my heel to finish clearing the table before anyone can see my obvious blushing.

  What the hell is wrong with me? My cheeks are flushed, and I feel warm. A pang of guilt runs through me when I remember I’m at a funeral.

  Clean, Eve. Clean and get out before you embarrass yourself.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jonathan, Sam, and Debbie whispering and exchanging knowing glances. I wonder how they know each other.

  As soon as the last guest leaves, it’s as if the rest of the help pours out of the woodwork to return the house to its original state. After I change clothes, I watch Debbie oversee their efforts in such a quiet, controlled way. It’s really impressive how she seems to have everyone in the palm of her hand. All the dishes and glasses are packed up, and the tables and chafing dishes are loaded into the back of a catering van. Furniture finds its home again, then the crowd of help seems to evaporate from the room as though they were never there.

  When I hand Debbie my uniform, she thanks me by putting her hand on my arm and squeezing, looking at Sam. I see them exchange that same glance I saw earlier, but as soon as I contemplate asking her about it, she’s on the move again.

  It’s my turn to leave, but as a friend, it feels wrong to leave Monica in this state. When I offer to stay, she insists she’s fine, so we hug and plan a coffee date.

  Walking out to my car, I feel eyes on me again. I stop to look back, and he nods with a smile. Sam. Damn, he’s fine. Slowly, we walk in different directions with our eyes focused on each other. I’m tempted to talk to him again, but hooking up at a funeral is probably not a good idea.

  Chapter 5

  Music is pulsing through my veins as I bounce over to the service bar, actually enjoying the last of my shift. Hunger rumbles in my belly while I close out my last table of six, who have probably tried every drink that our mixologists at the whiskey bar offer. People come from all over for our whiskey bar because my boss, Mr. Drazen, is quite the connoisseur and has a sophisticated selection. Those are my favorite tables, because they drink and smoke cigars for hours, then leave behind the best tips.

  No matter how busy this night has been, those blue eyes keep popping into my mind. The heat from his stare lingers, and I recall those moments with him that gave me that burn low in my bellyI haven’t felt in a long time. It’s been a long time since I even gave a man a second thought, but I can’t seem to get Sam out of my mind.

  The crowd is thinning out and a feeling of calm is setting in here, but I know much of the nightlife in the rest of this city is just getting started. I’m the first server off the floor every night so I can get home to my boy. My last duty is scrubbing a few nearby tables.

  Mr. Drazen is seated at the bar while I close out my last ticket, sharing with me his latest real estate endeavor in Korea. He’s usually up in his office when he’s in town, but it’s nice when he comes down here to mingle with the staff.

  After all my swooning over the blue-eyed god,I’ll be hot damned if he doesn’t come walking in the door with skin burnished brown from the sun. The joyful look on his face matches his laid-back stride and intense eyes. My heart leaps to my throat as I watch him search the room until he finds Mr. Drazen at the bar.

  I’m walking back to the nearby service bar to rewet the washcloth, and I secretly watch him have a seat and order a drink. He hasn’t seen me yet, so I can take my time and really look at his shape and the lines of his beautifully sculpted body showing through his oxford shirt and the suit pants hanging perfectly from his hips and ass. I watch his eyes scan the sparsely populated room until his eyes meet mine. We exchange a few heated glances as I continue working, trying not to be pulled in by the vortex of energy between us. From what I can tell, his conversation with Mr. Drazen is intense, their voices low, making it clear they know each other well.

  Meanwhile, I endure a brief internal dialogue regarding my next move, pondering whether I should escape out the back door and run back to the safety of home or come face to face with the man who has been intruding upon my thoughts for the last several hours. I definitely feel compelled to greet Sam before I leave for the night.

  Mr. Drazen gets up, and I try to collect myself as I walk over there. I don’t even know why. It’s not as though I should be dating or initiating anything, but I can’t seem to stop walking.

  His eyes are focused on me, pulling me over with that deep blue stare.“Yvonne.”He holds out his hand.“Nice to see you again.”

  “Likewise, Sam.”I smile.“You can call me Eve. Eve Wilson.”

  We shake hands. His hand is strong and warm and seems to invite me into his circle of personal space. I could feel at home there with his hands on my back and his arms around me.

  “Sam Traulich. I was hoping we would run into each other again.”His smile is warm but also intense, like he wants to talk but his mouth is captive to an unknown force between us.

  I take exactly one second to imagine the scenario of us together. His warm, strong hands on me in every way…

  Before I have a chance to react, everything falls out of my hands. Seriously, my tray, my cleaning supplies, everything crashes to the floor with a thwack.

  “I work here,”I squeak as I bend over to clean up.

  “I see that.”He chuckles.“You’re gorgeous.”His tone is deep and serious as he leans down to help, and we both reach for the same thing.

  He takes my arm as if in a show of affection, but his grip is firm enough to help steady me. A bolt of electricity runs through me, energizing my hands to actually start working again. I gather everything and stand up to get a hold of myself. But his compliment makes me flush, and soon I’m back to fumbling all the things.

  Fingers still grippingmy arm, he steps closer, clears his throat, and looks around.“Let me take you out. You almost done?” He loosens his grip and, after a few passes of his hand across the bare skin of my arm, releases me.

  “You wanna go out…tonight? What time is it?” I can’t believe I’m actually contemplating going out with this man but hebrings out desires I haven’t been in touch with for a long time.

  “It’s late, but I thought we could get a quick bite.”He points at the door.“There’s an all-night diner off the 101.”

  “I’ll be ready in ten.” I pull out my phone and text Mia to tell her I’ll be late.

  Chapter 6

  Sam’s hand rests on the crook of my back as we find the twirly stools at the counter in Cafe 64. Having his hand there, guiding me as we walk, is comforting and unexpectedly arousing. I don’t want it to end, but alas, we have to sit down.

  Looking around, I admire how trendy this place is—all stainless steel, and turquoise and orange vinyl—and how it smells like waffles. The menu offers a creative spin on traditional diner food, with vegan options because it is California, after all. Not me though. I’m all about the bacon. In nearby booths, couples sit side by side instead of across from each other. They’re feeding one another, licking each others’ fingers, and sharing whispered secrets. A table full of what seem to be burlesque dancers sit behind us, and some hipsters in thick, plastic-framed glasses are near us at the counter.

  When our food comes, our bacon-wrapped asparagus eggs benedict and brisket chili cornbread pies are arranged on long, white rectangular plates with pickled veggies. This place is trendy indeed. I’m relieved when our conversation isn’t forced or filled with nervous energy, but is calm, automatic, and easy. His demeanor is so relaxed and confident and oh so refreshing. We cover all the basic topics, like work and hobbies.

  Then the big question comes.

  “So what about your parents?” Sam asks.

  I’d braced myself for it, but I feel myself wince. I don’t really want to talk about them, but OK. “They live in Minnesota. It’s where I’m from. I came here for
school.”

  “You seem like such a California girl. I’m surprised.” He smiles and tucks a few curls behind my ear.

  “It’s different here, but I like it.” I sit back in my chair, not sure what to think about him touching my hair. It seemed like a gesture of kindness, and I like it. “How about you? Where are you from?”

  “I grew up near Temecula here in California.”

  “Oooh, like on a vineyard?”

  “Ha. Yes. Exactly like on a vineyard. Traulich Family Vineyards, to be exact.”

  For some reason, I find this extremely hot. “So… you could teach me about wine?”

  Those eyes again. Looking at my lips, he says nothing. For a moment, he’s quiet, studying my face as if planning something important. “When?”

  “Tomorrow?” I ask without even thinking to check my schedule.

  “It’s a date.”

  ******

  We drive in his Audi back to my car. The plush leather seats are pillowy, and the sinking feeling I get when I sit in them makes me feel heavy and relaxed. My Prius wasn’t exactly built for comfort, and I haven’t been in a luxury car for a while.

  I run my fingers over the soft, buttery texture of the leather. “This is nice. It’s been a while since I’ve been in a car like this. My dad has a BMW.”

  “What does your dad do?”

  “He’s a psychiatrist. He’s written a few books and was on the Oprah Show when I was little.” I wish I hadn’t brought him up.

  “The Oprah Show, huh? That’s a big deal. What about your mom? Do you have siblings?”

  “My mom is active as a charity event planner. I have an older brother who never did much after high school. He’s mentally ill and lives in a group home.”