Chapter 4

My eyes were glued to my phone all the way home. Upon opening the door, I was jolted by my mother's presence. In her chef's uniform, she was in the kitchen. I turned off my phone and put it in the bag.

"Isn't it restaurant rush hour?" I asked as I approached her.

She glanced at me. "You didn't eat dinner yesterday because I forgot to leave food."

"Why didn't you come down to the restaurant yesterday?" she continued.

I put my butt on the chair. I kept my hands on my lap. I replied, "The restaurant was crowded and I was tired. So I went straight to bed."

"That's why your eyes are swollen."

I nodded.

She turned off the stove, picked up a plate, and poured the food onto it. She served me five pieces of crepes. "No leftovers," she warned.

"Okay."

Her hurried steps led her to wash her hands, then disappeared quickly behind the door. She was busy, I could tell. Still, I wanted to imagine us eating together.

I went to the refrigerator to get some green grapes. Then, the silence that I just realized was excruciating. My gaze scanned the entire room. The flat television that was rarely watched was off. It was the only thing that enlivened the living room and kitchen that were merged.

My feet stepped over to it. I reached for the remote and pressed it. Yesterday afternoon's show was on again. This time they were discussing the owner of Ace Company,

For ten minutes, I stood watching the captured image of an expressionless man. No matter how perfectly the cameraman captured the image, there was nothing mesmerizing because Graciano Davis was busy putting on a cold face.

I stepped back, grabbed a piece of crepe, then settled myself onto the sofa. I took a bite of the crepe while watching with concentration.

"Graciano Davis, three years ago founded Ace, and had success with Emerald Green."

I nodded at the anchor's explanation. Emerald Wine was like a king who ruled the world in one night. The green color is beautiful and the taste is interesting. Many people loved it, even the diners at our restaurant. To satisfy them, Mother bought it in bulk.

From the show, I got a lot of information about the owner as well as the company. Emerald Wine's popularity was followed by Ace's. To work there require strong skills and determination.

I'll prepare myself from now on!

***

My excitement made me forget about the whipped cream as much as the green grapes. I cleaned myself up hastily, then lay down on the bed, facing my laptop. I typed in Ace Company.

Some articles touted its owner's success while others gossiped about him. Graciano's wealth seemed to be more interesting than dating. These people were just sensationalizing. The kind of person he is would prefer his company to be successful.

I opened the vacancy page. After listing the requirements, there were instructions to go directly to Ace Company for an interview.

"They accept interviews during business hours. Holidays are closed." I scratched my head. I couldn't do interviews during business hours, and neither could holidays.

"Do I take time off?" I monologued. There's nothing wrong with interns taking time off. However, there is a gap of days before notifying the leave request.

Adrien climbed onto the desk. The cat sat down. While licking his paw, he glanced at me.

"Adrien, I've got a bad idea for a leave of absence, sickness."

I smiled awkwardly as he didn't respond. If you think about it, lying isn't the cleanest way. However, for ten years of my life, I did it to Mother, to get what I wanted.

"Besides, I must hide my face from those who know me."

I rolled over on my back. The ceiling of the room was filled with fairy-shaped lights. I rolled over again. Now, I was facing the window. The curtains don't cover it yet.

The Las Vegas sky, which should be dark, is always bright due to the frenzy of people from various countries. Of course, they come for the casinos.

Suddenly, I thought about my father, David Green. 

In this three-story building, I live with Mother alone. Dad wasn't with us. But I'm not a child of divorce. My parents didn't divorce. They lived separately for undisclosed reasons.

Various assumptions ran through my mind. They ranged from Dad having a mistress, and getting into debt, to him joining an illegal occupation. Even though he denied it all, I didn't want to believe it until I was told the real reason.

Unexpectedly, Adrien jumped into my face. I almost hit him because I thought he was a rat. I shifted to give him space to lie down.

"Bad cat," I taunted.

I pushed my hair aside. The digital clock shows off the numbers 8 and 20 and today's date. It's the middle of the month. It'd be time for Father to visit. In a few days or tomorrow, his antique car will be shown up in front of the restaurant.