TERMS OF DESIRE THE BILLIONAIRES DEAL

Beep! Beep! Beep!

I reach out and turn off the grating alarm that tells me it is time to wake up. Before viewing the alarm clock's red numbers, which indicated five thirty, I massage my eyes. I had an hour to prepare, but an hour passed quickly, so I got out of bed and went to the restroom. My new apartment was decently designed and significantly less expensive than my previous one. I thought it was decent enough. I turned on the water and set my uniform on the hook that was on the door. I get it precisely the way I like it, take off my pajamas, and get into the hot shower. I let my muscles relax as the warm water runs over my stiff body. After washing my body with some soap, I rinse it off and dispose of it in the sink. After that, I take out my Suave shampoo and give my dark brown hair a good scrape before washing the soap off of it.

I turn off the shower when I'm finished, wrap a white cotton towel around my body, and wrap another around my hair before leaving. Before putting on my white lace bra and matching underwear, I quickly dry my body and apply lotion. I then pick up and button my blue and white waitress outfit. I wore white Converse wedges and socks, which gave the impression that I was taller than my typical 5'7". After grabbing the white apron and wrapping it around my waist, I swiftly tie my hair in a ponytail after removing the white towel. To be honest, I had no more time to try something new. I pick up my handbag and head outside my apartment complex to embrace the Miami sun. I just wore a gray sweater since, even though it was January, the temperature rose to sixty degrees. I wait for my six-fifteen bus at the bus stop after walking there.

***

I get to Duncan Diner just on schedule. Two additional workers were serving the customers when I punched in and moved behind the counter. A man enters the diner and comes near me. When the bell rings to announce that someone has come, I turn to face the door. A tall, tanned man with bright green eyes and unclean blond hair entered.

"Good morning what can I get you?" I pull out my pen and notepad and inquire.

"Hey, beautiful can I get a regular latte and chocolate donut." He says, and I record his order.

Before returning to the counter and giving him his donut, I go to the coffee maker and begin preparing his latte. When the latte is done, I transfer it to a coffee cup, cover it, and give it to the man.

"Thanks love." I roll my eyes as he winks in response.

The man gave me a card with his number on it and the cash for the items he had ordered before he left. When he was gone, I tossed the card aside and rolled my eyes at the behavior. A smile appeared on my face as one of my closest friends entered the room. I hugged her back when she came around the counter.

As we release the cozy embrace, I say, "Hey Marshall."

"Hi, Clara Has it been hectic? I shook my head in answer to her question.

"Not I just started a few minutes ago and it's pretty relaxed," I respond.

Marshall was born here, but her family was from Ghana. She has played a significant role in my life over the past two months as we have had time to get to know one another. Marshall had chocolate brown eyes and gorgeous brown hair. Sarah was my second best friend after Marshall. Despite knowing Sarah for a little longer than Marshall, I still adored both of them. Sarah's eyes were hazel green, and her hair was short, light brown, and nearly black.

"Well let's get started on another day at work," Marshall says before the arrival of her first customer.

***

The diner quickly begins to fill up as more patrons begin to arrive. Marshall and I have been serving customers for the past four hours. Sarah had arrived three hours earlier, and it was now 6:30 p.m. I felt someone stab me in the arm while I was preparing a smoothie for one of the patrons. I squint my head to see Marshall standing there, and I glare at her. I switch off the machine and turn around so that I am now facing Marshall.

"What's up, Marshall." She points to one of the tables and gives me a stupid smile in response to my question.

Before I discovered one of our regular customers sitting at one of the front tables, I followed the direction her finger was pointing. Edward Richard is the most well-known player in Miami and one of the city's best bachelors. Who could not fall in love with the man's captivating blue eyes, toned physique, and billions of dollars? Oh, I see. I'm the one who wouldn't fall for him.

Sarah says, "Look your Prince Charming is here."

Sarah would be six feet below by now if appearances could kill.

"He is not my Prince Charming," I reply in annoyance.

These two girls next to me have been saying that Edward, or Mr. Rich as I preferred to call him, was my Prince Charming and that he liked me ever since he entered this diner. Most likely as a result of his constant requests for me to prepare his coffee and typical cream cheese bagel.

"Yeah okay keep denying it but know that if you could you would let that man do you all day and night." It was Marshall's turn to get the death gaze this time, he added.

Before approaching Mr. Rich, I simply rolled my eyes at their insignificant remarks. I pull a pen and paper from the pocket of my apron.

"Good afternoon Mr. E ..... Richard, what may I get you today?" I ask, pretending to grin because I had to greet the customers.

"The usual." He answers without actually listening to me.

His palm was on his chin as he gazed thoughtfully out the window. I just give him a nod before noting what he typically orders.

"Clara can I talk to you." I'm shocked when he adds.

Let's start with how he knows my name-wait, it's the name tag. Second, though, why would this attractive man want to speak with me, a regular waitress?

"I am sorry but I am on my shift right now and I can't just sit around talking to the customers," I answer.

He inquires, "What time does your shift end?"

I answer mindlessly, "At ten."

Why did I only tell him after my shift?

"Alright, then I will wait for you." He responds, then returns to his thoughts.

"Mhmm I am sure you will," I said to myself before pirouetting off to give him his order.

"What were you and Mr. Rich talking about back there?" Marshall asks, her expression inquisitive.

"Nothing." As I finish the smoothie and begin the coffee and bagel, I respond.

"You sure?" Sarah says with a suspiciously raised eyebrow.

"Yes I am sure, now let me get back to my work," I answer, setting the bagel on a plate and pouring the coffee into a mug.

After setting the meal on a circular tray, I pick up the silver tray and approach Edward, who is still lost in contemplation and staring out the window.

His dinner is placed in front of him before he says, "Thank you."

Reaching for the mug, he raises it to his lips and takes a sip.

"You're welcome," I respond and turn to go.

After tidying up my belongings, I take a new position in front of the counter.

It's time for this girl to return home, my friends. Baby, hasta la vista. Marshall says this before leaving the diner and getting into her boyfriend's vehicle.

Sarah and I shook our heads and chuckled at her small gesture.

This girl will always be the same.

***

My shift was almost finished, and it was now eight forty. Only three other waitresses and I remained when Sarah departed early to go home after becoming ill. Many had to occasionally stay until ten o'clock at night since, for some reason, this diner was open until then. As I was clearing away several tables, I noticed that Edward was no longer seated at the table. He wouldn't wait for me, I knew. I hear footsteps coming through the entrance, so I keep wiping down the tables. Only two customers remained, while the other waitresses were taking a break in the back room. To take the person's order, I approach the counter. I look up to meet my ex's green eyes as I open my notepad.

"Clarawhat are you doing here?" "What?" he asks. "Do you work here?"

"No, I am just standing behind this counter with this uniform on because I want to play dress up." I provide a caustic response.

"No need for the sarcasm J." He says.

"Don't call me that now what are you going to order?" As I wait for his order, I raise an eyebrow and ask.

"A talk with you." He responds.