Michelle’s P.O.V.

In this world there is cruelty, no natural affection, people pushing other people down to the bottom and only looking out for themselves. People will harm you in the worst way and think they get to decide they never hurt you. Who exactly let them decide that?

I wish I could fight back but I know I won’t be able to. Like the coward I am I will swallow the anger and smile the pain away of these parasites eating up my spine. Then I will run away to the next destination that makes me feel free. Oh I’ll say I want to be loved and live a normal life but I’ll never let anyone close enough to start that I’ll run away before it gets a chance to start and tell myself it wasn’t meant to be anyway.

That’s why I find myself here in Limerick, Ireland. Historically where my ancestors are mostly from. Hence the red in my brown hair along with the green eyes. I’ve been all over the world originally from America born and raised but my fear of the past and fear of commitment have sent me all over. I hope to one day settle down but I have no idea if I’ll ever be able to overlook anything. Even my fear of men from a long life of abuse will not be taken away so easily. I decide to break away from the dark thoughts like my therapy has taught me and put in my headphones.

My headphones will always be my best friend where I go they go blaring my favorite music calming the warring waves of anxiety and guilt in my stomach.

For now I work as a bartender in a pub on the slower side of town called Murphy’s. I have only been here for a week but the owners are both fantastic loving people. They let me rent out the room above for a more than reasonable price. Chloe and Daniel are both amazing with such a rare love between them.

It’s really pouring outside tonight I head to downstairs to get ready to start my shift. It’s a Wednesday night so I don’t expect too much riff raff but you never know how people will react.

“Hello A Leanbh” (uh LAN-uv) says Rebecca. She calls me her child as her children are away and she sees me as a daughter. She is an middle aged woman with beautiful red hair and blue eyes.

“Hi Chloe, I’ll get started right away so you and Daniel can take off for another night on the town.” I wink at her and give her a look with my eyebrows teasing the middle aged woman.

“Well at least one of us will have a fun night.” She says while sticking her tongue out at me.

I dramatically grab my chest with a hand over my eyes and exclaim “Oh, the pain you wound me with your guys’ over bearing expressions of love, please I beg, spare the lonely dog!” Then I collapse on the counter.

At our banter Daniel walks in and gives a hearty laugh as we always go back and forth like this.

“Okay, that’s enough for one night children. Let’s go Chloe and show this youngster how to live and love.” Daniel says while chuckling. Daniel has black hair and blue eyes and is still in fairly good shape.

“Oh all right, let’s head out then. Michelle, have a good night and stay safe you may be alone tonight as Niall won’t be here.”

Niall works here as well he’s more of a bodyguard though. Him and his wife have known Chloe and Daniel for years. His wife Elizabeth is about to have their second child. It’s a busy time for those two.

“No worries I will I don’t expect much tonight anyway.”

“All right then we’re off.”

Four hours later.

It’s now 9 pm and as I’ve expected not much has taken place expect for the occasional regular customer who comes in.

Just when I think about shutting down early as there hasn’t been many here, when all of a sudden a group of younger people barge in clearly already on their way to a nasty hangover tomorrow.

In the group are four guys and three girls. My eye catches one in particular a tall one with black hair and beautiful dark blue eyes and a muscular frame. I quickly shake off the wave of awareness that comes through me.

Down hormone I tell myself. Its only a good looking guy you’ve seen them before.

The group comes over to the counter and as I take their drink orders I feel the one who caught my eye staring at me the entire time. I purposefully ignore him. He seems like the type to understand he’s good looking and isn’t afraid to flaunt it. Hmph, how many hearts have you broken?

As I set the drinks down in front of them the group becomes noisy and a girl dressed provocatively drapes herself over the man.

“Brendan, why are you ignoring me? I thought we were going to spend all night together.” The girl whines.

This Brendan sighs and goes “I said I’d spend the night with the group not just you, unless you actually enjoy being passed around.” He days with an cold smirk.

The girl pales mumbles sorry and returns back to her seat. Wow what a jerk he could’ve been nicer about it.

“Damn Brendan why are you so cold lately you shouldn’t let these beauties down.” One of the guys with blonde hair says.

“Shut up Noah.”

“Oh come on buddy, lighten up. You know I’m you’re best friend I’ll choose you over these beauties any day don’t ever leave me!” Noah puts on these charming puppy dog eyes with a such a dramatic pout even I can’t help but giggle.

Noah turns toward me then and says,” Oh but I may leave you for this beauty.” He then wiggles his eyebrows in a joking way and I can’t help but laugh and say, “Sorry, but my job is my mistress and she gets jealous easily if I’m not home on time. Besides I could never be a third wheel unfortunately I must decline.”

“Not to worry fair maiden though heartbroken I shan’t be lonely! Take care lost love!” Noah then wipes away a fake tear, bows and goes back to the group.

Brendan now has a sour look on his face. I’m concerned but only for a moment. What has it got to do with me?

After another hour of goofing around the group pays their bill and leaves all except Brendan who says he’ll be just a moment. He stares at me until finally I’m irritated enough and say “Yes, can I help you?”

Brendan gives off a confident smirk, and says, “Hmm, yeah I think you can.” He grabs my hand across the counter and goes “I want to take you home for a night, I’m sure I can pay you more than what you would make here in a month.”

Excuse me!?

I pull my hand back while smiling seductively and go, “Wow, you sure know how to make a girl an offer how could I ever say no?” I blink my eyelashes in a flirty way distracting him while I grab the spray nozzle. Just when he thinks he has me and tries to grab me again I directly spray the nozzle in his face soaking his head and his shirt.

The look on his face is priceless.

“You’ll be sorry about that.” He threatens and stomps out.

“Oh, I’m shaking in my boots!” I call out behind him while rolling my eyes. Whatever jerk, I probably won’t even see you again.

Brendan’s P.O.V.

I can’t believe the nerve of this woman! She’s lucky I even looked her way! How dare she spray me with a nozzle!

“Dude what happened to you!?”

“She sprayed me with a nozzle.”

Noah tries to suppress his laughter but can’t.

“Did the great Brendan finally get rejected!?”

“Whatever.”

I decide to head on home as it’s freezing out and I’m soaked now.

When I finally get home I head straight to the bathroom to take a warm shower. My thoughts keep circling around the woman at the pub. Beautiful no doubt, but I’ve been with plenty of beautiful woman no price too low nor too high as I am an eligible bachelor with plenty of money and good looks to boot.

Even though I have all of these things something seems to be missing but I’m not sure what. I have everything I’ve ever asked for or obtained my own way. My parents always gave me plenty of love and affection and they have always been deeply in love with each other.

As I get out of the shower I can’t help but wonder about that woman still. She seems confident but an underlying sadness stays in her impressive green eyes. She seems almost scared of the world but maybe I’m putting too much thought into this.

I get dressed and walk around my now empty two story villa. Decorated in neutral colors mostly black with a few decorative pieces here and there.

As I watch the rain pound from outside I decide to call my assistant to investigate her. I know I can make her regret embarrassing me and denying me. Maybe this is he fulfillment I need. To finally have a challenge for once instead of an easy win.

I smile to myself as I picture my awaited victory.

Noah comes over later as he’s my best friend. We’ve been through everything together.

“What’s going on with you?” Noah asks.

“I’ve decided to play a game and let that woman know exactly who she messed with. I’m going to make her regret embarrassing me.”

“Oh... shall we make it interesting?”

“What do you mean?”

Noah smirks mischeviously. “I mean, let’s make a bet over if you can get this girl to fall for you or not. If you can get her to fall for you, I’ll do all of your companies work for a month and bring in some of my clients to you. If you can’t, you have to dress up as a maid and let me take a video of it while doing your job.”

“Is that all?”

“You have too much confidence buddy, but yes that’s all.”

“Fine I accept these terms but you also have to wear a maid costume for when you lose.”

“We will see who has the last laugh but deal.”

We both shake hands to honor our agreement.

One week later

My assistant has finally found the details on her. Hmm Michelle. Twenty four years old. Moves around the world exploring and working from place to place. No known living relatives. No former relationships known. Straight. Favorite color blue. Favorite flower Rose. Likes romantic comedies, music, and doing her own creative works.

Hmm, she’s different from what I would have expected. She seems to be a ****** though. This may be easier than I thought. I can always just play the old doting sweet innocent card and have her fall hook line and sinker. She seems to be the type to fall for those tricks.

Just you wait Michelle, I’ll have you eating out of the palm of my hands soon enough.

*Meanwhile Michelle’s apartment*

I suddenly sneeze and feel a shiver run down my spine.

Who’s talking about me? How troubling.

One week later

Michelle’s P.O.V.

It’s been a week since the jerk incident. I’m just wondering if the I.Q. Points are equal to the beauty. Maybe beautiful but stupid is his forte. Oh well, still wondering how he will make me regret it. Work has been slowly getting steadier must be more tourists coming in looking for the rustic and authentic touch of Ireland. Yeah after drinking a lot they like to think they are Irish.

“What are you thinking about so deeply?” Asks Chloe.

“Just wondering how this week will go, if it will be busy or not. Thinking about random things.”

“Hmm don’t think too hard, it looks painful on you dear.”

“Ouch Chloe, can’t you ease up today? I work so hard for you so you can relax. Should we send you to therapy? Do you need anger management?”

She glares at me. “Only anger management I need is whooping your ***.”

Chloe grabs my ear and pulls hard. “Ouch ouch! I surrender! Free me! Daniel help!” I raise the white bar cloth as a white flag to surrender.

Daniel just laughs at us. “Sorry ‘Chelle, I’m afraid I’m in for a bigger punishment if I help you.”

I tsk at him and rub my ear as Chloe finally lets go and cuddles up next to her husband with an evil grin.

“See dear, good always triumphs.”

“Then how come you always win?” I mumble.

“Excuse me?”

“Nothing!”

“Hmph, that’s what I thought.”

“Are you guys staying on tonight then or heading out on another date?” I wiggle my eyebrows at them.

“We are staying on tonight. We expect a lot of people this weekend.”

“All right, understood.”

9 P.M. Friday night

It’s very busy night with a full counter and room.

I’m running back and forth and running my *** off which I literally wish I could do wouldn’t hurt to lose a few pounds. Always sobbing eternally inside.

I’m ready to grab a few drinks for some newcomers when I hear “Excuse me ma’am.”

I turned around and what do you know, it’s the jerk from a week ago. I wonder how he will insult me this time, or maybe this professional life idiot won’t even remember the proposition he made. I pretend to not remember him and plaster a huge professional obviously fake smile on my face.

“Yes sir, how may I help you?”

He looked shocked for a split second but recovered fast.

“Yes I just wanted to sincerely apologize for my behavior last week. It was completely rude of me and I have no idea what I was thinking I hope you’ll forgive me.” He says this while whipping out a bouquet of beautiful red roses.

“Okay. Apologize then.”

“Excuse me?”

“You said you wanted to sincerely apologize so go ahead apologize.”

“I did.

“That’s an apology? Just saying you wanted to apologize but not actually saying I’m sorry?”

He’s getting frustrated. “Yes that’s a damn apology now do you accept it or not?!”

“Ah there’s the dill hole from last week. Was wondering where he went. Don’t act fake sir unless you can act until the shows over.”

I walk away and he grabs my arm. If there is one thing I absolutely abhor in this world it’s being touched without permission.

“I suggest you let go of my arm in the next three seconds.” I spit through gritted teeth.

He gets scared and drops my arm immediately.

“Oh dear, don’t mind her she’s just shy.”

Great now Chloe will think something else is going on.

“Chloe I-“

“Hush dear, this handsome young man has brought you roses and wants to apologize how can you deny that?”

“Exactly, how can you deny that? So mean, I’m truly heartbroken ma’am. I only wanted to apologize and see if she’s grant me the privilege of taking her on a date.”

“No I wo-“

“Why of course she will! Such a gentleman. What is your name young man.”

“Brendan. A pleasure to meet you Miss...?”

“Chloe.” She’s practically gushing and blushing like a school girl who got asked out by the popular dude. Seriously Chloe?

“Chloe it’s not like that!”

“Oh you don’t have to try and hide anything from me you go ahead and take off with your boyfriend. We can manage here just fine.”

“No he’s not-“

“Thank you ma’am. I will definitely bring her back safe and sound with a reasonable time.”

“Such a gentleman if I were 20 years younger... oh my.”

Freaking seriously Chloe!?

“Whatever. Let me grab my jacket.”

I grab my black leather jacket with a black hoodie built in and my purse and then leave with him.

“I hope you’re happy we’ve left. Look I accept your apology now leave me alone.”

“Look wait, I genuinely am sorry about how I acted can’t I at least buy you dinner?” I think about it for a minute. He looks sincere. But I’ve been hurt so many times and in so many ways I’m not sure if anyone is ever genuinely sincere. You never know what true evil intentions are lurking behind people’s eyes. It’s an extremely lonely life to have no one to trust or love, but I’ve kept my self safe.

I only agree to leave with him as I know Chloe is most likely spying on me with binoculars and will grab my ear again if I don’t.

“Fine. Dinner and then you leave me alone.”

He smiles. “Great. Can I at least know the name of the beautiful woman I’m taking to dinner?”

I roll my eyes at the cheesy line. “It’s Michelle.”

“Michelle, beautiful name for a beautiful girl. I blush but luckily it’s dark enough for him not to really see it. “Let’s go already.”

He leads me to his car and it’s beautiful. A 69’ Chevy Chevelle with black paint and red leather interior. My ultimate dream car!

“Did you investigate me or something?” I accidentally said that out loud. Crap!

“Uh no, why?”

“This is my ultimate dream car and it’s in such good condition. You’ve kept this baby well. Oh she’s beautiful.”

“It’s just a car.”

“First of all how dare you! This is a dream machine with beauty that only gets better with age. She’s incredible. The kind of car you never forget. Better than a first love. Oh!” I shiver with the beauty of it.

“Seriously? You’re more interested in a car?” I turn to look at him and there’s this impatient look on his face. Why would he be so impatient. Wait a minute. I snicker.

“Hey pretty boy, are you mad I’m more interested in a car then a date with you?”

“Whatever I am not. I know I’m better than the car.

I sigh. “Someone with no appreciation for the beauty of this car shouldn’t be allowed to say that.”

“Whatever.”

We get in the car and take off. He leads me to a high end restaurant.

“Um, I don’t really think I fit in here. Maybe we could go someplace cheaper? I can afford it.”

“Don’t worry. I rented out the place so we could talk in private.” He looks proud.

“So, now you’ve ruined every one else’s Friday night with wanting a nice dinner just to annoy one girl?”

“Why are you the most frustrating woman I have ever met!?”

“If I’m so frustrating then leave me alone!”

“I can’t!”

“Why not!?”

“Because I,” he pauses.

“Because you what?”

“Because I also find you incredibly fascinating.” I’m so confused. I can’t understand this man. If someone is frustrating and annoying shouldn’t you not want to be around them? I decide to drop it though as I know I’m only delaying the inevitable. Just get the dinner over with so you can go home.

I sigh. “Fine. Let’s just have dinner together and then we can call it done.”

We walk inside and I’m treated to the best meal of my life. Fantastic tender cut steak with asparagus and for dessert a chocolate melting cake. He asks me questions while we’re eating. I give him basic answers. My favorite color, my favorite band, drink, place, and hobbies. Blue, In This Moment, Crowne Apple and cranberry juice, anywhere with a sea side and mountains, and hobbies are anything artistic and creative.

It’s the end of dinner. “Okay, can you take me home now?”

Instead of getting frustrated he asks me something I wasn’t expecting.

“Why are you so closed off?”

“I can’t answer that.”

“Why not? Is it a gang secret?”

“No. Just something you wouldn’t understand that is too painful to delve into with a stranger.” He’s quiet for a moment.

“What if I wasn’t a stranger? And we became extremely close. Would you tell me? Could you trust me then?”

I get up from my seat and say, “I’m not sure I have any more trust to give to this world.”