Ava's pov
I shelved the last book, glancing at the clock. Only 30 minutes left on my shift. My mind wandered to the mysterious text from Sarah: "Meet me at the archives. Come alone."
What was she up to?
I made my way to the staff room, swapping my ID badge for my phone. The library's quiet atmosphere was a refuge, but emily's message stirred curiosity.
As I changed into my jacket, our librarian, Mrs. Jenkins, poked her head in. "Ava, you're relieved. Enjoy your evening."
"Thanks, Mrs. Jenkins," I replied, smiling.
I headed to the archives, located in the library's east wing. The dimly lit corridor seemed to whisper secrets.
Emily waited outside the archives door, her eyes sparkling.
"What's going on?" I asked, falling into step beside her.
"Follow me," she said, leading me into the musty-smelling room.
Rows of dusty files and forgotten books lined the shelves. Sarah halted at a specific section.
Emily discreetly pulls Ava aside, ensuring they're out of earshot.
Emily: "Ava, I need to share something confidential with you. The company's being sold, but here's the twist - the buyer's identity is unknown, even to the higher-ups."
"What? That's shocking!" I exclaimed, Who's handling the sale?" I exclaimed feeling so surprised ".....
That's the thing - it's all happening behind closed doors. Even the CEO doesn't know who the buyer is. But rumor has it, the new owner will shake things up around here." Emily said....
"This is surreal. Do you think it'll affect our positions?" I asked her....
"Hard to say, but we need to be prepared for changes. Let's keep this quiet for now, okay?"
My eyes widened. "What does that mean for us?"
Just when she was about to reply me,my phone buzzed. Her third shift at the upscale bar, "Eclipse," was awaiting her.
"Time for my next gig," i said, gathering her belongings.
Emily raised an eyebrow. "You're really doing three shifts today?"
I shrugged. "Bills don't pay themselves."
With a quick goodbye, i rushed to Eclipse, the city's trendiest bar.
*Author'sPOV
Ava's hair was tied in a messy bun, with a few stray strands framing her face. Her worn jeans and faded library polo shirt gave way to a sleek black dress and heels for her Eclipse shift.
*Eclipse Bar:*
As Ava clocked in, the bartender, Max, handed her a crisp white apron. "Welcome to the night shift, Ava. We're slammed tonight."
Ava's eyes scanned the crowded room, spotting celebrities and business moguls mingling over craft cocktails.
Here's a continuation:
As Ava expertly mixed drinks and charmed patrons, she caught the eye of a handsome stranger. He smiled...
"Hi, I'm Liam," he said, sliding onto a stool. "You're new here, right?"
Ava smiled, pouring him a drink. "No,although my shift just started tonight."
Ava's coworker, Max, whispered, "Liam's a regular. Big tipper."
Ava raised an eyebrow. "Good to know."
Liam noticed Ava's exhaustion. "Long day?"
Ava hesitated before sharing her three-shift ordeal.
Liam's expression turned thoughtful. "You're impressive, Ava. I'd love to help you ease that workload."
Ava's instincts screamed caution, but Liam's genuine smile put her at ease.
"Thanks, Liam. Maybe I'll take you up on that."
Ava handed Liam his drink. "Enjoy!"
Liam smiled. "Thanks, Ava. You know you are a strong lady working three shifts alone."
Ava chuckled. "Trying to survive."
Liam nodded sympathetically. "I know the feeling. What brings you here?"
Ava shrugged. "Just needed a job. You?"
Liam replied, "Same. Plus, I love the vibe." "Anyways see you tomorrow I've got a place to be right now" Liam side while getting up.
"Ok catch up later" Ava replied smiling..
Ava smiled, finishing up her last task at the restaurant. "Night, guys!" she called out to her colleagues.
"See you tomorrow, Ava!" Sarah the head chef, replied.
Ava dropped her apron on the counter, the familiar weight lifting off her shoulders. She clocked out and exchanged hugs with her coworkers.
"Stay safe!" Max, the bartender, chimed in.
"I will, thanks!" Ava replied.
With a final wave, Ava pushed through the door, stepping into the crisp evening air. The sounds of the restaurant faded behind her
Ava walked briskly, her exhaustion from the long shift compounded by anxiety about returning home. The thought of facing her stepmother's criticism and disdain made her stomach twist.
As she turned onto her street, the apartment building loomed before her, its familiar walls holding secrets of endless arguments and hurtful words.
Ava steeled herself, pushing open the do
Ava trudged into the apartment, bracing herself for Raina's disdain. The air thickened with tension as their eyes met.
"Finally decided to grace us with your presence," Raina sneered, her voice dripping with malice.
Ava's heart sank, but she'd learned to shield herself. "Hey, ma," she said flatly.
Raina's gaze raked over Ava's worn clothes. "You reek of grease and exhaustion. When will you get a real job?"
Ava swallowed the sting, accustomed to Raina's verbal jabs. She knew her stepmother's cruelty stemmed from her own insecurities.
"What's for dinner?" Ava asked neutrally, hoping to deflect.
Raina snorted. "Like you deserve a home-cooked meal? Microwave something."
Ava's stomach knotted, but she'd grown numb to Raina's cruelty
Ava turned away, seeking refuge in her room. She shut the door, leaning against it as if barricading herself from Raina's venom.
The familiar sanctuary enveloped her – posters of favorite bands, shelves filled with dog-eared books, and a plush rug worn from countless hours of escape.
Ava dropped onto her bed, exhaustion and emotional fatigue weighing her down. She kicked off her shoes and let out a deep sigh.
For a moment, she lay there, eyes closed, and let the silence wash over her.
Then, Ava's gaze fell on her phone. She smiled, remembering Liam from the bar earlier.
Ava rose from bed, peeling off her worn clothes. She craved a shower to wash away Raina's toxic words and the long day's grime.
Under the warm spray, Ava let her tension ebb. Water cascaded down her face, rinsing away tears she hadn't allowed herself to shed.
As she soaped up, Ava's thoughts drifted to Liam. Their chance encounter at the bar had been a welcome respite.
She imagined his gentle smile and genuine interest. For the first time that day, Ava felt seen.
The shower's warmth seeped into her bones, relaxing her muscles. Ava closed her eyes, letting the water cleanse her, inside and out.
Ava stepped out of the shower, feeling refreshed. She wrapped herself in a plush towel and began to dry off.
As she changed into comfortable pajamas, Ava's gaze fell on her bed. The inviting softness beckoned.
She slipped under the covers, fluffing her pillow. For a moment, Ava lay there, savoring the quiet.
Raina's harsh words still lingered, but Ava pushed them aside.
She focused on Liam's kind face and gentle manner.
Ava's eyelids grew heavy, and her breathing slowed. Sleep's pull became irresistible.