The entire night I couldn't sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, an image of Bruce dead or Rachel dead in front of my eyes cause panic rose inside me. I sat up, and opened my laptop on the bed. A news article about Harvey solving another case made me smile a bit. Rachel was lucky to found a guy like Harvey. Even though I met him at least four times this year, he seems very dedicated to his work and still has time with Rachel. If only I could find someone like that. Only Bruce came into my mind. I didn't really love him. I only like him. I didn't know why I admit to loving him when Ben asks me.
I snap the laptop closed, grabbing my silk robe and put it on. Walking to my window, I opened it and sat on the edge, peering out the city. Lights were shining everywhere. The most shining was Wayne tower. Although Rachel teases me about Bruce, I can't help feel butterflies at just the mention of his name. I shook my head. There was no way I can be with him.
"Ugh, screw this." I threw on yoga pants and a half cut tee and made a dash downstairs with my car keys. Starting my car in the temperature of 50 was not a good thing for my car since it will make a squeaky noise. The noise started and I pet the dashboard, shushing it to be quiet as I quickly drove out and to the Bruce's manor. I highly doubt anyone would open the door at 3 a.m. in the morning.
I parked my car and ran up the steps, rapidly knocking on the door. Alfred's sleepy face appeared when the door opened.
"Miss Dawes, it's too early."
"Is Bruce here?"
"Yes," Alfred opened the door for me and I walked inside.
"Where is he? It's important." He told me where to go and I went upstairs, a few more down and turn right. I knocked on the door. A very sleepy and annoyed Bruce opened the door. He was shirtless but I didn't care. I cupped his face.
"Adrienne-" I placed my lips on his, kissing him. He relaxed and kissed me back. I was the first to break it off. My breathing became ragged as I leaned my forehead against his forehead.
"Mind telling me what was that all about?" he asks.
"I just wanted to prove something if I was wrong or not…" I replied.
"And were you wrong?"
I looked at him for a minute, biting my lip to rid of the tingly feeling.
"No, I wasn't wrong." I easily slipped away from his grip, running my fingers through my hair. My mind was foggy as I try to process what I just did. "I…I have to go." As I turned my heels, Bruce touches my elbow, turning me back to face him.
"Bruce…" I said softly. "Let me go." He didn't listen but held me in his arms. But he let go, and I walked out, staring back at the mansion. Bruce's outline appeared in one of the windows and I hurriedly went to my car and sped out quick. What was that about? My mind rambled on. I was only trying to prove myself I'm not in love with Bruce. I was wrong. Once I reached home, I stayed in the car. My head slowly bent over and rest on the steering wheel.
"Adrienne, Adrienne." I shook my head. "Remember what I said about getting too close?"
A loud knock startled me awake as I looked at who did it, groggily. Rachel was looking at me confused. I looked around my surroundings only to discover I fell asleep in the car. Also, left a nice trail of drool on the steering wheel. I wiped my mouth and sleepily got out of the car.
"I was going to send out a search party for you. It's 6. At night." Rachel said, leading me inside.
"Sorry, I had to do some errands." I found the sofa more inviting than walking up the steps and laid down, wincing at my neck cramp from sleeping in an awkward position. Rachel set the kettle on the stove with a cup of chocolate powder beside the kettle. I draped one arm over my eyes to shield the bright light from the window. I had overslept-
"Oh My God!" I screeched, sitting straight up. "I'm late for work!" I made a dash upstairs, stepping to over 3 steps at a time to my room. I pulled a black dress with a small white bow at the crest to put on as my uniform for the Plaza restaurant. All female waitresses are to wear this dress with black pumps with their hair tied into a bun. I made my hair into a bun in less than a minute as I brush my teeth and dab on some chap stick. One hand was holding two black pumps; the other was my cell phone.
"Call me when you get off work," Rachel called when I stepped outside, putting my pumps on. I carefully walk to my car, and put on my sunglasses to help my dry, red eyes soothe down a little bit as I drove to the Plaza. It was ten more minutes till I was officially late. As I drove to the employee parking lot, there was only one vacant spot, specially reserved for me. I parked my car, shutting off the engine and entered the back way to the Plaza. Work didn't start until 6 p.m. for me and apparently, after last night of endless sleep and then there's the visit to Bruce's place, I had over slept.
"You're late," Manager Printon said, not bothering to look at me as he check today's menu.
"I know, I'm sorry-"
"No excuses. Get to the kitchen and start serving the customers." He jabbed his finger behind him and I only nodded, following his orders.
As I walk into the kitchen, I was immediately ushered to one certain table, and was handed a silver plate with many food entrees on. All looked scrumptious.
"I need orders two and three for table four. Order five and six are to table ten." I nodded at the chef but really didn't know where to go.
"Hey, where do I-" I ask one girl.
"Oh, give me those. Why don't you serve table 12. I got this for you, hun," The middle aged woman winked at me.
"Thank you," I said softly as I walked to table 12. I almost turned back around, seeing Bruce at the table with Harvey Dent and Rachel. There was another woman there.
I took out my pad and pen, gulping as I went to the table.
"Good Morning, my name is Adrienne. I'll be your waitress today." All laugh deceased as everyone looked at me. Mostly Bruce.
"Rachel! You work here? Good for you," Harvey said with a smile. I gave a weak chuckle and clicked my pen.
"What will it be?" I ask. The unknown blonde woman spoke first.
"I'll have steak but cut the fat And no meat." I raised an eyebrow at her order but wrote down the exact words.
"And you, Mr. Dent?"
"French onion soup,"
"Beef sirloin," Replied Rachel.
"What'll you have, Bruce?" the woman said, grazing his arm. He looked at the menu but closed it, leaning back. He placed his arm around the woman, giving me a cocky grin but it never reached his eyes.
"I'm not hungry. But do give me some wine."
"What kind, sir?"
"The best." I closed my notepad and went to the kitchen, giving the paper to the chef as I find the wine cellar.
"Best one, huh? I'll give you best one." Truthfully, I don't know which wine is the best so I randomly grab one off the shelf and went outside and back to the table. Bruce laughed at something the woman said and my grip tightened as I was about ready to smash the bottle in his face for doing this intentionally.
"Would this do, sir?"
"Good God, no. I want something drier." I had the urge to strangle him but I put on a tight smile and went back to the wine cellar. I picked another, grumbling my way out.
"Perfect." Bruce said. "Now I want you to taste it."
"Taste it?" I ask. Rachel gave Bruce a look but he ignored as he held a glass to me.
"Follow his orders. He owns this place." The woman said. I gave her a half smile, snatching the glass from his hands as I poured the wine in the glass.
"Bruce, stop it." Rachel warned.
"Just having a little fun, Rachel. Now taste it." Bruce ordered. I gave him a look but tipped the glass back as the liquid burn my throat. Bits of tears had moistened my eyes a bit as I set the glass down on the table.
"If this is about getting back at me for kiss-"
"Here comes our food!" Bruce interrupted as the waiter set the food on the table. "What were you saying, Adrienne? Is that your name?" I glared at him, turning swiftly around to walk away but my force knocked a waiter back as his elbow hit my collar bone and I fell back. Bruce caught me in his lap as everyone looked at me, agape.
Bruce suddenly laugh, "Poor girl. She's new here." A slight chuckle and laugh erupted and I got up, dusting myself off. My hand came in contact with Bruce's cheek as his face swiveled to the right. Laughs became gasps as I breathed hard, giving him a glare.
"You asshole!" My manager came behind me, starting to apologize at Bruce.
"She's new here-"
"I understand. It was my fault. I gave her too much wine."
"Apologize to Mr. Wayne." Printon said under his breath. I scoffed, walking the opposite direction.
Author's Note: I love Batman too much to end this story :( but it is not over just yet!