Do Not Disturb || ONC2023

CHAPTER 4

AGATHA

Monday, July 19 - 7:06 PM

It's annoying when someone you're supposed to meet is late. Extra annoying when that person is a pathological stickler for following her schedule, yet for some reason is late the one time it's you she has plans with.

I arrived and acquired us a secluded table twenty minutes early because I thought for sure Roxanne would be here on the dot and give me shit when I turn up even two seconds late. But I guess the fuck not.

Impatience prickling my skin, I glance around again for the umpteenth time to no avail. I've had to fend off three different servers in the half hour I spent looking like a sucker who's been stood-up on a date, glaring back in return to those who send pitiful glances my way. This party of one is none of anybody's business, thank you very much.

It's not like I'm wearing the cutest dress I packed with me. I'm sure I have an even nicer one hidden somewhere deep, deep within my luggage. Also, so what if I put on lipgloss even though I prefer matte lipsticks on the reg?

"This is getting ridiculous," I mumble against the rim of my wineglass and take a sip— a gulp— while I wait some more. I also slip my leather jacket back on to look less sad single lady and more nonchalant independent woman.

Besides, I know it makes me look more intimidating. Exhibit A: the fourth waiter who dares approach me— most likely to shove a menu under my nose and force me to order something because they'd have to kick me out for hogging a whole table otherwise— decides at the last minute to head back to the kitchen when I pin him down with a glare.

Ha! The leather-jacket-and-dagger-glare combo never fails.

I feel the hairs on the back of my neck standing to attention like it usually does when I'm being watched. The moment I turn to look back, my gaze meets Roxanne's curious one.

Fina-fucking-lly.

I beckon her over with a tilt of the head, and stay twisted in my seat to watch her strut closer.

Another thing that's annoying? The way Roxanne looks walking towards me right now. There's literally no reason for her hips to be swaying like that. And why is her button-up not buttoned up?

I huff out an irritated breath but hide it behind my fist. This Roxanne is innocent and has done nothing wrong—yet— and I need to remind myself of that.

"Took you long enough."

She smiles sheepishly at me, pulling the chair opposite of me and seating herself. She looks breathless too for some reason.

"Yeah, sorry. But something crazy just happened. Like, just right now—"

"What?" I ask, worried. It couldn't be, it's too soon.

"While I passed by the bar. It just hit me—" Please don't— "I remembered some things."

Fuuuuuck.

I lean forward, eager, as if it would make her tell me faster. I notice the way I'm white-knuckling the skinny stem of my wine glass, and loosen my hold before it snaps.

"What did you remember?"

"It was foggy, and kinda choppy, so most of it didn't make that much sense. But you were there."

Holding my breath, I nod for her to go on while my other hand slips down under the table and creeps up my thigh. The need to be ready for anything outweighs the risk of blowing my cover in such a public setting.