Chapter 1860

The thought cast a shadow over the excitement she had been feeling, and the idea of stepping inside the bar to celebrate suddenly seemed less appealing.
Still, she had already paid for the cab to get here.
Besides, she wasnt working here anymore; she was here to unwind.
She hesitated, then took a breath and pushed open the door to go inside with Milly.
The familiar dim lights and thumping music greeted her.
Her eyes quickly found a few of her former colleagues.
They were lounging near the bar.
When their eyes found Marlowe, they waved with exaggerated enthusiasm.
Marlowe! Long time no see! Marlowe offered a curt nod, her smile tight. The last time she had worked here, these same colleagues had made her shifts miserable-stealing sales from under her nose and dumping their tasks on her.
She didnt like any of them.
Unperturbed by Marlowes lukewarm reaction, the group of people approached her.
So, Marlowe, youve found yourself a rich boyfriend now, huh? Dont forget about us now that you are living well.
When are you going to treat us to a meal? You vanished so suddenly last time; we thought youd left us behind for good! Marlowes brow furrowed.
Rich boyfriend? I dont know what youre talking about.
Oh, come on, one of them said, grinning.
That tall, handsome guy who swooped in to save you is your boyfriend, right? The whole bar has been talking about that incident.
Yeah, chimed in another.
Mr.
Poor guy lost his job.
Marlowe blinked, her mind struggling to piece it all together.
She hadnt expected Mitchels involvement to have caused such a stir, much less cost someone their job, A strange mix of emotions coiled in her chest-relief that Barker wouldnt trouble her again and something else… She realized that she and Mitchel were really from different worlds; they probably shouldnt meet again.
Marlowes former colleagues kept chattering, their words slicing through her thoughts.
The gossip only made Marlowes head throb, and she spoke firmly, her tone flat.
Im not close with that guy.
Seriously, stop making things up.
Her dismissive tone seemed to do the trick, and her former colleagues eventually left, grumbling with disappointment.
Milly, who had been watching the scene quietly, asked Marlowe, What was all that about? Whos the mystery guy? Marlowe wasnt in the mood to relive that night, but Milly was her friend, and she didnt want to brush her off completely. So, she gave Milly a brief rundown of what had happened with Mitchel.
When she finished, Milly stared at her, eyes wide and mouth slightly open in shock.
Wait, this is what happened? Milly said, nudging Marlowes arm.
Are you sure he doesnt have a thing for you? I am sure.
He doesnt have any feelings for me, Marlowe replied.
She knew Mitchel couldnt possibly like her; he had always Liked Ariana.
A waiter arrived just then, placing two drinks on the table.
Marlowe picked one up and, without hesitation, took a deep gulp, swallowing more than half in one go.
Both the waiter and Milly were shocked by this.