Mr. Ruthless

Chapter 3

Picture of Zander. 

Eleanor's POV

I leaned back in my chair, my hands combing through my hair to the point it was starting to feel greasy. I twisted my pen through my fingers as I brain wracked over the pile of bills in front of me.

How was I to manage these debts when all I had was a dead-end job. A shiver ran down my spine, I sighed, winter was the worst. I wasn't able to keep the cold temperature out of my apartment however I wasn't complaining. At least I had a roof over my head.

I got up from my seat and went to grab the blue blanket from the couch. The soft quilt was filled with synthetic fiber and managed to keep the cold at bay. I wrapped it around my shoulders and continued my mental rampage over my invoices.

I had no way of paying these and if so I'd have to move again. I sighed as I inspected my shabby, paltry apartment. It lacked character and a homely atmosphere but it had been my home for years.

I wanted to crumble up the papers in frustration, slide them through the shredder and throw the remains in my landlord's face.

I dropped my head into my hands, as if that would help in any way. It wasn't even his fault, he even gave me the leniency of postponement of my rent this month.

I took notice of the time, quickly scrambling the documents back into their folder as I got ready to leave for work.

I dreaded this day, much like I dreaded most days. Life was a slur, an endless path that simply lead to nowhere. I locked the door behind me and made my way down the street, cursing the bus stop as I passed it. Damn thing never shows.

I sighed in content as I entered the warmth of the diner, pulling my gloves off my hands and throwing them into my bag as I made my way to the back.

I greeted Mr. Venditto and Aaliyah as I passed them. Neither of them even bothered to look up as they continued in their conversation.

"If anyone asks I am not here," I caught him saying, I frowned in confusion. Aaliyah must have had the same inquiring look on her face as Mr. Venditto backed up his statement by saying he had a lot of work and didn't want to be disturbed.

I tied the knots of my apron around my waist and walked into the diner, preparing the first pot of coffee. Soon Aaliyah joined me.

"How are you El, I haven't seen you in a while" she smiled, I nodded. Aaliyah worked here part-time. Stacey and I usually worked our shifts together, looks like Aaliyah was replacing her today.

"I'm good, you?"

She shrugged, "School's been busy, barely got any time for myself" I nodded, I could relate to that feeling. Aaliyah was still a student in her last year of Business Management.

"Let's hope for a calm day shall we." I jested, she smiled and nodded agreeing. I went to switch the CLOSED sign as she unlocked the register.

"So are you still together with Cedric?" I wondered as I tried to continue our chitchat. She nodded, "We're thinking of moving in together." excitement showed in her eyes. 

"What about you, are you seeing anyone?" I snorted at the thought. Definitely not. I shook my head as she continued to eye me with curiosity.

"I'm not really looking for someone" I admitted, it was true, I was better of alone. She pouted, "Any particular reason for that?" she questioned, I made my way towards the kitchen to grab the pastries from the fridge and went to display them onto the counter.

"I just like being alone" I lied. Sure I enjoyed my peace and quiet, and I did prefer it over my past relationships but no one truly wants to be alone.