KAYA

"He'd have a bright future as a model."

My eyes skipped over Erex, landing on the worker who spoke.

Eve stood in front of me with my order, placing it on the table and then sliding into the seat opposite mine.

I glanced at the coffee and rose a brow at the latina.

"I have a break and you seemed lonely." She explained.

"I'm not." I let my lips curve upwards slightly so it wouldn't seem too rude.

Eve sipped on her own iced tea and shrugged, "Don't care. I wanted to talk to you so here I am."

"I don't know you though." I mused, though not in any way to scare her off. That wouldn't do.

"Hi, I'm Eve Masters. This is a short-term job. You're really pretty. Your name is Kaya, you live in the Orchid Apartments and are Rex's neighbor."

"Stalker much?" I blinked, feigning astonishment.

She laughed softly, "I'm kind of friends with Rex and half the frequent customers here are from the neighbourhood. I hear things."

"I see."

"Yeah, anyways so. Here I am."

I tilted my head in mock confusion even as I hazarded a guess, "Why?" I asked, my eyes flitting back to observe Erex as he sat on the other side of Emile's and scrolled on his phone.

"That is why." Eve snickered, her brown tresses gathered in a low ponytail. This time, I raised both brows. She waved her hand dismissively, "Rex. You watch him with such detail and attention, I figured I'd help you out in pursuing him if you wanted."

Bingo.

The fact that I watched Erex so much wasn't hidden. I wanted him to be aware of my gaze upon him and create a sense of unnatural connection while carrying out the mission. I also intended for someone or the other to note and be mislead the same way Eve was so that I could get some outsider help in luring Erex.

"You're overthinking it." I grabbed the coffee but didn't drink it. I couldn't be sure if she tampered with it or not.

"Mhm." She took a long drag of her iced tea before leaning closer. "Look, you can deny if you want but you're at least slightly interested in him. Yes or no?"

I put on a contemplative face and proceeded to look away from her eyes.

The picture perfect actions of someone who doesn't want to lie. Breaking eye contact. Unsure misery woven into explorative intrigue.

"He slammed the door on my face when we first met, I don't think that endeared me to him much."

Eve's eyebrows jumped and she chuckled softly, "That happened?"

I nodded, my multi-colored eyes going back to Erex.

Except this time he was watching me too and when our eyes locked, his brow quirked up slightly. His attention even from accross the room sent me into a state of awareness. But this was a strategic game I was playing, eye contact and its impact on the human brain could have some truly fascinating results and therein lay one of my skills.

Eve glanced back, following my line of sight and waved at Erex before turning back to me. "Yeah, I can give you some pointers and help out. He's a regular here and I know his habits."

"What's in it for you though?" I narrowed my eyes slightly to convey my suspicion.

Well, fake suspicion.

Or was it real? Because technically I did need to know what prompted this stranger to approach me with such self assurance.

Her uptilted honey eyes met mine and she had a thoughtful look on her pretty face. "I haven't been here long, this is a short term gig. I needed a break from my work and here I am, working as a barista." She chuckled in a self-depricating manner. "Uhh, I know it sounds weird but I don't really...um have friends here."

I kept silently staring at her, intimidating her in a subtle manner so she'd keep speaking.

"I just like your energy." She smiled. That smile was a bit fake though. I raised my eyebrows and gave a very unconvincing slow nod. She huffed and finally came out with it, "Okay so maybe there's a little something I'd like your help with."

"Now you're talking."

She gave me a deadpanned look and I smirked. "Continue please."

"Right, so. There's this group of uni girls who came here at least twice a week or so. Along with their teacher." She took a sip of her ice tea and then cleared her throat. "They just ogle Erex and like to flirt with him, it's been a nuisance. Because every time, I'm the one assigned to them and they make my life hell. Imagine Regina George clones or an evil Barbie version of girls. But...." Then Eve leaned closer, as if about to share a secret, "If he was taken, they might get a hint. In fact, I'm petty enough that I simply want to watch them burning in jealousy and stop coming here."

"Alright, One: Wow." I fake snickered. "Two: I'm not about to 'husband him up'." I stopped speaking when she gave me a strange look, "What?"

"Husband him up?"

"The opposite of 'wife her up'." I explained placatingly. "It's called equality."

Ever couldn't help her chuckle of amusement, "Right, agreed. Moving on."

"Yes, so three: Who's Regina George?"

I did, in fact, know about her. I'd once had to seduce and sleep with a man who had a literal Regina George fetish. He was partial to mean girls, blonde hair, fake features and dirty sex. So I'd studied up on her and adopted a similar persona. I remember that incident because it made me question my existence after a long time.

However, laying out all my cards and diverting from the aloof, a little disconnected from reality but nice girl persona here wasn't in my favor.

Sighing deeply, Eve got a far away look in her eyes, "Regina George is a legend."

"Sorry, haven't heard of her-"

"She's this famous Mean Girl character, how have you never heard of her?" She questioned in bewilderment.

I smiled at her, "The same way you hadn't heard of 'husband him up.' It happens."

Eve smirked, "Smartass. But fair enough."

"Four: They're probably rich customers which equals more sale and more money, why do you want to get rid of them for such a petty reason? I don't think even the boss would agree." I needed to know what I was getting into and not seem too eager to jump at the opportunity to get information on Erex and his routines, increasing the possibility of our time together.

Nodding understandingly and tying her coffee brown hair in a bun, she replied, "We're willing to part with that money and suffer a loss. The Boss included. Because they ruin the cafe's atmosphere and make us do triple the work. We have some guidelines for the customers too, you know. We're humans even if we're serving them." Her tone turned bitter and I considerably understood what kind of people this group of girls must be.

"That makes sense." I acknowledged.

"Yeah, so really. Your proximity with Erex will definitely get on their nerves. And since you both work in the same place and are neighbours-"

I opened my mouth to question her about where she got that information from, even though I vaguely knew it must've been her observation skills and words from other patrons at best, but she cut me off.

"I have my sources." She had the hint of a proud smile on her features as she answered my unasked question before continuing. "Anyways, since you're so conveniently in his orbit, it'd make sense that you can grown closer to him naturally."

"He doesn't seem too welcoming though." I dryly remarked. "Not that I need him to welcome me, I've had enough of a welcoming experience from his end to last me a lifetime."

Eve shook her head, chuckling. "Yeah well, that's Rex for you. He's friendly but not too friendly. He talks but he always keeps his distance. Rex is a total box of contradictions." She shuddered, "One I'm not interested in figuring out." Then she triumphantly leaned back in her seat, "But you sure do."

I finished my food and then mirrored her pose, folding my arms over my chest, "That's an incorrect assumption but since I'm in no position to explain the intricacies of our.....interactions, I'll let it slide."

Eve grumbled, "Oh whatever, I don't care as long as you just help in driving away the Regina flies."

I frowned slightly as if confused but let my features express amusement. "The....Regina flies?"

"That's what we officially call them, yes."

"We're not in high school, this really seems immature."

She snickered, "Trust me, I wouldn't act like this even if we were in high school." She frustratedly sighed, "Look, it's just that while I'm sure they have their good points, all I see are the negatives and it's not for lack of trying. I just really want to be rid of those territorial, rude women and watch them simmer in jealousy as you effortlessly, as you put it, 'husband him up.'" She got that all out in one breath and then smiled brightly at me.

My lips twitch. "Alright. Though I'd say you've too much of a creative imagination and we won't be going that far."

"Never say never." She sing-songed.

"I didn't even use the word never." I bluntly added.

Not to be deterred, Eve fired back, "But you implied it. Same thing."

I mirrored the grin she wore for it'd seem unnatural otherwise.

I Watched as Erex left, dragging my eyes back to the Barista in front of me as she held out her hand.

"So, deal?"

I stared at it, acting like I was contemplating the offer.

She sneakily added, "You get to spend time with a hot Italian with manners and I get rid of the pesky Regina flies."

"You're really devoted to that nickname."

"Moving on!" She spoke louder and ignorred my comment, a slight blush on her cheeks and I pasted on a natural looking smile on my face. "We support girl power here, I'm all for you going for what you want, Kaya." She smiled supportingly, a little desperate.

I chuckled, grasping her outstretched hand, "Deal."

I needed to run another background check on this woman, she really seemed a little too observant and popped into my life in what I'd call too convenient a manner and time. There would be no harm in double checking, I could never be too safe. But looking a gift horse in the mouth wasn't an option either.

We shook on it, her warm hand gripping mine enthusiastically while her smile matched the energy she exhibited.

"Deal." Eve echoed.

And just like that, I secured myself another way in, another way to break down the invisible walls that Erex Di'Castillo had placed around himself.

A/N

SO I know you probably weren't waiting eagerly for this update but still, I hope you enjoyed it lol.

What are your opinions on dear Eve? This new way for Kaya to get close to Erex? Do you think a genuine freindship could be formed? Ahhh so many questions and such an interesting new character for you to analyze. I know this was just a filler chapter in a way but promise that the next one will be a good chapter.

Don't forget to vote and comment! I always appreciate the feedback and vote of confidence hehe. And I'm so busy with college. Didn't know it'd be this hectic but okay, I'm learning and trying to not compromise on writing. Thank you for being patient with me.

Till next time then! Take care y'all!

~Skyler