As if this week couldn't get any worse...

I suck in a sharp breath as I step outside into the crisp air of the bustling city, my mind rather muddled. It had all happened so quickly. One moment I was watching Wade and Theo argue in front of me, the next I was in Mike's office getting fired from my job.

He has often threatened to fire me over stupid things, but I never thought he would actually make good on his threats. What's worse, is that the whole situation wasn't even my fault, and yet I still got the repercussions for it. Mike had said I was being fired because I caused an argument with customers and disturbed a VIP guest. I tried to defend my actions but he wasn't having a bar of it. I assume that he was just looking for any excuse to get rid of me, which I didn't mind too much as he truly could be an awful person.

I hadn't meant to cry in front of him. Hell, that was the last thing I wanted to do. But after the week I've had so far, the damn broke again. It was mostly out of frustration rather than sadness at this point, but that didn't stop a heavy feeling from taking residence in my chest. My life is truly falling apart and I'm not sure what to do with myself at this point.

God! What is it with men trying to ruin my life all of a sudden? First Liam, now Mike and I don't even know where to start with Theo... 

Wade starting an argument was not surprising considering his state. In hindsight, I should have cut him off earlier. But Theo jumping in to defend me... that I wasn't prepared for.

Part of me is thankful he cut in because it is never fun dealing with drunk customers who are harassing you, but most of me is just annoyed. I could have handled it myself.

Zara had been super sweet and apologetic, saying she should have tried harder to divert Theo and not to take what Mike said to heart because we both know how much of an asshole he can be. She also offered to help me find a new job as she has a few connections at some other bars in the area, but I told her it was okay and that I would keep in touch, I just needed some time to sort out the ever-growing disaster that is my life currently.

I let out a breath as I wipe the tears from my face. Now what? 

I look out at the bustling city around me for a moment before deciding it's probably best to just head home. My shift would've ended in half an hour anyway and I was planning to just go home after work so what difference does getting fired make? Luckily, I got my payout so that should hold me over until I manage to find a new job. However, that doesn't change the fact that I have to break the news to Tessa when I get home.

Turning away, I start to walk towards the subway station entrance when the door to the bar swings open and I can feel his presence behind me before I can see him.

"Hayley," Theo starts as he runs to catch up with me, capturing my elbow gently and turning me to face him. I shrug him off with a frown and take a step back from him in an effort to put some distance between us. 

"Are you okay?" he asks with a concerned look as his eyes flash over me like he's looking to see if I've been wounded. 

"What do you think?" I grumble, suddenly annoyed at him and his stupid question. How dare he ask that after essentially being the reason I got fired? If he had just kept his mouth shut and not jumped in to defend me, then we wouldn't be in this situation currently.

"Look, I'm really sorry. No one should be allowed to talk to you that way and I didn't think it would get you in trouble..."

"You got me fired, Theo!" I yell, new tears springing to my eyes.

"Shit..."

"Yeah, shit. Next time, maybe think before you speak!"

"Hayley... Please, let me-"

"I don't need your help, Theo! Please just leave me alone!" I blurt out in a sob, instantly regretting the words as they leave my mouth. I hardly know this man, and yet he has cared more about me and my well-being in the past twenty-four hours than most people have in my entire life. 

My chest suddenly feels rather hollow as I stare back at him, his expression suddenly unreadable. My anger begins to dissolve as I realise that maybe Tessa was right. 

"Okay. Well, if you do ever need anything, you have my number... Again, I'm really sorry Hayley," he says quietly, a polite, almost painful-looking smile gracing his beautiful features for a moment before he turns and walks back into the bar, leaving me cold and alone in the busy city once again.

Fuck.

Regret fills my chest as I stare at the place where he stood, wishing that I could turn back time. Everything has just been happening so quickly, maybe it's for the best? Although I can't seem to get him out of my mind and the universe keeps bringing us together like it's trying to play a trick on us. He seems like he genuinely cares, like he believes that we might have a real connection despite how little time we've spent together.

I groan and rub my hands over my face. Either way, I've really stepped in it now. I'm still a little mad at him but at the same time, I know it's my turn to apologise now. 

Deciding that it's probably just best to let everything settle down for the moment, I slowly make my way to the subway station. Hopefully, I can collect my thoughts on the journey home before I have to break the news to Tessa.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE

Hey Guys,

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please vote and comment and feel free to leave me your feedback as I always appreciate it.

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I hope you all are well and having a good day wherever you are in the world and I will see you all in the next chapter!

Love,

Allamy xx