Remember Me

Kendra POV

I sat up in bed rubbing my eyes I dreaded Monday mornings the most. I dragged myself out of bed making my way to the bathroom to freshen up for my day. I had a horrible headache which wasn't new for me. It's something I've had to deal with over the years.

Sitting down on the toilet to pee my head begins throbbing. Slowly standing up I wipe and flush. Washing my hands I head into my small kitchen to start my coffee. The magic cure for a headache in my opinion. Looking at my small clock above my stove it's now eight am and I needed to head out for work. I have a job as a waitress serving at Franklin pub. The money was shit but it paid my bills. Heading into my room to get dressed in my black jeans, and black long-sleeve top, normal uniform dres' code. Looking myself in the mirror my slightly slim figure, and slim arms weren't my favorite feature. I wasn't ugly but I didn't consider myself to be drop-dead gorgeous either. I have my flaws but I really couldn't give two shits about it. I didn't have the best luck when it came to relationships. I've been single for about two years now. My ex Jonathan cheated on me with his assistant.

It's whatever now I'm independent. I don't need anyone to love me. Shaking my head from the memory of Jonathan I grab my jacket and keys, heading out of my small apartment. Feeling the cold breeze on my face as I step outside, walking through the parking lot to my old 2004 Jetta. This car was my baby. I paid two thousand dollars in cash for her upfront. I didn't have any car payments just the mechanical payments. Sitting in the driver's seat I begin starting the engine turning on my heat that barely worked. It was very cold being it's only the middle of October. I don't mind the cold weather at all, I can't stand the heat just makes me miserable and moody. The cold just sets a calmness for me that most people probably wouldn't understand. As I drive toward work I think about my mother who I currently have not spoken to for over 5 years now. Our relationship over the years was toxic and I just had to distance myself from her. She tries calling leaving messages on voicemail. I never return her calls because it's just no use in trying anymore with her. I was born into a family that doesn't know how to love. Nothing but judgment and resentment.

I pull into the parking lot of the pub parking in the back at the employee entrance. Turning off the engine my cell phone begins buzzing. Looking at the screen I see Danielle my best friend's name pop up.

" Hello," I say quickly

" Hey, girl. I wanted to discuss my wedding ideas" Danielle says sounding excited

" Oh. You and Shawn set a date? I ask surprised.

There was a short silence. I could hear her light breathing.

" no, we haven't yet. You know how excited I am to marry him" Danielle says sadly.

I did know. Danielle was so in love with Shawn. They met while she taking a course for her mathematical degree at the Rowe university. She fell instantly for him as he spoiled her with dates and gifts.

" try talking to Shawn Danielle. I'm sure he wants to set a date" I say stepping out of my car.

" yea your right. I'll talk to him" she says with a sigh.

" well, I have to go to work. Talk later?" I asked.

" yes of course. Love you" she says as the phone line ends.

Putting my phone in my pants pocket I head into the pub for a long 8-hour shift …

*******

The day went on slowly as I worked. Taking orders, listening to customers gossip, and complain about their orders not being right. As a waitress the customers are always right, even when we in fact aren't always the one whos wrong we still have to put on a smile and give the customers what they want.

" excuse me miss?" A soft voice says behind me as I making my rounds. I turn around seeing an older lady smiling at me.

" can I help you miss?" I ask turning around to face her.

" yes, I ordered a coffee but haven't received it. Where's my waitress?" She asks annoyed. I already knew who took her order. Natalie. The new hire that Tommy hired a month ago. Why she hasn't been fired yet is beyond my comprehension.

" sorry miss. I'll get you a fresh cup." I say. Looking around the pub I see Natalie flirting with a few guys at the bar. Rolling my eyes I grab the fresh pot of coffee that was brewing. Girls like Natalie crave attention. I mean the girl was attractive, but her personality was shit. Stuck up and snobby or in better words a total bitch.

" thank you miss," the lady says as I pour her coffee. I smile softly as I head back to the kitchen. It was now six-thirty and I was ready to clock out.

" Kendra I need you to cover the night shift," Tommy says. It wasn't a question but more demanding.

" wait why? I asked annoyed

" don't worry about why. I'm the boss! Cover for Natalie.

Fucking great I thought. I'm not surprised in the slightest.

Clocking back in I head to the bar to cover Natalie. I know it's going to be a long night.

" Kendra cover the back table booth 7 I have to take a call," Maggie says desperately. Before I could object she was already in the back kitchen. Grabbing my notepad and pen I head over to the group of people who looked to be around my age. Forcing my waitress's friendly smile as I approach.

" Hello, my name is Kendra, ill be your waitress for the night. What can I get for you all? " I ask.

" six beers. Wings and thin-crust cheese pizza" a blonde girl says.

" okay ill put your order in and ill be back with your beers," I say walking away. It must be nice to have a friend's night I thought. Dani and I have barely been able to have a girl's day mainly because I'm busy with work and she's planning her soon-to-be wedding to Shawn.

Placing the pizza order through. I grab 6 beers from the bar and head back to the group. As I approach I notice a sixth person has joined them.

"here are your beers," I say sitting each beer on the table as each person grabs one.

" where's our pizza? A guy asks.

" ill go check now," I say forcing a smile. I could feel the guy who joined them staring at me. Does he recognize me? he doesn't look familiar I thought.

" Kendra pizza order ready," chef ben says putting the big tray of cheese pizza on the counter. I grab the tray carefully and head back to the group table. As I approach they all look at me with blank expressions.

" finally. I'm starved" the blonde says as I place the tray of pizza and wings on the table.

" I hope you enjoy it. Can I get you guys anything else?" I ask hoping they say no.

" yea another round of beers" the guy that just joined them says.

" Okay sure," I say with a fake smile.

Getting 6 more beers quickly I head back to the table as I see the guy making out with the blonde. Rolling my eyes mentally I place the beers on the table.

" hope you're enjoying everything. Let me know if there is anything else I can get you guys" I say smiling. before I could walk away the blonde stops me.

" oh, you have nice hair. Is it yours?" the blonde asks sipping her beer.

What the fuck? I thought.

" excuse me? I ask shocked

" sorry. I know black girls usually wear fake hair but yours looks so natural. " the blonde says smirking.

without saying anything I walk away.

It's now 11 pm and I was exhausted. The week wasn't even near being over, considering it's only Monday night. Cleaning up the bar area with my headphones in. I see the guy from the group approach. Why the hell is he back here? He and his friends left an hour ago. Taking my headphones out of my ears. I keep my composure calm.

" We are closed," I say annoyed.

" so it's you. My stalker." the guy says looking pissed.

"what? I ask not knowing what the fuck he was talking about.

Without saying anything he just leaves the pub.

What the hell? I say out loud.

Conner Pov*******

Kendra Moore? Was that her? What the fuck? That bitch is a fucking stalker. She had a dam meltdown and couldn't face the fact that I didn't want her. I don't date black women at all. It's a disgust just thinking about the idea of me and her together. I watched her as she worked around the pub waiting on tables taking orders. She did look different from her high school days. She was slimmer but still had a fat ass. Gross I thought. Her brown skin was glowing even in her work clothes. I can tell she most likely moisturized often. Black people are known for having ashy dry skin. Gross. Her hair even has changed. Its longer. What the hell am I doing watching her? something in her eyes didn't seem to faze her when she saw me. I planned to confront her, I just need to be away from my friends.

making my way back to the pub after driving donna home, I see Kendra behind the bar counter cleaning. she looks up with a confused expression on her face. she probably was wondering why I was back here. she takes her headphones from her ears

" We are closed," she says without looking up at me

" so it's you. my stalker," I say with disgust. She looks at me with shock in her eyes. I guess she thought I didn't know who she was.

" what? she asks softly as if she was trying to stay calm. she continues to stare at me confused. without saying anything I turn around leaving the pub.

Kendra Pov.

The weeks went by in a blur between me non-stop working and helping Danielle with her wedding planning. It was Friday in the afternoon I was working at the pub, my usual. My phone kept buzzing in my butt pocket, already knowing that its Danielle. she wanted me to go to some party with her tonight. It wasn't like I had anything better to do so I guess going out with her wouldn't be so bad.

" Have a good weekend Maggie" I say to my coworker waving.

Making my way to my locker to get my things. I feel my phone buzzing in my butt pants pocket, looking at the screen, I see a miss call from an unknown number. Mother. She's the only person that calls me private. Rolling my eyes I make my way out the employee entrance heading to my car.

I know it's gonna be a long night.

*****

"you're gonna look gorgeous!" Danielle says excitedly. she had these huge rollers in my hair.

" where is the party?" I ask as she starts applying makeup to my face.

"it is at Florin Grande hotel in Florence city." she says

" well it must be fancy," I say looking at my reflection. I never wear makeup mostly mascara and a cheap lip balm. Danielle was glamming me up, It was flawless and not too over the top, adding a bold red lipstick to my plump lips to finish the look.

"it's a masque party. Now go slip on the gown. Don't mess up my work". she says threatening.

Making my way into her bathroom I unzip the cover the gown was in and gasped. This gown was gorgeous, Floor-Length See Through Sequins Long Sleeve Pullover Plain Lace Dress.

Slipping on the dress it fit my curvy body perfectly. Stepping into black and silver high heels I walk out of the bathroom already expecting Danielle's dramatic reaction.

" you look beautiful Kendra." She says smiling widely. A light knock on Danielle's door interrupts her almost crying just looking at how nice I look.

" Dani the limo is out front. Are you too ready?" Shawn says from behind the door. he always had that nickname for her.

" yes we will be right out," Dani says grabbing my hand.

As we made our way inside the Grande ballroom people were having a good time, some were at tables talking and others were on the dance floor dancing.

I kind of felt like a third wheel here considering I didn't have a date and Danielle and Shawn were already making their way to the dance floor. Sighing I make my way to the bar to have a drink. Sitting down at an empty seat I wave over the bartender.

" red wine please," I say smiling.

He nods his head winking at me. he sits a tall wine glass in front of me, pouring the wine into my glass.

" Thanks," I say taking a long sip. Much needed I thought. Looking around I see Dani and Shawn making out. Gross.

" this seat takin?" A male voice says next to me. Looking over at him I shake my head no and go back to drinking my wine.

" you here alone?" The guy asks trying to make small talk.

" no. I'm here with friends" I say finishing my wine. Holding my glass up for the bartender to pour me more.

" you look beautiful," the guy says sitting closer to me now. Looking at him I study his features. He was handsome for sure. He looked like a Ryan gosling but with dark hard and green eyes. His teeth poked through his pink full lips as he smiled at me. he looked sexy in the tuxedo. Was this guy flirting with me? I thought.

"Thank you," I say sipping my wine. I could feel him staring at me as he drank his beer.

" take a picture it will last longer," I say sarcastically. The sound of his chuckles was sexy I had to admit.

" would you like to dance?" He asks sitting his beer down. He holds his hand out for me to take, without thinking I place my hand in his as we make our way to the dance floor. The wine was kicking in cause I was feeling bold. The music was blasting as I felt free. I mean he's a handsome stranger that wanted to dance with me. We began dancing to the Weeknd's hit in the night. Pushing my butt up against him I feel his big hands grab my waist as I grind up against him. the wine was making me more confident.

"you're so sexy" he whispers in my ear. Turning me around he smashes his lips to mine kissing me. Pushing him away I step back. He looks at me unsure of what to do next. The music slows down to a slow song ballad.

" sorry." He says pulling me close to him. As we move to the music I look around spotting Dani smiling at me.

"Name Chris. You are?" He asks as he spins me around

" Kendra," I say breaking eye contact.

He smells amazing I thought. He was so tall and handsome. A guy like him wouldn't want to be with a girl like me.

Feeling dizzy I let his hand go taking a step back.

" are you alright?" Chris asks sounding concerned.

" I'm fine. Thanks for the dance" I say turning to walk away. He doesn't follow me, I'm sure he'll find another pretty girl to entertain him. Making my way over to where Dani and Shawn were sitting I sit down next to Dani.

" hungry? I put our food order in" Dani says.

" yeah," I say.

" So who was that guy you were dancing with?" Dani asks as the server comes with our tray of food. Chicken pasta and bread are served with soup.

" his name was Chris," I say nonchalantly.

" oh you two looked cozy," Dani says stuffing pasta in her mouth.

" it was just dancing," I say biting into the tasty bread. Looking around the room I see Chris sitting with a group of people. See he's forgotten all about me I thought digging into my pasta.

" well you look gorgeous he's a fool for not getting your number," Dani says rolling her eyes.

I stand up quickly I need fresh air I thought.

" I'll be back," I say making my way out of the ballroom. I walk down a long hallway, according to the signs the garden area was straight through the doors ahead. Once I push open the doors I feel the cold breeze. The garden was beautiful seeing a bench near a rose bush I sit down looking up at the black sky. No stars were in sight but the moon. It was peaceful out here I thought looking around. Eating the little food I did helped settle my stomach from the wine.

" what are you doing here?!" A guy says behind me.

" excuse me?" I ask standing up.

"you're stalking me?" He asks stepping closer.

Conner Pov

*****

Watching my buddy Chris flirt with some black women in the bar area was a disgrace. He was drunk. Donna was taking shots with her girlfriends so I was currently bored. I hope she doesn't get too wasted tonight I'm hoping to get love by night's end. Moving closer to the bar to interrupt Chris and the women I freeze. It cant be. Kendra? I thought looking closely at the girl with Chris. The dress she wore was dark black that fell to the floor with a slit exposing her right leg. I overhear Chris telling her how beautiful she is. Gross I thought. there is Nothing beautiful about her I thought to myself. I watch as they make their way onto the dance floor. She was dancing all slutty which isn't surprising. That's all black women are good at doing being sluts, Trying to seduce us, white men. What the hell was Chris thinking? A black girl? He had to be drunk.

" Conner let's dance," Donna says breaking me out of my thoughts. I could see she was already half tipsy so I knew I wasn't getting any tonight. Having sex with a girl drunk isn't for me, I'm a decent guy. I made sure to keep my eyes on Kendra and Chris as they continued to dance. Donna wasn't good at dancing but I knew she'd be upset if I didn't dance with her. What the fuck? did Chris just kiss her? I had to be seeing things.

Rolling my eyes I focus my attention back on Donna.

" Hey, dude. Let's grab our table." Chris says hitting my shoulder. Pulling donna along we make our way to our table to eat. I saw Kendra sitting next to a brunette and a few other people. I need to talk to her I thought as our food arrived at the table.

" so did you see me dancing with that sexy girl?" Chris asks stuffing his mouth with chicken.

" no, I didn't notice" I lied

" I got to get her number. She's a beautiful girl dude. I know you don't approve of race-mixing but she's gorgeous." Chris says looking at me. He's trying to piss me off.

" what about Vanessa? I thought you were together again? I ask annoyed.

" no, we are not anymore," Chris says smiling.

"Hmm," I say not wanting to further the conversation. I look in the direction where Kendra is sitting and see her stand up.

" I got to take a piss," I say standing up. Following slowly in the direction where Kendra is heading. I had to confront her. This couldn't be a coincidence seeing her again, She had to be stalking me. As I follow her out of the back garden area, I watch her sit down on a bench near rose bushes as she looks up at the sky.

" what are you doing here?" I ask. She turns around startled.

" excuse me? She asks shocked.

" you stalking me?" I asked stepping closer to her.

" I don't even know you," she says confused.

"yea I bet. just stay away from me!" I yell turning around to leave.