My Anti-hero Fairy System-Chapter 91. The Invitation

What?" Farrah stammered, finally tearing her eyes away from Marco to look at Cara. "I—I didn’t ask for this!"

Cara shrugged, her smirk growing. "You didn’t have to. It’s obvious you’re interested, and Marco here owes us a favor. Seems like a fair trade to me."

Marco chuckled, his deep laugh rumbling like distant thunder. "Well, I did say I wanted to make it up to you," he said, his eyes now fixed on Farrah with a newfound curiosity. "If Athena’s willing, I’d be happy to take her out."

Farrah’s heart raced, her mind scrambling to process what was happening. She opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out. Instead, she found herself nodding slowly, her earlier hesitation melting away under Marco’s steady gaze.

Cara clapped her hands together, clearly pleased with herself. "Great! It’s settled then. Marco, you’ve got your chance to make amends. Don’t mess it up."

With that, Cara and Farrah turned and made their way to the roadside, where Reginald stood waiting, just as Cara had instructed him. As they approached, he uncrossed his arms and said, "You took a while in there, Ms. Bolton. I almost went in to check on you."

"I appreciate the concern, Reginald, but we’re here now, so let’s get going," Cara said, hurrying to open the car door before he could do it for her. She slid into the seat, and Farrah followed closely behind. As soon as they were settled, Reginald started the engine and pulled away from the curb.

"Where to now, Ms.?" Reginald asked as they drove off.

"Hoyt’s Diner," Cara replied. "If you don’t know where that is, I can guide you, or you can use Google Maps."

Reginald chuckled, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. "I know the place. It used to be Wesley’s Diner, right?"

Cara raised an eyebrow, a little impressed. "Yeah, that’s the one."

The rest of the ride was filled with comfortable silence, interrupted only by occasional small talk. Ten minutes later, Reginald pulled up in front of the diner. The moment the car stopped, Farrah glanced at her phone, her eyes widening.

"Shit! I’m half an hour late!" she muttered before flinging the door open, rushing and running towards the diner.

Cara turned to Reginald. "So, how’s this going to work? Are you hanging around, or are you heading home and coming back later to pick me up?"

Reginald shook his head. "I’ll be sticking around, Ms. I can’t leave until I drop you off for the day. Plus, I’m new in town. I don’t know many places or people yet."

Cara noted the thick New York accent in his voice and tilted her head. "You’re from New York?"

"Yes, Ms." Reginald said with unmistakable pride.

"What part?"

"Long Island," he replied.

The words stirred something in Cara, memories of her past life as Sylvester Lancaster. Long Island. The place where he did most of his growing up. The place where he had died.

For a moment, she felt herself slipping into the past, but she quickly shook it off. "And what made you leave New York for... well, this unknown town?"

Reginald exhaled, his grip on the steering wheel tightening slightly. "I needed a fresh start. And this job pays well."

Cara nodded, sensing there was more to his story but choosing not to press. Instead, she gave him a small smile. "Well, enjoy your stay here. And if you get hungry, come inside and order something. I will cover it."

Reginald’s face softened with gratitude. "Thank you, Ms."

Cara stepped out of the car and walked toward the diner as Reginald parked properly, watching as she disappeared inside.

—---

—‐—

Cara stepped into the diner, immediately hit by the buzz of conversation and the clatter of dishes. As expected, the place was packed—it was still the lunch rush, after all.

She moved quickly past Farrah, who had just emerged from the locker room already dressed in her uniform. Jackie stood near the counter, giving instructions to a group of new waitresses, her sharp eyes scanning the room.

Wasting no time, Cara rushed into the locker room to change. She had just pulled on her uniform when her phone rang. Glancing at the screen, she saw Joana’s name flashing. For the vampire to be calling at this hour, it had to be something important.

She answered immediately. "Hey, Joana, what’s up?"

Joana’s voice came through tense and urgent. "Something is up, alright. I just got news that those vampire friends of mine from two nights ago were set on fire—while they slept in their coffins. A human mob attacked their house, burned it to the ground, and killed them."

Cara’s stomach clenched. "What the hell...?"

"And to top it off," Joana continued, "I just received an invitation to a gala. Hosted by your stepfather. Which I find really weird."

Cara’s mind raced. "I’m sorry about your friends, Joana. And yeah... that is weird. What the hell is Rudy planning?"

"I guess I’ll find out tonight," Joana said. "I hope you’ll be there."

"No, I don’t think so."

"Why the hell not?"

Cara sighed. "My mom and I are having some... issues. I told her the truth about Rudy, and she basically uninvited me."

Joana didn’t hesitate. "You’ll have to find a way to be there." And then, just like that, she hung up.

Cara groaned, shoving her phone into her pocket before stepping out of the locker room. She barely had time to focus on her next task before Cindy approached her.

"The boss wants to see you. Now." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Cara frowned. "Jackie? What for?"

Cindy shrugged. "No idea. But she said it was urgent."

Unease curled in Cara’s stomach. She handed off her tables to Cindy and made her way to Jackie’s office.

She knocked lightly, and Jackie’s voice rang out. "Come in."

Cara stepped inside and found Jackie sitting behind her desk, glasses perched on her nose as she scanned some paperwork.

With a teasing smile, Cara walked forward. "How’s the sexiest boss in the world doing?"

Jackie smiled, but there was something off about it. "I appreciate the compliment, Cara, but as sweet as you are... I have to sack you."

Cara froze. "What?!"