Merciless Fate

-Roman's POV-

I stare at the stack of blueberry pancakes as they stare back at me. They’re drowning in maple syrup, just the way I like them.

An exasperated breath escapes me.

Here goes nothing. Dissecting the perfect bite, I place it in my mouth. Even before I start to chew, I know this will be as bland as the others. Even more agitated than before, I throw down my fork and knife. This can’t be it. A clack of plates hitting each other catches my attention. I peer upward, seeing Glenda’s practiced grin as she balances four entrees. I would’ve missed the waitress altogether if she didn’t make a clatter.

“So, how’s the food so far, Roman?” she patiently asks.

I gaze down at the over-cluttered table. There had to be at least eight meals on it. Each one only has a bite taken out of it.

I look back at her, “It could be going better.” I gesture at the plates she’s holding, “Are those for me?”

“Um, yes, but I don’t know where they will fit.”

I give her the plate of blueberry pancakes and switch out some other items for the ones she’s carrying.

Glenda’s expression clouds in confusion, “Do you want me to pack these up or bring them back when Levi and the boys come in?”

I shake my head. Glenda gets the hint, leaving me to my own devices. I’m not expecting anyone, but I couldn’t be bothered to explain myself to anybody, especially a diner waitress.

A loud boom against the diner’s window next to me steals my attention. I don’t know what I thought I would see, but it wasn’t my cousin’s toothy smile. How long has he been out there? Maybe that’s why Glenda figured I wouldn’t be eating alone. It’s weird to see him in a three-piece suit, especially with him being as short as he is. I nod and smile the best I can. Still, I hope he’ll just keep walking. My mood is too sour to keep up appearances.

Levi gestures to give him a minute. Fuck, he should take the whole day, if not the year, to get back with me.

My irritation offers space for the thoughts that continuously plague me.

Mariene got away. She never cared, denying my dedication towards her mere existence. Mariene rejected me and made me spoil what was most important. The bitch, my muse. Ruined!

Muffled heated voices from outdoors filter through, joining me at my table. It looks like my cousin will be more than a minute after all. Is that the goon-brothers, Sam and Greg? They have every right to walk these streets since it’s a neutral territory, but Levi doesn’t seem to agree. Sam and Greg have made a name for themselves within the Tiergan family syndicate. Still, they should know better to mess with a made man like Levi.

Maybe I should go out there and back my cousin up. The thought tires me further. I didn’t come all the way out here to be pulled into my family’s nonsense. If I wanted to deal with any of them, I would’ve stayed on the blocks my father rules over.

I pick up my fork and knife, taking a bite out of the omelet Glenda left. My expression reacts before I spit it out. I despise cold eggs.

“Hey, Roman?”

That didn’t take as long as I hoped.

I meet his clean-shaven babyface. He’s older than me, well, only by a couple of months, but he still has the appearance of a teenager.

“What’s up, Levi?”

His hands smooth over his brownish, perfectly coiffed hair, “What’s up? You didn’t see what just went down with the goon-brothers?”

“No, I didn’t,” I lie.

He scans the table, appearing not to know what to say next. It takes him some effort, but he washes away the look of concern for a friendlier one.

“That’s a lot of food for one man. Are you good?”

We both know the answer to that, or at least Levi thinks he knows.

“So, what happened out there? I thought this area was safe zoned in the last treaty.”

“It is, but you know how shit goes down. The goon-brothers ran their mouths to some of our younger associates, and I intervened to keep the peace. The last thing we need is to fire up the families’ tempers, again.”

My brow raises, “And you were able to stop them?”

“Well, kind of. Enkil happened to pop up, and everyone scattered like roaches.”

That makes sense. Not even the heads of the families mess with Enkil. No one truly knows who he is or how he gained all his power, but everyone knows how powerful he is. He’s the boogie man of all the syndicates. I’ve never seen the man, but some say he’s the head of the Armenian mafia, which is far more powerful than any family I know. However, that’s just a rumor.

I nod as if I cared, “That’s why you’re out here?”

“Nah, I came to deliver a message to someone for your pops.”

I begin to play with the food in front of me.

“It must be an important message to send a made man.”

He chuckles, “Newly made, but yeah, it was. Anyway, why are you out of the neighborhood?”

I shrug, “I like the pancakes here.”

Levi looks at the plates of cold food, “Yeah, I can see that.” He lets out a breath, “Man, she’s gone. It’s been weeks since… Look, Mariene probably ran off with that artist she was fawning over. I mean, even if her family finds her, she’s dead to us. Your father will never allow you to go after her, other than a fuc…” He doesn’t continue.

That artist’s name was Flavian, and yes, Mariene was head over heels in love with him, or so she said. Next Tuesday will make a month since anyone has seen either of them. Well, anyone but me. I see them everywhere. In my dreams, my thoughts, my—

Levi cuts through my reflections, “Earth to Roman?” I give as much attention to his presence as I can. “You should come back with me,” he carefully states.

I force myself to take a small bite of what’s in front of me, “Nah, you go back. I think I’ll finish my meal.”

“Roman, I know you loved her, but there are other girls. A world filled with them.”

No, there isn’t! There’s no one like Mariene. No one.

“Thank you, I wasn’t aware,” I say before I turn off completely.

There’s not enough space in my head for her and my cousin, and I’ve made my choice.

“Alright, you win, but I should tell you that we’re all worried about you. I hope you know we’re here for you. Your mother and father. Whatever you need.”

I don’t answer, not because I don’t believe him. I just have nothing to add. I wonder what type of support they would give if they could truly see me. None, they would fear me, but it’s not my fault they’re slaves to the world. They’re unable to see the restraints that maintain their ignorance. I would educate them if I thought they could learn. I stifle a chuckle. As if I care if they can see. I don’t.

Levi gets up from the booth, giving me a sad smile before walking out of the diner.

It’s not my fault they’re blind.

If my way is so clear, how did she escape my grasp, my vision? Mariene is gone. Fuck! And what’s left isn’t worthy of her.

“Are you ok… are you done hun? I can bring your bill if you are.”

Glenda is back with a tinge of fear hidden within her gaze. The grip I have over the utensils has turned my knuckles white, and I have no clue what my expression holds. I guess she has a reason to be concerned.

“Put it on my father’s tab.”

She smiles and nods before swiftly leaving the table. I’m sure that’s the last time I’ll see her tonight. Shit… I really wanted to try the cherry pie. Maybe next time.