Without You (Sequel to Stockholm Syndrome)

A Customer's Call

"The devil's finally asleep." Zahra says, as I join her on the couch.
"She's such a pain. She wants to hear a million stories before she decides to get into bed." Darcy does this to me every single day. Zahra and I have started dividing the days now. I put Darcy to sleep for one week, and Zahra does the same for the other. She's better at it than I am.
"Wine?" She asks me, lifting her glass in the air.
"I've told you a thousand times, and I'll tell you this again; no!" Zahra laughs, and takes a sip. I think she's drinking white wine.
"What's your plan?" Her question takes me by surprise. I haven't thought about this at all.
"Honestly, I don't know."
"This wasn't the first or last time. I'm pretty sure he'll want to see Darcy again. How are you going to prevent that?"
"He's relentless, we both know that." She nods her head, agreeing with me. "If I'm not present, he's sure to hang around with Darcy. No body will or can stop him. He's too powerful, and they don't have the guts to do so."
"So, you're saying you're going to hang around with Darcy all the time?" My idea sounds insane.
"Yes, I am. I have no other choice." Zahra sighs, and gets up.
"I agree! It'll be tough, but we'll manage." She yells from the kitchen. I smile to myself. She's such a kind, and supportive friend.
"Yes, we will." I murmur, as I get up to go to bed.
********
"I need prawns!" I yell to Ryan. I finish plating a souffle. Samantha comes over and takes it, smiling. They're all so scared of me when I'm in my work mode. I don't get it, though. I'm a very relaxed, and nice person.
"Ryan, come on! I don't have the whole goddamn day!" I slap my palm against the metal counter-top, making him jump.
"You're worse than Gordon Ramsay." Zahra says, entering the kitchen. She laughs as she places her bag on the counter.
"Zahra, remove that please. I need the space." I pick up her bag, and hand it to her. She huffs, and takes it from my hand.
"Hitler," Zahra mumbles. I roll my eyes at her, as Ryan hands me the pot of hot prawns. I place them on a plate, and decorate it with some sauce, and herbs.
"Beautiful." Zahra says, peeking at the dish over my shoulder.
"Thanks. Samantha, please take this!" She comes over and takes the dish from my hands. "Finally," I sigh. I take a seat, and grab a glass of water. Rush hours are the most exhausting hours of the day.
"Mus, a customer is requesting for you." Samantha says, entering the kitchen.
"Me?" I ask, pointing to myself. She nods her head, and I get up. "I'll be right back." Samantha leads me out of the kitchen, and towards the customer's table. I smile at the guests as we pass their tables. I toy around with my fingers, not focusing on where Samantha's taking me.
"We're here." She says, stopping. I look up and my eyes widen with shock.
"Hi, Mus."