3. Carver Troy

Ava's heart skipped a beat, a chill running down her spine. She shook her head, unable to speak, sensing the gravity in Jorge's tone.

"He's a local real estate tycoon," Jorge explained, his brow furrowed. "He's been coming to this restaurant since he was a child. It's his favorite place in the entire city. He often stops by after hours to pick up his order, to avoid unwanted attention."

Ava's heart sank, the weight of her mistake settling heavily in her chest. She could feel her face flush with embarrassment, her hands trembling with a mix of fear and regret.

"I... I didn't know," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm so sorry, Jorge."

Jorge's eyes were stern, but understanding. He reached out, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"I know you didn't mean any harm," he said softly. "But this is serious, Ava. Mr. Troy values his privacy, and he trusts us to maintain it. There aren't many places he can go in the city that will show him that respect. He'll be back tonight, and he'll expect an apology."

Ava swallowed hard, nodding her understanding. The thought of facing someone so powerful, so important, was terrifying, but she knew she had to make things right.

"I'll apologize," she promised, her voice firm with resolve. "I'll do whatever it takes to make this right."

Jorge's face softened, and he gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

"I know you will," he said, a small smile breaking through the worry. "Just be sincere, and speak from the heart. He's a fair man. He'll understand."

The hours dragged on as Ava's anxiety built. The restaurant was a hive of activity, but she felt detached, her thoughts consumed by the impending meeting with Carver Troy. He was a legend in New York, his reputation a blend of charisma and ruthlessness. What would he think of her? A girl living in a hotel room. A thief who had stolen his dinner.

Carver Troy’s entrance was always a spectacle, and tonight was no exception. The elegant atmosphere of Poncholes dimmed as all eyes followed the tall, enigmatic figure moving through the room. His eyes were a blend of green and brown that seemed to shift and change with his thoughts. His dark hair, neatly groomed and styled, added to his alluring mystique. The suit he wore was expertly tailored, conforming to his body. The cut subtly hinting at the powerful musculature beneath its fabric.

As he approached Ava, the rest of the world seemed to fade away. His gaze, unflinching and focused, was locked onto her face, and Ava felt a pull she couldn't quite understand. Her breath caught in her throat, and she could feel her hands trembling as she stammered out her apology.

"Mr. Troy, I—I didn't know. I'm so sorry. The meal—your meal. We were already closed, and I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast. I thought it was leftover, and I took it to my hotel room," she stumbled, her eyes wide and filled with genuine regret.

For a split second, Carver's eyes narrowed, and Ava felt a chill run down her spine. But then, his face softened, and the corners of his mouth turned up in a gentle, knowing smile. His voice, calm and reassuring, carried an innate grace that seemed to fill the room, quieting the underlying tension.

"It's quite alright," he said, his words resonating with an unspoken authority that commanded respect, yet tempered by a kindness that eased her fears. "Mistakes happen. Just ensure it doesn't happen again, please? I'm not a fan of hunger."

Ava's heart was pounding in her chest, the sound echoing in her ears. She could feel the tears of relief welling in her eyes, and she quickly blinked them away. "Nor am I, sir. Thank you for understanding."

He inclined his head, his eyes lingering on her face for a moment. "You're new here, aren't you?" he asked, a note of curiosity in his voice.

"Yes, sir. I've only been here for a few weeks," she replied, her voice still shaky.

His smile deepened, his eyes softening. "Well, welcome to New York. And don't worry about the meal. Jorge here makes it perfectly, but it's not something worth losing sleep over."

Carver's smile widened a fraction, and his eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "Did you enjoy it at least?" he asked, his tone light and teasing.

Ava's response was immediate and a bit too enthusiastic. "Oh yes! It was amazing, nothing like anything I've ever tasted!"

Carver's laughter was soft and genuine, and it sent a thrill through Ava, warming her from the inside out. "I'm glad to hear that," he said, his voice rich and resonant. "Perhaps it was meant to be, then."

Ava blushed, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and excitement. She could feel his eyes on her, studying her. It was unnerving and thrilling all at once, and she knew that this was a moment she would never forget.

Carver Troy had that effect on people. His presence was magnetic, his charisma undeniable. He moved through the world with a confidence and ease that was both awe-inspiring and deeply attractive to all who are watching.

But it was more than that. There was a depth to him, a complexity that drew her in. Behind the charm and the smile, there was a hint of something more. Something hidden. Something that called to her, whispering promises of the unknown.

As he turned to leave, his eyes lingering on her for just a moment longer, Ava felt a pang of longing. She wanted to know more, to explore the enigma that was Carver Troy. To understand what lay beneath the surface.

With that, he turned and made his way to his usual table, leaving Ava feeling both relieved and strangely connected to this man who had been a stranger only moments before. His graciousness, his understanding, and his charismatic presence lingered in her mind, painting a picture of a man who was as complex as he was captivating.

Ava had just finished scrubbing the last of the gleaming silverware when Steven, the ever-chirpy waiter, leaned in with a playful grin. "Hey Ava, have you noticed how Mr. Troy kept an eye on you all evening? No matter where you are, he's watching you."

Ava's cheeks flushed at the comment. She quickly dismissed it with a wave of her hand. "Don't be ridiculous, Steven. A man like him wouldn't notice someone like me."

"Oh, but I think he has," Steven insisted, his eyes twinkling with mischief and a teasing grin spreading across his face. Ava's heart skipped a beat, and she could feel a blush creeping up her cheeks. She shrugged it off with a roll of her eyes and went back to her work. "He stayed for the entire dinner service, Ava. I'm not sure that has ever happened before. Must be your magnetic charm," he added with a wink, making her shake her head in mock annoyance.

As Ava prepared to leave, her eyes met Carver Troy's across the room. There was an intensity in his gaze that made her heart flutter. His voice, smooth and commanding, reached her ears. "Ava, would you please join me for a moment?"

She approached his table, mind whirling, holding a tray to clear the plates. Carver's presence was overpowering, and she could feel his eyes on her, studying her every move. As she reached to gather the dishes, he reached out, gently stopping her with a firm yet gentle touch on her arm.

"That's not why I called you over," he said, his voice resonating with an unspoken authority that she couldn't ignore. "Sit down. Please."

His smile was warm yet mysterious, and Ava found herself complying, drawn to him as she took the seat across from him. The command in his voice was subtle, but it was there, and she felt a curious mix of intrigue and nervousness as she settled into the chair.

"So, Ava," he began, his voice soft yet firm. "Tell me about yourself."

Ava stammered, struggling to find the words. "I'm just... I'm working here, trying to get back on my feet."

Carver's eyes narrowed slightly, and he glanced at the bag she was carrying. "And what do you have there? Surely you aren't stealing another person's meal, are you?" His tone was teasing, but there was a sharpness in his eyes.

Ava's face turned crimson. "No, sir. My employee meal. It's just a simple cheeseburger and fries."

Carver's eyes softened, and he waved his hand dismissively. "Nonsense. Jorge, please prepare the same meal I'm having for Ava to take home."

Jorge, who was standing nearby, nodded with a knowing smile, and disappeared into the kitchen. Ava was left speechless, her eyes wide.

Carver leaned in, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You're staying close by? Perhaps with family or friends?"

Ava's eyes darted away, a nervous smile playing on her lips. "No, actually, I'm living at the hotel down the block, just until I... get back on my feet." Her voice trailed off, the admission heavier than she expected.

Carver's eyes sparkled with something unreadable, but he simply nodded. "I hope you find your feet soon, Ava."

When the meal was ready, Carver took it from Jorge, his eyes locked with Ava's. As he handed it to her, his fingers brushed against hers, sending a jolt of electricity through her body. The touch lingered, just a moment longer than necessary, and Ava's breath caught in her throat.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Carver's smile was enigmatic as he leaned back in his chair. "You're welcome, Ava."

Ava left the restaurant, her mind in turmoil. The night had taken an unexpected turn, and she felt a strange connection to Carver Troy, a connection that both excited and terrified her. As she walked back to her hotel room, she realized that her life had taken a new direction, one that she could never have anticipated.

But as she approached the front desk of the old hotel where she had been staying, something in the owner's expression made her pause. His eyes were wide, and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"Ava, dear," he said, his voice filled with a strange mixture of excitement and trepidation. "There's been a change about your room."

A cold chill swept through Ava's body, and her heart seemed to drop into her stomach. Panic washed over her, and she could feel her hands beginning to tremble. Was she kicked out? Had something gone wrong? The weight of uncertainty threatened to crush her.

"What do you mean?" she stammered, her voice cracking. "What's wrong with my room?"