REGAN RAY UNBOWED

The rhythmic click of skateboard wheels was the soundtrack to Regan Ray's morning. He glided effortlessly between the tables of "The Daily Grind," his simple work uniform somehow looking elegant on him. A bright smile, as natural as the sunrise, lit up his face and seemed to spread warmth to everyone he passed. He weaved through the bustling cafe, taking orders with a practiced ease that made it look like he was dancing rather than working.

He skated smoothly to the counter, handing a stack of order slips to Jeff, the usually grumpy cook, who was sporting an unusually bright expression. “You make it look so effortless, Regan,” Jeff said, grabbing the slips.

Regan leaned against the counter, a hint of weariness showing behind his smile. “What can I say, man? I love what I do, so I try to do my best.”

Anny, the quiet barista, looked up from refilling the coffee machine, her eyes shining with warmth. “You have a way of spreading that positive energy, Regan. It's amazing.”

Jeff, ever the tease, glanced pointedly towards the back where Anny, was working. "Speaking of spreading positive energy, I guess he failed with one person."

Anny caught his look and nodded, a mischievous grin on her face. "Totally agree, Jeff."

Regan knew exactly where this was going. He sighed, his smile fading and his posture stiffening slightly as he sat on one of the side stools. “Come on, guys. You know I don’t like you criticizing Stacy.”

Anny shook her head, raising her hands in mock surrender as she turned to the counter. Regan’s gaze remained fixed, his expression unyielding.

Anny spoke softly, trying to soothe him. “Calm down, Regan. It was just a joke.”

Jeff, however, was more direct. “To be honest with you, Stacy doesn't deserve a guy like you. She's just using you, can't you see?" His eyes were full of genuine concern as he put a hand on Regan’s shoulder.

Regan immediately shrugged his hand off his shoulder. "It’s important I remind you who Stacy is,” he said, adjusting himself on the stool. “I know she can be…difficult sometimes, but…”

“Mean. That’s the word, not difficult,” Anny interrupted, her voice firm.

Regan let out a heavy sigh. “Look, I want you to know that Stacy might seem tough on the outside, but trust me, she has a sweet personality.”

Jeff faked a dramatic cough. Anny stared at Regan in disbelief.

“Seriously,” Regan said, his lips curving into a hopeful smile. “She just needs some time.”

Jeff patted Regan’s back, his voice full of resignation. "Time, you say? I just pray you don't get hurt, man."

Regan’s smile faltered slightly. "Please, if you guys really care about me as you claim, then try to manage her excesses, for my sake. I love Stacy very much, and if you're my friends, then you’ll have my back.” His eyes pleaded with them for understanding.

Before he could continue, Jeff’s voice cut through, sluggish and disappointed. “Talking of the devil… and there she is.”

Regan and Anny followed Jeff's gaze. Stacy was walking through the door, her eyes sweeping arrogantly over the cafe. She was dressed as if for a party, the flashy clothes clashing with the casual setting. The sharp click of her heels drew the attention of nearly everyone, and Stacy seemed to bask in their gaze. She found an empty table and settled in, completely oblivious to the tension that her arrival had brought to the little group of friends.

Regan, his heart hammering a nervous rhythm, approached Stacy’s table. "Please guys for my sake be cool," he’d said, more to himself than to Jeff and Anny as he left them behind. He sat down opposite her, his eyes seeking hers. But before he could speak, Stacy's voice, sharp as broken glass, cut through the air.

"How could you stoop so low as to work in a local restaurant, Regan? I never expected this from you. I’m more than disappointed." Her tone was loud enough to draw the attention of nearby customers, and Regan’s face flushed with a mix of shame and anger. He could feel their eyes on him, their silent judgment stinging.

"What’s wrong with you, Stacy? Can’t you see there are people watching us?" His voice was a low whisper, barely audible above the hum of the cafe.

“And so what, Regan? Do I look like I care? It’s not my fault you work in such a local place.” She rolled her eyes, and with a dramatic flourish, pulled a hand fan from her bag, blowing herself theatrically as if she was in danger of overheating simply by being in the same room as him.

"Enough, Stacy. I’ve had enough of all this drama. Did you come all the way here just to make a scene?” Regan’s voice was heavy with frustration. “I love what I do, Stacy, so if you claim you truly love me, then you should be proud of me and love me for who I am and what I do.”

His words seemed to ignite a new level of annoyance in her. "Can you hear yourself talk, Regan? Haven't I endured enough from you? You have wealth waiting for you at your doorstep, but you refuse to take it. Instead, you choose to settle for less, dining with commoners. Just look at this place,” she said, her nose wrinkling in disgust as she surveyed the cafe. “So stuffy and smelly. This place is less of a restaurant and more of a glorified garbage heap. Common, Regan, this is no place for a guy like you."

Her words, cruel and cutting, made Regan’s heart twist. He subconsciously looked around, his eyes catching the angry expressions on Jeff and Anny’s faces. His embarrassment deepened. He felt like he was shrinking.

"You’ve said enough, Stacy.” His voice, surprisingly calm and steady, broke through the tension. “You mustn’t talk down on others, or be mean to make a point. Seeing you come here made me happy, but it looks like you came to spoil my day, and you've succeeded.” He let out a heavy sigh.

Realizing she needed something, Stacy abruptly changed her demeanor, her voice becoming soft and placating. “Hey, don’t see it that way, Regan. You know I love you so much, and everything I do is for us. You know that, so why the long face?" She stretched her arm to hold his hand, but Regan didn’t respond.

Undeterred, she tried a different tack. “Forget all I said earlier, Regan. I know you may think I’m just being mean, but trust me, I say all this because I care about you.”

Regan saw through her act instantly. "What do you want, Stacy? I know you wouldn't come all the way here for nothing."

"Oh, Regan, that’s why I love you so much, ‘cause you know me too well." She gave him a wide, sugary smile. "Actually, my girls and I are having a little get-together, so I need some money for shopping. You know your girl must always stand out." She blew him a flirtatious kiss.

“But I gave you some money yesterday for shopping, and today you’re asking for money?” Regan’s voice was edged with disbelief.

Stacy stood up abruptly, her gaze sweeping over him with a dismissive arrogance. “Take a good look at me, Regan. This gorgeous lady you see standing before you got to this stage through money. So if you can’t provide for me financially, then I don’t think you love me as you claim." She folded her arms, looking away with a pout.