"What's wrong? What's with the grumpy face?" Mr. Jamie, one of our regulars mischievously asked me. "I'll have your specials and a peek at your lovely smile." He coyly said. "A kiss on the cheek would be nice too." Patting his cheeks with a naughty smile.
Raising my brow, I could not help but gave him a wide smile. I quite liked this old man. He loved to tease me and the other girls, but he was completely harmless. "Ah-ah, behave yourself, or else I will tell Mrs. Elaine of your indiscretion." Tapping him gently on the shoulder.
"Please don't do that. She will skin me alive." He jokingly pleaded with a wink. He beckoned me to him and whispered something in my ears. Nodding my head with understanding, I left him at his table and placed his order in the kitchen.
After a few more minutes, I noticed Mrs. Elaine sitting beside him at the table. He took out a piece of rose hiding in his lap and handed it to a very excited sweet lady, his wife for forty-eight years if I remembered correctly.
I went to the pantry and took out a small beautifully decorated cake and a candle. This was Mrs. Elaine's favorite. "Happy birthday!" Mr. Jamie beamed at his wife. Mr. Jamie thanked me silently as I quickly left them.
That was a picture of happy ever after. I could only dream of that, but I was afraid to hope. As I said before, not everybody gets a fairy tale love affair. I had witnessed my mom broke down when my father died. I had seen what it did to Mia, my bestfriend, and Harry's girlfriend when my brother died. I was terrified that the same fate awaited me.
I was still staring at the couple when Gemma stood beside me. "I'm checking out, I'm not feeling well."
She looked pale. "What's wrong?" I put my hand on her forehead. She was slightly feverish.
"Don't worry, James is over there. I would be staying with him till I get better." Pointing at James standing by the door. "I called him half an hour ago as soon as I felt sick."
"I…" I was about to say that I could take care of her, but she cut me off, saying that she did not want to be a bother. Besides, she would rather let James take care of her for a while. She could not wait to feel pampered by him. Who could argue with that?
"Do you think you can manage on your own for a while?" I could see that she was already having difficulty standing, and yet she would still think about my wellbeing.
I grasped her shoulder to support her and made our way to James. "Don't worry about me. Just concentrate on making yourself better." As I assisted Gemma in the passenger seat of James' car, I assured her that I would call her or James if I needed any help.
Just a few more minutes, then I was through for the day. This week went by real fast. I had been here for more than three months, and I was finally settling in.
I was clearing a table near the door when someone pulled a chair behind me. My shift was almost over, and I was looking forward to going home. Frustrated and tired, I took my notepad from my apron and turned behind me.
I froze in my place when I saw who my new customer was. He was in a plain, white shirt that tightly hugged his chest showing off his well-built body, black leather jacket, and black denim jeans. This could not be happening now. I had been avoiding him ever since our last encounter.
Unaware that I was gawking at him, I was startled when he cleared his throat. "If you're done staring, I'll have a Cappuccino, please." Instead of seeing him smirking, he made a friendly grin showing off his deep dimples.
I mumbled some apology and quickly excused myself to get his coffee.
What the heck! What was that? Get yourself together. I scolded myself and concentrated on my task. I quickly served his order and hid behind the counter. Busying myself with cleaning and other unnecessary tasks just to have an excuse not to look at him.
I had to admit, I was intrigued by this new look. The only time I ever saw him was in the morning shift in a business suit. He did look good in casual wear too. My brain insisted.
I remembered looking at his profile on the internet that night I saw him on a date. Yeah. I googled him. Nathan Hayes. I tapped on the search button. Several pictures of him popped up on my screen. He was indeed one great specimen of a man.
I opened one article about him. It said that he was the heir of the Hayes and Sons Incorporated. A big multinational company with diversified business investments. At the age of 25, he was one of the youngest CEO in the business. A year ago, he took over the company because of the sudden death of his father due to a heart condition.
Ok, so he was rich... super-rich... I corrected my thoughts. Therefore, there was no way I am acquainted with that man. Then... What about those eyes? They looked like I had seen them before. Just like in my dream. Maybe it was my mind playing these silly tricks on me again.
Another article showed him with several different women. Gemma was right. He was a certified player. I guessed I should be thankful that I dodged a bullet. He had trouble written all over him.
I closed the app and tossed the phone on my side. A man like him should terrify me. Involving myself with a player was the last thing I would do.
But... Why did I still feel very attracted to him?
I was glad that Andrea took care of Mr. Hayes afterward. As soon as all the customers left, I helped clear the tables and fixed the place. I waved goodbye to Mr. Wilson and walked out the front door.