In the few minutes that our second order takes to arrive, Jay and I have finished all the food and are patiently waiting for more. There's a break in the conversation that allows me to re-observe the décor of the old restaurant. The vintage wallpaper and the delicate lace curtains takes you back to a time when the world moved slower. The mixed-and-matched vases on each table holding pale purple flowers added a unique touch that only the old lady who ran the shop could pull off: it was incredibly old fashioned, but also comforting in a strange way.
A meal at The Little Squid always calms my speeding nerves.
The food arrives and we resume eating. The conversation flows smoother when there's food in your plate.
"So, the billion dollar question: What do you think of the customer we had today?" Jay asks. I smile as I answer.
"No comment."
Jay makes an absurd whining noise and puts another dumpling into his mouth.
"There's nobody here for you to censor your opinion, Boss" he says.
"I know, but.....Alright. He was a snob. And very demanding. And he looked ridiculous."
Jay is shaking in silent laughter.
"I know that being judgmental like that of people is not considered good, but I'm only human. I can't help thinking that his outfit looked wrong on him and his attitude seemed immature. He has a good physique. He can use it to his advantage in a huge way. Only if he knew how."
A familiar voice that was definitely not Jay's answered me, "Then tell me how."
I froze.
Jay sitting in front of me paled visibly, his eyes as big as saucers.
I turn around slowly, praying that the owner of that voice wasn't who I thought it was.
Standing behind me was Joshua 'Something'.
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Joshua deftly pulls up a chair and joins us. I can see the terror in Jay's eyes and the amusement in his . He is clearly enjoying this.
"Tell me, I said" he says, mocking me with every syllable he speaks. My tolerance for this shit lasts only so long, and I'm almost at my limit. I glance at Jay and his expression says 'don't do it.'
But I am going to. I can't not do it.
"First, lets fix your style. ...."
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It's been two hours since we left The Little Squid and I'm still kicking myself.
Apparently being in the industry for two years does nothing to your temper. Jay says that we'll lose the deal and I know it's my fault.
Cindy said nothing when we first told her. Then again, her parents' pockets are deep. She knows that dealing with losses makes her a better businesswoman. That doesn't stop her from giving me a earful when Jay leaves though.
"I'm only taking it easy on you because we started this thing together. You should know better than to do something that stupid!"
I can hear the resignation in her voice. We've been through a lot. Mostly because of our carelessness and immature choices. But we've learnt to correct our mistakes, and that brought us to where we are today.
"I know," I sigh as I flop into the couch. "but I snapped. I'm sorry. Just a little bit of feminine touch and we'll be right on track."
I wink at her and she glares at me. But the annoyance in her eyes disappears and she answers, "That didn't work the last time, and it never will."
"What if it does..?", I laugh as I leave her office. Mine is still in a mess and I doubt Jay is doing anything useful.
It's only after I get a call to cancel the order that I realize the severity of what I've done.
I buy a pack of beer on my way home and order chicken for dinner. I set my alarm an hour earlier than usual and open the first can.
I'm too tired to get past three. I switch the light off, bump into the table and swear as I make my way into bed.
Its been a long day. I worked so hard today for nothing. I picture myself wringing Joshua's neck and soon, I'm fast asleep.