Carly swung her backpack over her shoulder and headed out of the house. Mr. McDonell and Eric had already left for the office. They had offered her a ride at first, but she refused saying that she would rather take the bus. They didn't persist any further and left. It was good on her part. She had something to do and them being in the way would hinder her plan.
She walked up to the main gate and left the McDonell premises. She walked a few blocks away from the house when she saw the black car waiting beside the corner, parked near the curb of the road. She went to the car and got in through the passenger seat.
"Morning," she said after settling down. She turned to look at the person in the driver's seat.
Alex stared back at her. "Morning," he said. He started the car engine and drove off.
"I guess you're here to tell me about the plan?" Carly asked as they were leaving the neighbourhood.
"I'm just here to inform you that everything's taking place tonight," Alex told her.
Carly turned in her seat to look at him. "You're kidding, right? Tonight? Why didn't you guys tell me yesterday?"
"I thought Red Lion was going to tell you. Guess he didn't." Alex shrugged.
"You know, when I agreed to help with the cartel, I didn't expect you guys to keep all the details from me until the last minute."
"I wish I could apologise, but I'm just a helper like you."
Carly scoffed as she folded her arms. "Don't use that word on me. Helping these guys out is a terrible idea."
"Then you should've refused."
"You know what they have on me, Alex." Carly turned to look at him. "You're Alex, right?"
Alex nodded. They soon reached the intersection, and as soon as the road cleared, the car went to the road down the left.
Carly folded her arms and groaned in frustration. Alex wondered whether to ask what's wrong when it's pretty clear what it is.
"I wish I never agreed to all this," Carly spoke.
"That's what I would've done," said Alex.
Carly looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Oh really?" Carly asked. "You would agree even if they were to go through with their threat?"
Alex shrugged his shoulders. "A lot of people in your shoes would comply, but I would let them go through with their threat."
Carly sucked her teeth as she looked out the window. "You make it sound so easy, when you know it isn't. You're not the one in my shoes."
Alex didn't say anything as he focused on the road. He gave Carly a glance and saw her reflection through the window. She looked to be troubled and lost in her own world at the same time. He wondered what she could be thinking about. Alex shook his head. You can never know with women.
"What time do your classes end?" Alex asked, breaking the silence between them.
"Why are you asking?" Carly asked without looking at him.
"Because Red Lion wants to meet you afterwards."
Carly slowly turned to look at him. "What?"
"He needs to go through the plan with you."
"What's so complicated about meeting people? Do I've to practice being courteous or what?"
"It's his orders, not mine."
"I can't wait for this to be over."
"So what time do your classes end?"
Carly rolled her eyes. "At 3 PM. You can come pick me up then."
Alex didn't say anything because within a few seconds, he found himself parked in front of the gate of the main college building. Many students were entering the premises, especially those coming from the hostels across the street.
"I'll see you at three," said Alex.
Carly nodded her head, got hold of the straps of her backpack on her laps, and opened the door. She stepped out, swung the bag round her shoulder and closed the door behind her. She didn't turn to watch the car drive away as she soon made her way towards the gates.
As she walked, she wondered what to do since she wasn't going to be home early again today. Angel will be on her for sure. She has to come up with a convincing lie to put Angel and everyone else's minds at ease.
***
"Oh, my gosh, Angel, it's you!" shrieked the receptionist, a Mexican brunnette who sat behind her desk, immediately Angel stepped out of the elevator.
Angel smiled as she approached the brown mahogany desk with the name of the company and its logo shining on the wall. "Nice to see you again, Lisa," she said.
Lisa the receptionist, excitedly stood up from her desk, went round it and over to Angel to give her a hug.
"How have you been?" Lisa asked as she stood at arms length, her arms still wrapped around Angel.
"I'm okay," Angel replied. "Recovering has been a pain, but I'm fine as you can see."
"You're not only looking fine, you look stunning." Lisa stood a few feet away from Angel to take a good look at her. "What are they feeding you at that house? Or is it the clothes?"
Angel laughed. "Stop it, Lisa. You know this grey dress better than anyone. And I can assure you that my diet hasn't changed a bit."
"Says the person living in a mansion." Lisa rolled her eyes and the two laughed.
"Let's get down to business," said Angel. "You don't want Mark to find you goofing around."
Lisa went back to her desk. "I wouldn't mind him, dear. He's been waiting for you in his office."
"Ah, I see he didn't forget our appointment."
"Why would he? You're his favourite."
Angel shook her head and at the same time, wagged her index finger at Lisa. "That's not the case. He's got many lovers and you know it."
"But you're his one and true love." Lisa sat down on her chair. "He missed you like crazy when you weren't around. Now it's about to get a whole lot worse."
Lisa sounded a little sad and Angel couldn't help but look sympathetic. Lisa already knew that she was leaving, and so did many of her workmates.
"I can only imagine," said Angel.
"Do you know what," Lisa looked rejuvenated with her eyes almost popping out of their sockets, "we should try and meet up this week. I'll tell you about his little tantrums when you weren't around."
"He had tantrums?" Angel couldn't believe it.
Lisa nodded her head and she had a funny smile on her face. One reason Angel really liked Lisa for is that she's fun to be around with.
"We should discuss our meeting date later," said Angel, "because I've to go in now."
"Sure. And make sure to say hi to Tiffany. The poor girl missed you like crazy too."
Angel smiled at Lisa, assuring her that she would. She passed the desk and went down the passage to her left. She soon found herself in one big room full of work cubicles and most of them were occupied. The sound of whispers, typing on the keyboards and the sound of the printing machine at the corner of the room, made Angel's mouth raise to a smile. She realised how much she had missed the place, and now she's leaving it, this time for good. The thought almost made her heart break. But before she could linger in her thoughts a little while longer, a shriek reached her ears that made her jump.
"Angel!" came a young, plump lady in a sky blue blouse and black skirt running towards Angel with her arms outstretched, ready to hug her.
"Tiff-?" Angel didn't get to finish her name as Tiffany already had her arms around Angel's waist. With all her energy, she lifted Angel off the floor. Angel couldn't help but scream and laugh in delight at the same time.
"Put me down, Tiff," Angel said as she couldn't help but appreciate Tiffany's greeting. "Everyone's looking at us."
"Well, this morning couldn't get any better than this," came a voice from one of the cubicles.
Angel turned her head immediately Tiffany put her down. Walking down the aisle is her long time colleague, Ben. They actually attended the same university and apparently found themselves working for the same editing company. A smile appeared across his long face as he approached Angel and Tiffany.
"Ben, how are you?" Angel greeted him. She felt happy to see him. "I see you still love wearing your tweed jackets."
Ben stopped in his tracks as he looked at his brown, tweed suit and frowned at Angel. She always made fun of his suits hence giving him the name: Mr. Bean's tall twin brother. His shiny brown hair was also smartly combed, so it was difficult not to call him so.
"I see you haven't changed." Ben smiled and hugged her. "It's good to see you again, Angel."
"Me too, Ben," Angel looked at him with a smile after they hugged. "You're as tall as ever."
"He's like a growing plant, trust me," said Tiffany as she giggled. "I wonder what Annie is feeding him back home."
Ben rolled his eyes. "You two are always making fun of me. Will you ever stop doing that?"
"No," Angel shook her head. "It's really good to see you, guys, really."
"It's good to see you too, Angel," said Tiffany as she held Angel's hand. Then she had a sad expression on her face. "Mr. Dean told us you will be leaving."
Angel put up a sad smile. "Sadly, I am. I came to hand in my resignation letter."
Ben smacked his lips. "Why do you have to leave, huh? First the accident and your mother's funeral..., now this."
"I wish I could tell you what's really going on in my life right now, but later. Lisa wants to make plans where we could all sit down and talk."
"That's a good idea," Tiffany nodded and gave Angel a bright smile.
"I hope she doesn't take us to a place where she'll attract nothing but trouble," said Ben. "Remember that pub we went to on Tiffany's birthday? We would've been beaten if we hadn't left."
Angel chuckled. "I really want to reminisce over that, but I've to head for the office. I'll see you before I leave."
"Okay," Tiffany and Ben agreed. Angel gave them them a smile as she walked right through the aisle in the middle of the room that demarcated the cubicles.
Along the way, she was greeted by her other colleagues who were just as happy to see her. With every step she took approaching the room to Mark's office, she realised that if she had any other option, she would've stayed. This place felt almost like her second home. Everyone here felt like family. It took a while when she first got here to create bonds, but now she was going to a whole new place. Who knows what challenges she would face. But one thing she's sure of, is that this place and the people here will forever be like family.
She left the work area and went down a short passageway where she came across the secretary's desk. At the end of the hall stood the door to Mark's office. The secretary's desk is empty. Angel figured that she must be inside the office.
She approached the door and knocked. She heard Mark's voice in the room, telling her to come in. She held the knob and pushed the door open.
A cool morning breeze hit Angel square in the face the moment she stepped into the office. She found him at his desk with his back facing the huge windows. Seating on one of the chairs in front of his desk was his secretary, Valerie. She's a brunette just like Lisa and you could tell why Mark picked her for a secretary. She is tall and had a heart shaped face with lovely, plump lips. Not forgetting that she has a really curvy body. She should've been a model. Even when Lisa insists that Mark likes Angel, Angel always felt Mark liked Valerie or anyone else prettier than her.
"Ah, Angel," Mark quickly stood up from his seat. Valerie turned to look at Angel, surprised. "You're finally here."
Angel tried to put up a smile. She expected to see Mark sitting close to Valerie and maybe even flirting with her, but it isn't the case this time around. They seemed to be discussing something serious. To Angel, it felt so unlike him.
"Yes, I'm here. How are you doing, Valerie?" Angel gave her a bright smile.
"I'm good, thanks," said Valerie. "It's good to see you again."
"You too."
"Umm..., Valerie, can you wait back at your desk?" Mark suggested. "I would like to talk to Angel in private."
"Of course, Mr. Dean," Valerie stood up from her seat and made her way towards the door, passing Angel. Angel thought she had seen Valerie smile. She wondered what that's about.
"Please, sit," said Mark, gesturing towards one of the seats in front of his desk. Angel took a seat, making sure not to take the one Valerie sat on.
"How are you doing?" Angel asked.
"I'm okay as you can see," Mark sat back down in his seat. "It's nice to see you here early in the morning."
Angel chuckled. "Let's just get down to business before we forget."
Mark smiled. "Are you sure about this, Angel?"
"About leaving? Let's not go down that road again. We already did so at the restaurant, remember?"
He sighed. "As though you not being here wasn't bad enough. You were really missed, you know?"
"I figured." Angel gave him a smirk.
"Well, there's a good side to all this." Mark folded his arms as he leaned in closer on his desk.
"And what is that?"
Mark raised his eyebrow and Angel knew that look. Something ridiculous was about to come out of that mouth of his.
He paused for a bit as he continued to look at her. "I won't have to worry about dating you now."
"Huh?" Angel didn't know whether to laugh or stay surprised. "Don't joke with me, Mark."
Mark chuckled. "You'll see. Let's not indulge in that right now. Let's get back to business." He gave her a crooked smile.
Angel shook her head at him. If leaving the editing company is that risky, then she better think twice.
***
Leo took a sip of his latte as he slowly took the corner down the street to where the car was packed. From afar, he could tell through the car's windows that Bill is the only person inside. He sighed as he took a look at his watch. Angel seemed to be taking her time, and Leo didn't like it.
He approached the car and went over to the driver's side where he knocked on the window to grab Bill's attention.
"Is anything the problem, sir?" Bill asked after lowering the window to address Leo.
"Angel seems to be taking her time up there," said Leo as he gestured with his head at the building complex in front of him.
"Is that a problem?"
"It is. We're already late for work."
"I don't think you've to worry about that."
Leo noisily drank his latte while looking at Bill. Bill wished he hadn't said that as he gave Leo a look.
"She'll be here soon," Bill said. "I bet she's just saying goodbye to her colleagues. She won't be seeing some of them ever again."
"I couldn't care less about that," said Leo as he leaned his back onto the car, sipping on his latte.
"Don't say that, sir. Saying goodbye isn't as simple as you think."
"Ya? What do I know?" Leo asked as he rolled his eyes.
Bill gave up as he sighed. Just as he was about to move in his seat, he saw Angel walking out through the main door of the complex. Leo saw her too, and she wasn't alone. She had three people around her, talking to her as they came towards the car. A tall man in a tweed jacket, a blonde haired, plump woman and a brunette. Angel carried along with her a box, which obviously contained her personal belongings. Leo scoffed realising that they were Angel's closet friends. He wished he didn't have to meet them in such circumstances.
When Angel was just a few feet away from the car, Bill quickly opened the door to let himself out. He did it so suddenly that Leo almost jumped in fright since he stood so close to the door. He almost shouted at Bill to be more careful, but he didn't want to look rude in front of everyone walking down the street. He had to give Bill a piece of his mind later.
"Let me carry that for you, Miss," Bill kindly offered as he took the box off Angel's hands and went back to the car to put it inside.
"Wow, you even have your own chauffeur," said Lisa, looking impressed. "You really are fortunate, aren't you?"
"Stop it, Lisa," Angel muttered to her as they got close.
"Are you ready to leave, Angel?" Leo asked, completely ignoring her friends.
Angel gave Leo a look. "Leo, Bill," she went on to say, "these are my friends, Tiffany, Ben and Lisa. Guys, these are Bill and Leo."
"Nice to meet you," said Bill.
Angel's friends responded back. Leo nodded his head in acknowledgement.
"You're Leo McDonell, right?" Tiffany asked, looking at Leo with eyes full of glee.
"Yes, I am," said Leo, giving Tiffany a smile.
"Wow, you're much more handsome in person."
Angel felt Lisa poke her in the ribs. Angel quietly told her to stop what she's doing.
"Thank you, Tiffany," said Leo as he stood a little straighter. "If you don't mind, we better be leaving."
"Yes, we really have to go," said Angel as she addressed her friends. "Let's make plans to meet this week, alright?"
"We should," said Ben. "We're going to miss you, Angel."
"I'll miss you guys too."
"We really have a lot to talk about," said Lisa as she took a brief glance at Leo. Angel raised an eyebrow at her. "And I mean 'a lot.'"
Tiffany and Angel hugged. "I'm really going to miss you the most," said Tiffany. "If you need me, I'm only one call away."
"Thanks, Tiff. I'm also here when you need me."
"Make sure you behave at your new work place, okay?" Ben told her.
"Come here, Mr. Bean," said Angel as she had her arms stretched out to give Ben a hug.
"Take care, sweetie," said Lisa after Angel gave Ben a hug. Lisa quickly wrapped her arms around her.
"You too, Lisa." Angel broke away from her. "We'll see each other soon."
"We will," said Ben. Lisa continued to smile at her while Tiffany looked like she was on the verge of crying.
Angel turned towards the car and found herself almost bumping into Leo, who got startled that he felt his heart beat a little faster. They were so close that Angel had to take a step back.
Leo cleared his throat as he stood aside to open the passenger side door with his free hand. He motioned with his other hand holding his latte for Angel to get in. Angel paused, surprised that Leo is acting courteous again. She went inside the car and Leo closed the door.
Bill got in the driver's seat while Leo went round the car to get in from the other side. When Bill started the car's engine, Angel lowered the window on her side and waved at her friends who waved back. The car soon took down the road and Angel couldn't help but stick her head out the window to see the distance between her friends and the car widen.
"You'll lose your head if you stick it out there for too long," Leo said to her. He sipped on his latte.
Angel brought her head back in. "You know I didn't stick my entire head out, right?"
Leo shrugged his shoulders without even looking at her. "I'm just saying."
Angel didn't say anything as she went on to look ahead.
"Don't mind him, Miss Barclay," said Bill as he stared at her through the rear view mirror.
"I'm not going to," said Angel.
Leo sipped on his latte, this time noisily. Angel stared at him, irritated. Bill shook his head with a disapproved look on his face.
Angel went on to stare out the window, looking at the buildings along the road. She was deep in thought, thinking of her friends and the editing firm. She wondered what awaited her at the McDonell company. When Leo continue to sip noisily, she wondered how she would ever handle him.
"Can you stop doing that?" Angel snapped at him.
Leo looked at her. He moved the latte away from his lips and fully turned to look at Angel properly.
"Do you've a problem with me?" Leo asked.
"I've a problem with the way you're sipping on that latte," Angel answered.
"Really? I didn't know sipping on something annoyed you."
"But with the way you're doing it, yes, I've a problem."
"So do I," Bill stepped in.
Leo rolled his eyes at Bill. Clearly, he didn't want the chauffeur entering their conversation.
"I'm almost done with my latte."
"There's a difference with the noise you make when you're finishing it and when you're drinking just to annoy people."
"She's right," Bill said.
Leo rolled his eyes at them both. "I didn't know I was annoying you."
"Well, you are," said Angel. A long pause passed before she asked, "aren't you supposed to say something?"
"And what is that?"
Angel shook her head as she turned to face the window on her side. "You're unbelievable."
"No, seriously, I don't understand what you want me to say." Leo shrugged his shoulders.
"She meant for you to say sorry, sir," said Bill.
"I didn't ask for your help, Bill," Leo sounded like he would snap any minute.
"Just giving you a hint."
"Don't bother helping him out," said Angel, still looking out of the window. "It's clear that he can't think for himself."
"Are you calling me dumb?" Leo couldn't believe what Angel was saying.
"Maybe."
Before Leo could say something back, his phone in the pocket of his trousers started to ring. He wondered who could be calling him as he retrieved his phone. He looked at the screen. It's Eric. He rolled his eyes before picking the call and putting the phone to his ear.
"What?" Leo snapped.
"Look who has the attitude this time around," said Eric.
Leo angrily sighed. "I know you aren't calling to check up on me. Just get to the point."
"Angel has upset you, hasn't she?"
Leo turned to look at Angel who still faced the window. "That's none of your concern."
"If you're upset, than she is too. I hope you haven't hurt her or anything."
"Why would I even want to?"
"It's good Bill is there. I'm the one who suggested to uncle that he should take you two because I know you're like a cat and dog whenever you're together."
Leo squinted his eyes with his thumb and index finger, praying for Eric to stop talking. As a matter of fact, he just wanted to get out of the car and walk to God knows where. Today is clearly not going well for him and he just wanted to do something different for a change.
"Whatever, Eric. Why are you calling?" Leo noticed Angel turn to look at him after mentioning Eric's name.
"You seem to know me very well, Leo. You're right, there's something uncle wants you to do before you reach the office."
"And what could that be?"
"We just received word that a good old friend of his will be coming to visit this morning and he wants the best croissants in town."
"Croissants? That's weird. Why can't he just order them to the office? And why do I've to be the one getting them?"
"Hey, if you don't want to, I can tell him that you've refused."
"No, no, it's fine, I'll do it. But where do they sell the best croissants?"
"That, my friend, you'll have to figure it out on your own. Happy croissant hunting," Eric chuckled before cutting the call.
Leo looked at his phone and felt like throwing it out the window. He always hated it when Eric got the chance to mock him because he couldn't go against his father's wishes. It's one thing that Leo tried not to do so often. He found it much easier to go against his mother than his father. Now, his father had sent him out to buy croissants and he couldn't refuse.
"There has been a change of plans, Bill," Leo said to the driver.
"What is it, sir?" Bill asked looking at Leo through the rear view mirror.
"If you know one of the best cafés in town that sell the best croissants, you can take us there."
Angel turned to look at Leo. "What does Eric need croissants for when he already ate breakfast?" she asked.
"It's not him. My dad is expecting an old friend and requested for them."
"Do you've any idea of a good café or bakery, Miss Barclay?" Bill asked.
Angel paused for a second as she thought. Then a smile appeared across her face as she stared back at Bill through the rear view. "I know just the place." Angel told him which road to head to.
Leo looked at Angel and he couldn't help but ask, "are you sure this place is genuine?"
"Trust me, it is," Angel replied turning to Leo with a smile on her face.
Leo couldn't help but notice Angel's eyes light up with a smile. He concluded that the place must really mean something for her to brighten up like she did. He wondered what it could be.
The car stopped at a junction and as soon as the traffic lights turned green, Bill took a left turn entering the road Angel mentioned he should take. Within a few minutes of driving, Angel sat at the edge of her seat and tapped Bill on the shoulder.
"We're almost there," she told him. She pointed at a café just up ahead. "See that orange shop? That's the one."
"They better make the best croissants," said Leo.
"It's the best café I know around here," Angel said to him. "If you happen to know any shop, we're open to your opinion. But if I remember correctly, you're the one who actually asked for help."
Leo hissed. "Whatever," he said. "Let's check this place out, then."
Angel shook her head as she turned to look forward. Bill slowly pulled the car over and packed right in front of the café.
"Here we are," Bill announced.
"Let's go, Leo," Angel told him as she quickly rushed out of the car.
"What is she so excited about?" Leo muttered to himself. Bill heard him, but didn't answer as he watched Angel outside the car approach the café.
Leo got out and closed the door. He straightened his jacket as he came up the pavement to stand next to Angel. He turned to look at her, expecting her to be looking at the café. Instead, she was looking in the opposite direction.
"Angel," Leo called to her, bringing her back from her thoughts. She turned to look at him. "Shall we?"
"Oh, yes," she said as she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Sorry about that."
Angel made her way towards the café's entrance and Leo wanted to turn around to see what she had been looking at. But he realised that he didn't have the time. He followed Angel inside.
The rich smell of strong brewed coffee and the lovely, sweet smell of freshly baked pastries, hit Leo's nose in an instant. The place also felt so warm and welcoming. When he looked around, he found the place almost packed with people seated around coffee brown tables, having a hot beverage. Some had a pastry to go with it. It's still the early hours of the morning, so many people were probably here to grab something to eat before they head to work.
He found Angel standing in line like the other customers, heading for the counter. Thank goodness it wasn't long. She was looking at the pastries in the glass display case. He came to join her and realised she had a smile again. He looked at the tiny, bright coloured cupcakes and wondered what it is about them that made her smile like that. He noticed the croissants, neatly arranged in a tray. They looked like they had just come straight out of the oven.
Leo turned to look at Angel who soon straightened up. The line had moved a little and the two had to move along with it.
"What was with that smile earlier?" Leo asked.
Angel's raised an eyebrow wanting to turn her head to look at him but she kept looking at the lovely pastries in the display case. "What do you mean?" she asked.
He had his hands in the pockets and his eyes now looking around the café. He didn't like to repeat himself, ever. He silently sighed before he repeated the question. "What was with that smile earlier? You were smiling at those cupcakes."
"Oh, that," the line moved again as another customer got their order and made their way out of the café. "It's nothing."
Leo looked at the back of Angel's head and wondered if what she says is true. To him that smile meant a whole lot more than he made himself believe. He soon realised he didn't want to know the reason behind it.
The two were now getting closer to the counter and when they did, they found a young woman in a black shirt and trousers. She smiled at Angel.
"Morning. What can I get you today?" the young cashier asked.
"We'll have some croissants, please," Angel replied, "uh...." She turned her head to look at Leo. "How many should we get?"
Leo shrugged his shoulders. "Why are you asking me? I don't know."
Angel rolled her eyes, realising that asking him was a bad idea. She turned back to the cashier and told her that they would get four croissants.
The cashier left her place to get the croissants inside the display case. While she packed the croissants in a brown paper bag, Leo stood beside Angel to give her a look.
"Why did you only order four?" he asked.
"Because I thought it appropriate," Angel replied without looking at him, her eyes were back on the display case. "There will only be two people so two croissants for each of them sounds fair."
Leo didn't say anything else as he folded his arms. He wished for the cashier to hurry with packing their order. He couldn't stand another minute with Angel by his side.
The cashier came back with the brown paper bag. She punched in the numbers on the cash register and told them the price. Leo quickly drew out his wallet and paid in cash. Angel thanked the cashier and took the bag. She and Leo turned around to head for the door.
"Well, that's over," said Leo.
"You sound like you've just gone through a torture session," Angel said.
"I did." Leo thought about it for a second. "I'm still going through it sadly."
Angel knew what Leo meant. She bit her lower lip to keep her mouth shut to avoid saying anything stupid in public.
As soon as they approached the door of the café, Leo held the handle to open it and allow Angel out first. As soon as he did, Angel suddenly paused as there was someone right at the door, ready to get in.
Leo noticed Angel's hesitation quickly and turned to see who was standing right outside the café. His heart skipped a beat and he felt like quickly closing the door and opening it again to see if all this was nothing but a dream. His morning couldn't get any worse than this.
"Leo?" Kim looked just as shocked to see him. She turned to look at Angel beside him. "Angel?" She chuckled a little to hide her shock. "Hi. What are you two doing here?"
"We came to buy some croissants," Angel answered quickly, holding up the bag. "Mr. McDonell asked if we could get him some."
"Oh, I see," Kim nodded a bit. "I came here to get a bite to eat. Had to rush quickly to the office, so I didn't get to eat breakfast."
"You should definitely get something here," Angel advised as she stepped out of the café to stand alongside Kim. "They make yummy pastries and delicious coffee."
"So I had been told. I wanted to try out this place because Trina heard from someone that this place is great."
"They were not wrong there." Angel gave Kim a smile. She turned to look at Leo who still stood by the door. He slowly stepped out of the café and just by the look on his face, she could tell how uncomfortable he is with Kim around.
"We better take these while they are still hot," Angel said, quickly turning to Kim. "He's expecting an old friend soon and these croissants have to be there before then."
"Oh, no problem," said Kim, flashing a bright smile. "We'll see each other soon."
"Yes, we will."
"I'll see you around, Leo," Kim said to him. Angel noticed Kim's cheeks redden.
"Uh..., ya, see you around, Kim," Leo managed to say.
Kim looked at the ground as she passed Leo, opening the door of the café and stepping in. Angel turned to look at Leo who still looked white-faced after seeing Kim.
"Well, that was something," she said as she turned around to make her way to the car.
Leo's composure came back to him in an instant as he gave Angel a look. He knew she was definitely mocking him.
"What do you mean?" he asked as he followed her.
Angel had reached the car and was just about to open the door to the passenger's side when she looked at Leo. "Kim is what I mean," she answered.
Leo rolled his eyes as he found himself on the opposite side of the car. "Very funny, Angel. Let's just get out of here. I want to go to the office and forget that all of this happened."
He saw Angel smirk before she turned her head to look across the street. There was a certain look on her face that Leo noticed. It was the same look she had when they got here. He turned to see what she could be looking at, but he heard the door at her side open and she quickly went in. He opened the door on his side, getting a glimpse of the stores across the street. He entered the car, thinking that she was probably looking at nothing.
"Let's get to the office quickly, Bill," Leo heard Angel say to Bill.
"Of course, Miss," Bill answered, switching the car's engine on. "Wasn't that Kim I saw talking to you two?"
"Bill, just drive," said Leo, folding his arms and hating Bill for bringing her up.
Angel laughed. "Let it go, Bill," she said. "You know better than to say such things."
Bill chuckled as he put the car in reverse and Leo looked out of the window, hoping for the day to end soon. But he had a feeling that his day had only just begun.