They walk into the restaurant with the big-name board written Delicate Dining.
"I am famished " Bianca massages her belly as they head for the empty table with a couch on the corner and chairs in front of the table.
"I can't believe mother excluded us on that mouth-watering breakfast" Sydney whines
"The cheese and bacon on that slice of bread" Cairo cries
As they settle, Amica known as Natasha hits a man in a navy blue suit.
"Sorry" She apologises but the man didn't bother to wait for her apology. She could feel his agitation. She sharpens her ear to listen to him.
"Please pick up or text me" His voice sounds familiar.
"Are you going to settle down or do you want us to call you out with your newly found name?" They both grin knowingly that she despises her new name. She grunts and sits down. They love getting into her nerves.
*
He glances at his wristwatch, it's 17:30. His flight is taking off at 19:00. The time is slowly closing in on them. Did he text or call the wrong number? Did she make a fool out of him and give him the wrong number? He heaves a sigh. He is not the type to wait on a lady's call, they wait on him.
His phone beeps
"Who is this?"
His pupils widened out bewilderment. Is she being serious?
He crosses his legs and rests his back on the office chair. His fingertips tap the desk creating an irritating sound. Should he reply and say hey it's me or call and apologise. For what though? Because he left thousands of calls and sent texts with an explanation. Maybe the explanation was not enough?
He uncrosses the legs and gets up. He paces in the office and takes a glance at the phone now and then. The phone chimes. He quickly reaches for the phone.
"Reminder, we are taking off at 19:00. Don't be late"
He frowns at the phone. His face becomes gloomy. He had anticipated her text. He leans against the office wall staring into the glass wall. He reaches for the phone and tries to dial her number again.
"The number you are calling is currently busy"
His hands form into a fist.
"Damn it"
Something inside whispers words of encouragement, don't give up yet. His phone rings. He gawks at the phone ring. It's her, it's her. He can't believe she called back. What does he say? Ahem...why didn't you pick my calls? Noo, that sounds possessive. Hey sweetheart, no, no, they are not dating. Hey...I have been trying to reach you, I wanted to apologise for not keeping my word. Would you love to drink a coffee since my flight is about to take off and I need to be punctual or my brother will kill me...
"Helloooo" Her voice echoes.
What time did he pick up her call? His hands can't move. Keep yourself together, you can do this. This is your territory.
"Hey. Uh mm..so, Hi"
"Hi...who is this?" Her voice was soft and innocent.
He felt his heart choke him and gasp for air. He is hurt.
"Kyle" He tries to sound relaxed
"Oh, Kyle" Her voice was rough but still soft.
"Would you love a coffee, like right now?" He manoeuvres the words out of his mouth. No sound from the other end, just simply silence. He waited and nothing is heard. Maybe she's dead, what the hell! She's shocked. You know what, he's done. He ends the call.
He needs to get himself under composure. He's flying to Russia to represent his client. He needs to be in his best shape and he can't afford any distractions. He picks the phone and slides it into his briefcase. He pulls his ready wheeled luggage bag out of the office.
He sits on the bench sipping coffee trying to quiet his racing mind. Why did he do that? He's so foolish. He should have patiently waited for her reply. Now, he doesn't have the confidence to call her. What would he say? A phone vibrates in his pocket. He reaches for his pocket and his lips contort into a tiny smile.
"Where's your flight taking off?" Those were her words. His heart starts beating so fast.
"Oregon Airport" He tries to contain his gay heart, he is swooning in happiness.
"Not far from where I am, give me 20 minutes" The call ends. What is she trying to do? His lips pull a wider thin smile. He breathes in and let out a satisfied sigh. Now he can sip his coffee with a peaceful heart.
"All passengers who are boarding plane 123 Russia, please check-in and head to your boarding station"
He checks his wristwatch and sighs. Well...There is no way he is going to see her before he leaves. He gets up and throws the empty coffee cup into the dustbin. He leads his way to the queue for check-in.
His phone starts vibrating. He reaches for it. It's her. His heart sunk because he can't bear to hear bad news. He tries not to pick it up. He hears someone call out his name.
"Kyle! Kyle!"
Who's shouting his name in the airport where you are supposed to be quiet. The phone continues to vibrate. Is it worth it? He receives a text.
"I am here. I am busy calling for your name like a crazy person"
He stood still. It's her calling his name.
"Excuse me, sir, please move forward" A little voice talks behind him. His face turns grim and he gave the lady an icy gaze. The lady glanced away and mumble words to herself.
"Ugh! He's not picking up or replying to my text" A distant voice murmurs.
It's her. What should he do? He glances at the time. 18:15. There are few minutes left to the boarding time. He breaks out of the queue.
There she was, wearing jeans and a sweater. He was facing her back, but he knew it was her. Coincidentally, she turned her body and he confronted her troubled face. She looked troubled, but her presence gives him goosebumps. Their eyes meet and lock. She gives into a wide smile and he let out a thin line to return the compassion. Only if he could postpone this trip and spend the whole night gazing into her beautiful eyes. Is it too soon to form such thoughts.
She walks towards him. "Hey, I am sorry my phone was dead" She looked simply beautiful without trying.
"It's okay" He forms a tiny smile. "Sadly we can't talk a lot, I need to check-in and meet up with my partners...discuss something before we board the plane" He slides his hand into the left pocket while holding his luggage bag.
"Oh yeah, I understand. I guess we will have coffee when you come back" She awkwardly proposes the idea.
"Yeah" He gives a faint expression of understanding. "I have to join the queue..."
"Of course, Bye! see you soon" Her voice was shaky and unsteady.
"Bye!" He glanced at her and she abruptly turned and left him standing before he could make his way to the queue. What a woman! He wonders in awe.
*
Her eyes were in tears. She tried to hold herself together. She ran into the closest lavatory she could find. She gets into the toilet and locks herself in while she sniffles.