I initially thought that Edison is taking me to the rooftop to take out lunch. But to my surprise her brought me straight to the pantry.
I stopped walking and told him, "I don't think they will allow us to eat here." I looked down because I was embarrassed at myself. Why did I even think of packing lunch. Ericka was right, its just so kindergarten.
"Why would they not allow us to eat here?" Jeff asked.
"I don't think they allow outside food." I said.
"Nonsense. Next time you sprout that nonsense again, I will shake you till you return to your sense." Ed said. Anger evident both in his face and voice.
He then started dragging me to a nearby table. We sat down and I started to open the food containers.
"I just wanted to repay you for the meal last Friday. That is why I invited you over last weekend but since you couldn't make it, I decide to pack you some lunch." I said shyly. I can feel myself blushing. I know I can cook but I am not so sure if it will satisfy their palate.
"If you do not like it, just go get something from the pantry. I really do not mind at all." I added. I don't want them to feel like they have to eat the food that I brought.
I saw both men grabbed a food container. I hurriedly grabbed the containers back. They were about to grumble when I gave it back to them. They saw that I switched the containers. I gave Ed the black one while Jeff got the blue one.
"They are customized." I answered their questioning look.
"Right." Ed said and opened the container. I saw him taking a pause and was just looking at the food in front of him. It is starting to make me uneasy.
Jeff opened his too and also paused. I can not understand the expressions on their faces.
Jeff started digging in without a word and Ed followed suit. I can see that both of them were eating with gusto and did not look liked they were forced so I started eating too.
"Where is that delicious aroma coming from?" I heard Ms. Jennifer asking Ms. Jessica.
"I think it is coming from the newbies' table." Ms. Jessica answered her. I saw both of them approaching our table.
"Wow! Braised pork!" Ms. Jennifer exclaimed. "I have been craving for that lately." she said while rubbing her huge stomach.
"Do you want some, Ms Jennifer?" I offered her my share since both men seemed not willing to talk to the ladies. "I already ate a portion of it though." I said.
"Oh no. Its okay Helena. I will just have my husband cook some for me later." she said with a smile.
I felt uneasy again. I feel like being watched again. I unconsciously reached for Edison's hand while I looked around. I saw all diners going about their meal and nothing seems to be out of place.
"Feeling it again?" Ed asked and I nodded.
We were not able to talk about it further because I felt the whole pantry has gone silent. When I looked around, I saw Ashton behind Ms. Jennifer and Ms. Jessica.
To say that he looked mad was an understatement. He was fuming and it is evident in his face and especially his eyes.
I wonder what ticked him off. It takes a lot to elicit such a response from him. I realized what I was thinking and mentally shook head. Stop it Helena. Do not give the man a piece of your mind.
I saw him looking at my hand which was now wrapped in Ed's hands. Huh? When did that happen? I immediately removed my hand from his warm ones. I felt a deep sense of loss when I did this which made me look at Edison only to find him looking at me intently. I looked away fearing that he might see the pain and uneasiness that I felt.
I thought it would be easy. I guess I was mistaken, I sighed.
"Hello Mr.Kepmt." Jeff greeted him. "Here to take your lunch too?"
"Hmmm. I can see you enjoying something which was not served by the staff." he pointed out the braised pork that we were eating.
"Yes. Helena packed us some lunch. Its really delicious." Jeff said. I see Edison's going back and forth from me and Ashton. This made me really nervous. I do not want anyone to know that we know each other.
"I bet it is. Lucky you. I once enjoyed that privilege." Ashton said. I can feel myself going hot then cold. Please stop with the allusions. I mentally begged him. I can feel myself squirming in my seat.
"What do you mean, sir? Has Helena ever cooked for you?" Ericka asked.
When did she get here? Because her voice was a few decibels higher than normal, it drew the attention of the employees that are currently dinning. I wanted the ground to swallow me whole and never spit me out again. What is wrong with this woman? She is just the bane of my existence.
Ashton was simply quiet and was looking at the braised pork.
"Mr. Kempt, I think you need to answer the question of Ms. Roberts to avoid gossips." Ms. Jennifer reminded him.
"Huh? Oh no. Not from Ms. Smith. No I have never tasted Ms. Smith's cooking. But if she is generous maybe she can bring some extras the next time she pack some lunch." he said. Only I can detect the hint of pleading in his quiet words.
"Unfortunately, she won't be packing some lunch anymore. This is just a one time deal. She owed us a meal." came Edison's irrevocable response
I sighed in relied. I do not want to be in the spotlight so I just wish for everyone to leave.
Ashton's face darkened upon hearing Edison's reply. He looked at me again and stiffly walked away.
" We will see about that. She might owe me a meal too." was his parting words.