How the hell did he keep his composure for the entire day, Aiden doesn't know.
Phrases like "oh my gosh, she looks so happy" were common, and they made him extremely jealous of the fortunate Elyse.
Luckily, he managed to complete his shift successfully, without worrying too much about the proposal that was happening in the exact same building.
What he hasn't brushed off is the feeling of being looked at, which started around the same time the big event was taking place.
It's weird for him because he doesn't feel threatened in any way. He just believes that there's someone watching him, waiting for him to do something about Graham's decision.
Aiden doesn't discover who has been staring at him for so long until a few employees remain in the building.
Just then, the host approaches the sous chef, careful to not look too suspicious.
"Hey", he says casually, leaning against the counter right next to Aiden.
The red-haired man gives him a puzzled look. Even though he knows all the employees, he's not used to having conversations with them; specially with the staff that works outside the kitchen.
"Hi, is there anything I can do for you?"
"Well, I left a small box of chocolates right over there a few weeks ago", he states, pointing at the desk where the cash register is. "And someone took it."
"I saw nothing", the older male replies, still not knowing where the talk may be leading to.
"I know. I requested to watch the CCTV footage."
"So?"
The employee called Caleb looks around, making sure that no one else could be listening to them.
"I was on my own and didn't really know how the system worked, so I accidentally saw footage of you hanging out with someone", he rants, his words barely understandable because of how fast he's speaking. "I wasn't going to ask because it's not my business, but I'm really wondering, was that Mr. Larson?"
Aiden looks down at his feet immediately. Never had he thought that the security cameras would capture the exact moment when he had fallen for Graham. Even though the word embarrassed is quite long, he doesn't think it's big enough compared to how he's feeling right now.
Of course he could deny it, but he isn't sure if the recordings actually show Graham's face clearly. If that's the case, the restaurant's host won't believe any lie he tells.
"Yes, it was him but we're just friends", he replies, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.
Sadly, this isn't enough for the man who has seen every single one of their meetings in the restaurant as if they were the new season of his favorite series.
"I'm not judging or anything, but you didn't look like friends to me."
"How much did you watch?"
Caleb shrugs, still on the lookout for an interested ear. Fortunately for them, everyone seems too exhausted and busy with their final tasks to be interested in their conversation.
"Just… everything."
Aiden covers his face with both of his hands, feeling the heat increase in his skin.
"I should have deleted that."
"Don't worry, I'm not telling anyone", the dark-haired man reassures with a chuckle. "I don't think anyone else will see it, but I could try to delete the footage if you want."
"Yes, please."
"No problem. I-I'm sorry for watching it all, I was really curious, though. It was like one of those foreign soap operas."
Aiden scoffs at that comment, finally lowering his arms and looking at Caleb in the eyes.
"I'm not angry because you watched, don't worry. I just feel so ashamed."
"There's no need to be ashamed, man. Everyone has their own preferences."
"No. I'm not ashamed of liking him", he states while shaking his head. "I'm ashamed of someone watching moments that were supposed to be private. Still, I forgive you, Caleb. I shouldn't have even approached him in the first place."
"Why not? It looked like both of you enjoyed your time together."
"I thought so too yet here he was confessing his love to someone else."
"Yeah, I wondered why he chose this place. My guess involves you, if I'm completely honest."
Millers smiles warmly, believing that he shouldn't be having this conversation with Caleb but knowing that there's really no one else who would listen. And right now it feels as if he had a lot of things to say.
"No, I think this place just has a special meaning for him. Something related to his childhood."
Caleb frowns, processing all the information he has regained to complete the plot of the drama he created in his mind.
"Then, why did he stay even after his date left?"
"Were you spying on them?"
"I swear I wasn't. I just happened to be by the front door all day and see who leaves and who doesn't."
"They didn't leave together. So what? Their marriage could be just for business purposes."
Caleb's eyes suddenly shine with realization.
"Which means that I was right. He likes you."
Aiden rolls his eyes, starting to believe that talking with that man wasn't the best idea in the world.
"No, he doesn't. We don't talk anymore."
"Would you like to talk with him?"
"Yes. I'd love to clarify things so we don't have to be gossiping about it in the kitchen as if it was a huge secret."
Caleb chuckles while standing straight and patting Aiden's back softly.
"Then talk. I bet he hasn't left yet."
There's no way, Aiden thinks. However, this doubt disappears when his new friend winks at him and gathers the staff to make an announcement.
"Hurry up and leave! Aiden will work till late again. We'll take care of the remaining customers."
The sous chef smiles awkwardly at his coworkers, not having another option but to nod in agreement with Caleb's words.
"Thank you, and congratulations again for your hard work today", he says out loud as everyone gets ready for their departure.
Even though the employees and customers take their time to leave, Aiden feels as if the restaurant had emptied in a matter of seconds.
He hasn't had the time to think of what he will say to Graham. All he can do is clean his work area while imagining all the possible reasons why he has stayed till late.
Is he drunk again? No, he didn't hear anyone complaining about it.
Was he so busy working that he didn't realize how late it was? Knowing Graham, this could be possible. However, it doesn't seem like the answer Aiden is looking for.
Did she say no to the proposal? No, the word would have spreaded and he would have known immediately.
Now that he thinks about that, though, he doesn't remember anyone talking about 'the big moment'. The only thing he heard is that the ring she was wearing was gorgeous, which makes him believe that the proposal was so discreet no one actually witnessed it.
A sigh escapes his lips when he notices the mess in his head. During his walk earlier he could untangle and understand his thoughts. Right now he doesn't believe he'll find out what's happening in his brain, even if he walks a thousand miles.
The only thing that could help is letting it all out, although he may regret it in the future.
"All yours. I'll delete the footage tomorrow, including today's recording. Don't worry about that", Caleb states, patting his companion's back.
Aiden closes his eyes and shakes his head, still feeling embarrassed for the CCTV recordings.
"Just don't watch it or mention it again, please."
Caleb laughs wholeheartedly while walking towards the back door.
"Sure thing."
Once Millers is finally alone, he takes a deep breath and takes off his uniform. He won't be talking with Graham as the sous chef of the restaurant, no. He will approach him as Aiden, the best friend who couldn't control his feelings for him.
"Is it really worth it to confess?" He mutters to himself one more time, concluding again that yes, it's better to say it all since their friendship is already ruined.
With new found confidence, he exits the kitchen and walks straight to Graham's table. His heart starts racing in his chest at the same pace as his steps when the only remaining customer looks up at him in the distance.
Aiden arrives at the table by mere inertia, his consciousness long gone since the moment their eyes met.
Fortunately, his reason comes back when his dark pupils focus on the tiny red box in Larson's hands.