"The only thing that should surprise us is that there are still some things that can surprise us."
Her breath caught as she spun around to find him standing there.
He wasn't in his familiar leather jacket, but instead, donned a dark pair of jeans, a black tee, and those same boots. She couldn't help but notice the shockingly different look, especially since his muscular arms, adorned with tattoos that screamed "bad boy," were now exposed.
Upon seeing him after such a long time, a whirlwind of emotions surged within her - anger, confusion, and a strange thrill, but anger dominated the mix.
With a swift motion, she pulled her hand from his tight grip, shooting him a piercing glare. "After three months, Ace? You don't fucking get to question me!" She snapped.
Ignoring him, she spun around, and lunged forward to open the door, marching confidently inside.
Grumbling, he spoke, "Couldn't she wait up a bit?"
Ace, with a slightly disgruntled expression, followed closely behind. However, the moment he stepped over the threshold, he had to halt and gaze around in sheer amazement.
After an absence of almost half a decade, perhaps there was nothing particularly extraordinary about the place. Or maybe it was simply because he hadn't taken the time to truly observe it before.
Regardless, the sight was enough to leave him momentarily speechless.
Inside, Gina Jonathan was chatting on the phone at the front counter when Chloe burst through the door and entered. The place was nearly empty, except for a worn-out woman sitting in the corner near the fireplace.
The cozy atmosphere was thanks to a lively fire crackling away.
"Chloe!" Gina exclaimed, surprised, as Chloe made her way to the front counter. "You're here early."
Chloe managed a smile while flipping back her jacket hood. "Good to see you again, Gina."
Gina's phone rang just as Chloe was about to speak.
Before picking it up, and unaware of Ace's presence, Gina asked, "Could you lend me a hand for a bit?" She pushed away from the counter and stood up. "Dinner rush is about to hit, and since you're the only one available today, I could use some help managing the front counter."
"Uh, sure!" Chloe exclaimed, her eyes widening. "But I've never done the counter thing before."
Gina flashed a reassuring grin. "Don't worry, sweetie. It's just about spooning out bowls of soup and handling the cash register." She playfully nudged Chloe's shoulder before leaving. "Later, we can enjoy your favorite drink together."
Chloe hesitated, then smiled back. "Alright, let's do it!"
Meanwhile, Ace's eyes darted from corner to corner, taking in the surroundings with a newfound appreciation. His mouth hung slightly open as he absorbed the changes that time had wrought upon the familiar space.
The worn tables in the room were a bit off-balance, and a corkboard on the wall was covered in random pieces of paper.
The place smelled strongly of various cocoa beans, and there was a cozy space with old easy chairs arranged around a large coffee table near a massive marble fire grate filled with wooden logs.
Whispering to himself, "Guess I never really noticed how much this place has changed."
Chloe, on the other hand, continued on, oblivious to Ace's stunned silence.
Her swift movements and purposeful strides spoke of familiarity as if she belonged here.
Now standing behind the front counter by the cash register, wearing a red apron similar to Gina's, she was ready for the work.
As Ace glanced around, absorbing the atmosphere, Chloe was a woman on a mission, clearing out the front counter.
Ace, finally breaking out of his reverie, hastened to catch up, his disgruntled look now replaced by one of wonder.
It had been three months since their unpleasant encounter, and she hadn't laid eyes on Ace since. She half-expected a chance meeting to revisit the vague deal they had, but it hadn't happened.
Running his fingers over the worn tabletop, feeling the imperfections. "Quite the place you've found," he remarked, raising an eyebrow.
Chloe, focused and determined, threw the used cups in the dustbin when Ace approached.
"I thought you'd show your face again to guide me after last time," she said, her eyes narrowing.
Ace leaned back in on the counter, studying Chloe's face. "Life's full of surprises," he replied, a smirk playing on his lips.
Chloe crossed her arms, a mix of frustration and curiosity in her expression. "We had a deal, Ace. Are you here to honor it, or are you just wasting my time?"
Ace chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "I never waste time, Chloe. Let's just say I'm here for the unfinished business."
Chloe scowled at Ace, her patience wearing thin. "I'm not in the mood for your games. If you're not here to settle our deal, then leave me be."
He leaned forward, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Business it is, then," replied Ace, running a hand through his disheveled hair.
Before he could say more, the entrance bell chimed as a couple strolled in, looking for a cozy spot for dinner. They settled at one of the tables, glancing at the worn menus.
Chloe sighed, casting a frustrated look at Ace. "Hold that thought. Duty calls." She walked over to the couple, a forced smile on her face.
As Chloe approached the couple, she flashed them a friendly smile. "Welcome! What can I get for you two?" She asked, trying to shake off the tension from her encounter with Ace.
Meanwhile, he strolled over to the easy chairs, took a seat, and observed the scene.
He watched her scribbling down their order with a practiced ease, her every movement revealing a woman in control. As she finished up with the customers, she shot a pointed look in Ace's direction.
"Finish up your work," he called out casually, leaning back in the chair. "We'll talk when you're done."
She shot him a disapproving glance but nodded, turning her attention back to the couple.
As the clock ticked away for two hours, Chloe anxiously scanned the room for any sign of Ace. No luck. Perhaps he stepped out, she wondered.
Chloe had a bunch of questions she wanted to ask Ace, but at the moment, nerves had her all twisted up. She was practically freaking out about tackling her current responsibilities.
As the clock struck eleven, marking closing time, Chloe began to realize Gina wasn't joking about the dinner rush after seven – the place was buzzing with customers.
The little cafe was so crowded that Chloe found herself struggling to keep up.
Dealing with an old, rusty cash register proved to be a challenge for Chloe. To her surprise, it actually worked – a fact that Gina seemed unfazed by, using it effortlessly every day without complaint.
After a while, Chloe was busy mopping down the front counter with a wet rag, while Gina tossed unsold pastries into the trash bin. That's when the chimes above the front door jingled, and a blast of cold air swept in.
Chloe stifled a squeak when she spotted Ace striding in, his usual scowl firmly in place. He looked a bit worn out, and she hadn't even noticed when he left earlier due to the evening rush.
"Are you finished for tonight?" Ace asked, his voice lacking any enthusiasm, and the clear disapproval was evident.
While Gina was busy at the cash register, Ace's comment seemed to freeze her in place. Her hands stopped moving, and her entire body stiffened.
Before Chloe could respond, Gina, without even looking up, abruptly said, "Leave."
Chloe stood there, mouth hanging open in confusion and shock. She shifted her gaze to Ace, who was locked in a tense stare with Gina. His jaw was tight, and his fists were clenched at his sides.
Oh great, they know each other. Just what Chloe needed.
It was clear that there were more secrets at play, and Chloe wasn't thrilled about being caught in the middle.
But she wanted to find out what was really going on with Ace.
Ace seemed to be harboring some unpleasant thoughts. Well, he was never the cheerful type, and Chloe suspected something was bothering him.
A sudden hush fell over the cafe. The air crackled with tension, and Gina's next words echoed like a thunderclap.
"Didn't you hear what I said, leave," she repeated, this time with a chilling finality that sent shivers down Chloe's spine.
Never had Gina been the spine-chilling employer, she always spoke with grace and warmth, but tonight, it was entirely a different scene.
Ace's steely gaze bore into Gina's, a silent battle of wills playing out between them.
In that charged moment, Chloe felt the weight of their unspoken history, a history that seemed destined to erupt.
Suddenly, Ace's eyes shifted to Chloe, and with a cryptic smile, he uttered, "The unfinished business? It just got a lot more complicated, sweetheart."