Chapter 4

• I made myself busy to forget my worries and stress caused by my personal life's issue. I didn't often help in the kitchen because my main task was to deal with paper works which included reports on sales, most ordered items, what items were selling and which were not, expense sheet, and growth figure on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis. But today I went an extra mile. It actually worked but by the time it was past noon, I was already on my last legs. Anne and I took turns managing the shop so now I felt the pressure and extreme tiredness. I forgot about my troubles but I didn't know if I welcomed it or not. My heart and brain forgot the pain but my body was screaming for a break.
• "You have done more than enough here dear, go take a rest. Thank you for the help. Anyway it will start to slow," Ethel, the cafe's chef said when she probably noticed how tired I looked.
• I smiled at her. The cafe had only four staff. One barista, two servers, one male and one female, and a chef.
• "Miss Camilla, your phone in the office has been ringing continuously," Sandy, the female server who we also trust with the register informed me.
• I nodded and smiled at the two of them. I removed my apron and folded it neatly before putting it on the counter. I sighed as I walk to the small office. It was probably Parker. Heaving another sigh, I picked up the phone.
• "Honey I'll pick you up later. I reserved a table at our favorite Japanese restaurant."
• I had to think of an excuse quickly. I wasn't ready to listen to his lies.
• "Paula called. We're going out. I couldn't say no because it has been ages since we last saw each other. Let's talk tomorrow."
• I hate lying but I had no choice. I didn't want to force myself to see him. I deserved a pat on the shoulder because though I was angry and wanted to slap and scratched his face, I sounded cool. But I didn't want to test my temper. I would meet him in person when I was sure that I could stay calm. Violence wasn't my cup of tea. I heaved a sigh and dialed Paula's number. After one ring she already answered.
• "Did you dial a wrong number girl?!" She joked and released a small laugh.
• "Do you have plans later?" I asked beaming.
• She and I used to be really close but she was constantly out of the country since her parents lived abroad so somehow I became closer to Anne. Paula was so nice that she never felt jealous of her, it was in fact the other way around. I chewed the inside of my lower lip. I actually missed hanging out with Paula. I made a mental note not to mention anything to Anne though.
• "You don't know how long I've been waiting for you to say that! Let's paint the town red! We are both single so let's mingle! What do you say? " she asked with a giggle.
• I just found myself agreeing though I felt a bit hesitant. She didn't know about my relationship with Parker. It was just me, Parker, Ava and Anne who knew the truth so my friend knew I was single.
• "Okay let's just meet somewhere. I will have to go home and change," I suggested.
• "I have a better idea. I will drive to your unit and leave my car. Let's just take a cab so in case we get drunk we won't be charged with DUI," she said with a giggle.
• I laughed lightly too. "Sure. But as you know I don't like drinking since I have a low alcohol tolerance."
• "I know, I know but just loosen up a bit. You've been working hard I'm sure and besides, I haven't been to any booze-ups lately so we're the same. My alcohol tolerance has become low too. Don't you worry, we can manage to find a way to have a blast. Hanging out with you again after a long time is going to be fun, with or without alcohol. By the way, does Anne know? Is she coming?" she sounded uncertain.
• "She's out-of-the-country."
• "Okay! We will have a lot of fun I promise!" a smile was evident in her voice.
• Instead of sounding disappointed since she was obviously a substitute for Anne, she sounded genuinely glad which made me feel guiltier. She really wanted to hang out with me but she was considerate and didn't try to ask me to go out. She hadn't said anything but she noticed that Anne was jealous of my friendship with her. I would make it up to her tonight.
• "I'm really looking forward to later," I responded sounding happy and excited.
• ***
• At least the place Paula chose was to my liking. It was a bar and grill. The ambience was good and I felt comfortable. I was also feeling confident since her confidence was infectious. We both looked good actually. We had almost identical short-dresses on and strappy heels. Her dress was white while mine was powder blue. Since her dark brown hair was in a braid, she braided my jet -black hair too. We just put on minimal make-up. We didn't look alike but we were both gorgeous. I knew the night would be really great.
• We were having our dessert and I was on my second and my last glass of red wine. I was giggly and happy as she told stories about her dates from hell. I never had so much fun in months and I wished the night won't be over soon.
• "I really think that I need to buy a lucky charm geez!" she shook her head and also let out a light laugh.
• "Excuse me ma'am. But the gentleman over there asked me to give you these," a waiter courteously said.
• Paula and I turned to where the server pointed out. I heard her sound of delight and surprise as she saw the man. I returned my eyes to the table and immediately thanked the waiter . He put down a cup of coffee and a note.
• "Oh my God girl! That man is a Greek god!" she whispered sounding giddy.
• I ignored her and instead bit my bottom lip as I read the note.
• Note: Enough alcohol unless you want to bump into me again.
• I felt Paula kicked my foot so I raised my eyes at her with a frown.
• "Hello ladies. Mind if I join you?"
• My body stiffened. I didn't have to turn my head to see who it was. That deep and sexy voice wasn't easy to forget.
• "No of course not," came Paula's cheerful and excited reply.
• I was holding my breath as I saw from my peripheral vision that he pulled a chair then sat down.
• "Thank you...?"
• "I'm Paula and this is my friend..."
• "Yeah I know her name," he drawled.
• I moistened my lips as I looked at Paula's shocked face. Her eyes at me were full of questions.
• "Thank you for letting me join you Paula but I think Millie feels otherwise," he said in a teasing voice.
• "Oh it's fine with her too, right girl?!" Paula asked me with a nervous laugh.
• My eyes were like slits as I turned to the condescending man. I instantly regretted looking at him when I saw how he was intensely gazing at me. I felt my heart skipped a bit.