Chapter 8 The Promise Of Loyalty

• “You know why I’m here.” Ella’s words were authoritative.
• Reid had this mischievous smile, and he let out a low chuckle that was both mysterious and intriguing. It’s like he thought the joke was funny and enjoyed the moment with happiness. It was pretty puzzling why he suddenly became so happy. His mysterious way about him made it hard to figure out why.
• “Come on, it’s way too early to be grumpy!” Reid said, “Have you had your morning coffee yet?”
• Ella was utterly still, like a statue, as she felt the intense stares of Reid’s customers on her.
• “Don’t worry, I’ll finish this task in no time and get back to you immediately,” Reid assured her.
• Ella’s head bobbed in a subtle gesture of agreement. He spoke with his friend, and the man left Reid. He looked back at Ella, staring at her for a while.
• Reid said, “Why don’t you sit in the back?” in a low but assured voice. “As you watch me cut the meat, your presence will give me the motivation I need.”
• “Why? Do you see me as the meat that inspired you while you skillfully sliced through it?” Ella’s voice had this mix of wonder and confusion, which could also be seen on her face with her furrowed brow.
• Reid let out a big laugh that filled the room, signaling his exit from the intense argument. The guy who was getting closer to Ella briefly diverted her attention.
• “Hey there, Miss! I’m Enzo, and Reid is my best friend.” He sounded friendly and warm. The guy lifted his hand and arm like a weak handshake.
• “Ella,” she whispered, letting go of the man’s finger.
• “Miss, come with me,” Enzo told her. “Customers might bump into or hit you here. Just stay here behind the stall. This spot is safer.”
• “I’ll just wait at the barangay hall,” Ella said.
• “No, just wait here,” Reid said immediately like he didn’t want her to go anywhere. “I’m almost done.”
• Reid’s voice was so loud it filled the entire room as he spoke. Ella was amazed when she caught him secretly eavesdropping on their conversation.
• Ella inhaled deeply, her breath steady and calm. Enzo led the way, allowing her to trail behind him swiftly. With measured steps, they proceeded towards the rear of the stall, where Reid stood. In that particular location, a solitary chair stood, commanding attention. Gracefully, she lowered herself onto the seat, her movements exuding elegance. Enzo settled himself beside her.
• Enzo politely asked her with a smile, his voice full of courtesy. “Would you like a refreshing drink, Miss?”
• Ella just said, “No,” and her voice sounded slightly ashamed. “I’m doing well.”
• She had this forced smile, and you could tell from her voice that she was tired.
• “Oh, it looks like there’s only a little meat left. He was just about to finish.” Enzo said, glancing at her. “Are you the owner of the car?”
• Ella nodded. “Yes, I am the owner.” Her eyes seemed happy upon hearing about her car. “Was he able to fix it?”
• Reid couldn’t help but notice Ella and Enzo talking to each other. Even though he was busy cutting the meat, he couldn’t help but keep an eye on their interaction. Those customers, who meant much to Reid, constantly interrupted him. They keep interrupting him with questions, so he can’t concentrate on what he’s doing. As soon as Ella arrived, Reid was hit with a wave of anxiety. He was rushing to finish his work to focus on welcoming his guest.
• Reid smiled confidently and said, “Oh yeah, that enchanting young lady? She’s my girlfriend.”
• Reid’s face lit up with a goofy smile as he spoke. Her radiant beauty drew his attention as he looked at her.
• “She’s truly a sight to behold, isn’t she?” She had him completely spellbound, and he whispered.
• “So, is it true that you have a girlfriend?” one of his customers asked. She seemed curious and excited like they already knew the answer but just wanted to ensure.
• “It means someone owns your “meat.” His customer’s reactions are as if they’re filled with envy, a bitter feeling that colors their thoughts.
• Ella caught the girls’ fleeting glances before their attention swiftly shifted back to Reid.
• “We have no hope for you.” It was a devastating truth that their future was bleak and devoid of chance to date Reid.
• They gazed upon her and said, “Your girlfriend looks young and beautiful.”
• “Is she too young for you?”
• Reid took a moment to think before he shared his insight. “You know, love doesn’t have an age limit. Also, the fact that there was only an eight-year age difference between us wasn’t seen as a big deal. I can still keep up with her energy in everything. You know what I mean,” he said, giving them a wink.
• “Oh, we thought you were single,” they said, curious and intrigued.
• “Hey, you know, you are still welcome to purchase some of my meat even though you have met my girlfriend.” Reid told them, “She’s not a jealous girlfriend, so we don’t have a problem with her.”
• Everyone confidently declared, “It won’t happen.” The promise was made with unwavering conviction, and the words were spoken with a sense of loyalty that resonated deeply. “We’ll always buy from you, no matter what,” they declared, an unwavering commitment.
• Reid’s eyes narrowed as they spoke, his voice laced with skepticism. “So, what’s your promise?” Reid exclaimed, his face instantly brightening with a silly grin. “I’ll remember that.”
• Ella couldn’t take her eyes off the watch on her wrist. As she sat behind Reid’s stall, it was like time had a mind. Even though it had only been five or ten minutes, it felt like she had been there for hours.
• “I’m sorry for taking so long. Are you bored waiting?”
• Ella couldn’t help but stare at the man standing before her. Reid took off his apron with a determined look on his face. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. The way he moved so elegantly had her completely spellbound. Ella was watching him, and he suddenly stopped, frozen in time. Reid slowly walked towards her. As he approached her, he slowly moved his hands toward the sink, silently indicating that he wanted to wash up. He quickly grabbed a hidden towel from behind the stall and wasted no time ensuring his hands were immaculate, removing any dirt that might still be there.
• “Ella, I’m all yours now.” Reid had this mischievous smile on his face.
• Ella’s heart was racing as she quickly got up from her chair. Ignoring the man’s weird ramblings, she cautiously grabbed the hand sanitizer.
• Ella quickly extended her hand, offering the object to Reid. “Hey, take this,” she said, sounding urgent. “Use it.”
• Ella’s gentle hand couldn’t help but captivate Reid. He had a look of pure joy and couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle. Instead of using hand sanitizer, he decided to take a more sophisticated approach. Reid was standing there, holding out his hand with his palms open, waiting for Ella to use the cleaning gel. Ella’s face twisted into a frown. She didn’t say anything, but she sprayed the gel onto Reid’s hand.