Bittersweet (English)

CHAPTER 8

“Waaaah, we did it!” 

Jenny wailed like a cow as she shook Kaye earnestly. Kaye was too exhausted to care about her howling noises. She was overwhelmed with all that happened in the past few days and fatigue was catching up to her.

“Stella, Pops, Keith.”

Jeez. Kaye shook her head in amusement. Jenny was all over the place cuddling everyone in the cafe.

Well, Jenny wasn’t acting silly. Kaye herself was also beaming with joy.

Sweet Macys’ website was already up. It was released over a month ago and so far they were well-received. They got buried at work in the past few weeks. The last couple of days were particularly draining.

People began swarming two weeks after they posted the site. Initially, those silent two weeks were worrisome. But the weeks after that was chaotic, to say the least.

The train station staff got tired of repetition they requested Kaye to put up a sign inside the station.

“Keith, our little MVP,” Jenny swayed Keith back and forth. The boy just encouraged her with a laugh. 

“Yeah. That logo you made was a-mazing.” Kaye joined in hanging her hand over his shoulders. “Macy looked better.”

Keith's idea was brilliant! He made a trademark similar to Macy's portrait in the cafe. One taken during her younger years.

“Right! He even ran all over town to get the adverts printed. That's youth,” Stella added while she placed the desserts on the glass counter.

“Come on! We are still young, Stella.”

They laughed at Jenny’s comment. Of all the things said, she was only struck by the last part. 

“I don’t know about you, but I’m sure I ain’t young anymore,” Stef stated while putting on his uniform.

Something stimulating like this from time to time was not bad. But it was almost time to open up the cafe. Peeking outside, it looked calmer compared to the previous days they had. 

It was daunting to see a bunch of people waiting outside when the cafe was still closed. It was the first time they experienced that.

Keith changed the sign outside. He put up the menu board right by the entrance. Today was a relaxing start. He got the broom and swept outside. Leaves were starting to fall. 

“Wohoho. Finally, no line outside, eh.”

Keith took a step back. He jolted seeing tall uniformed men looming over him.

“You are scaring the poor kid.” Mykel shoved Steve to the side. He then turned his attention to Keith. “Is the owner in?” 

Keith was speechless so he only nodded in response. All while, holding on to the broom tight. 

The door chimed and Stella raised her welcoming smile. Only to be dropped after seeing Mykel and his group.

“What? Aren’t you happy seeing me here?” Steve had his hands on his waist. He wasn’t pleased with the reception.

Stella puffed blowing her bangs away. “I see you every day, Steve.” 

Steve’s friends snickered in amusement.

“Man, you’re wife is so not glad to see you,” Marlo teasingly nudged. 

Steve slumped his shoulders. For a huge man, he sulked like a child. Stella tried stifling her laugh.

So before he made a big deal out of it, she tiptoed and pecked his cheeks.

Whistling noises echoed in the shop. For years they had been married, Stella and Steve were still the same. Sweet and intimate.

“Ain’t that sweet,” Stef said as he and Kaye observed the scene behind the kitchen counter.

Kaye was looking at them with a wistful smile.

“Yeah, so sweet I think I wanna barf,” Kaye chuckled.

Stef shook his head with a smile. “Why don’t you go ahead and greet them.” He shifted his head to the side. As if telling her to go now. He was urging her to socialize.

“I know, Pops. I'm done hiding anyway.” She grinned. “Hold the fort for me.”

Meanwhile, Mykel kept glancing around the cafe since they came in. Stella seated them by the corner, where the long table was. With those built and long legs, it would be cramped placing them somewhere else.

“Something wrong, Mykel?” Stella asked in worry.

Jake who was busy flipping the menu spoke. “He's looking for his girlfriend.”

Stella, though aware of who he was looking for, furrowed her brows. Teasing was her forte.

“Are you sure you ain’t at the wrong place? I don’t remember you having one from here.”

“Did your wife just burn Mykel?” Marlo turned to Steve.

“I hear nothing,” Steve continued scanning the menu.

“Men are weak when it comes to love.” Jake sighed in dismay. “I’ll need a strong black coffee, please. And maybe another for Mykel and Steve to strengthen their nerves.” 

I guess I’ll get a cake. Marlo zipped his lips not wanting to get involved.

Before he could give his orders, the door chimed again. Keith came in with other guests in tow. It was Missy and Emily. 

Missy, who noticed the odd table right away, narrowed her eyes. She was happily skipping earlier excited to visit the now-famous cafe. But something felt wrong when she entered the cafe.

“Marlo,” Missy hissed. The emphasis of his name on her lips sounded eerie. The moment their eyes met, Marlo swiftly covered his face with the menu.

Before chaos could happen, Kaye entered the dining area welcoming Emily and Missy. She gave them a light hug before seating them somewhere they were comfortable.

The bad blood between Marlo and Missy dated back to their younger years. They argued quite a lot. But as they said, people who argue a lot were actually compatible with each other. Just stubborn.

“Alright. Then, I’ll be preparing your orders---.”

Before Kaye could even take a breather, the door opened. It was Martin in casual attire.

“Martin!” Kaye greeted with excitement. It wasn’t like every day she got to see Martin relax on a day off.

She handed the menu and guided him to his desired table. She shared stories about Miko and how he was growing fast.

Martin laughed at her animated stories. And expressed how glad he was that Miko loved his home. 

Regardless of the fun conversation with everyone, it just happened to be another bustling day. The start was just delayed. 

Keith handed some orders to Stef. He already looked tired.

“You have been working almost every day. Are you sure you are attending school right?” Stef asked Keith.

Keith was in his last year of senior high school. Graduating students often get anxious especially for those aiming to attend university.

“No worries, Pops. My grades are doing great and I’m not planning to go to college, anyway.”

”Oh, so you have decided already,” Stef had a sad look on his face.

Keith laughed, trying to push the heavy feelings away. He did want to pursue his education. But given the current family situation, they could never afford it.

“I apologize. I was just thinking it would be a waste of your potential. I heard you were interested in this business, too.”

Stef wasn’t lying. Keith was a capable employee. His family used to run a food stand until his father injured himself that it declined over time.

Jenny briefly handed orders then went off with a complete tray. Not even pausing for a moment.

Keith had admired the ways Jenny and Kaye managed the cafe.

Kaye was reluctant all the time and Jenny was the bold one in business. Kaye specialized in food while Jenny was on the operation. A balance. He hoped to run their business like that.

Keith remembered the brochure about Y Academy his teacher gave. Perhaps he could find other options. But he better focus on the job first.

The bustling chatters redeemed his focus. He saw Kaye move to the counter and grunted.

“My social battery is already low,” Kaye leaned over the kitchen counter and closed her eyes.

The staff grinned. It was no secret that Kaye never liked talking to crowds.

“Come on, owner. Raise your head and flash a smile,” Jenny lifted her face.

“Yeah, owner. There better be a bonus for working our butts off,” Stella was giggling while she placed the orders on the tray.

What Stella said was true. A reward should be in motion.

Sweet Macys' success was because of everybody's hard work. Even Keith gave his all. For his age, he looked like a professional. He even made lots of contributions in the past month. 

To think he was still in high school. Observing him made her recall the previous conversation she had with Jenny. They’d find the perfect time for that later.

"Mykel requested you. I told him we weren’t that kind of place.”

Stella called her attention with an annoyed-looking face.  

“Alright. I’ll drop by their table,” she took the orders set for Mykel's table. 

She didn't what this was all about but it would be best to act sociable right now. No room for modesty. If her memory served her right, these were the same men they met on the road last time. 

“Aren’t you guys slacking off too much,” Kaye uttered as soon as she sat their orders.

“We’re only grabbing a quick brunch,” Jake shrugged. 

“We still have time,” Marlo added as he dug in his Chocolate Overload Cake.

Cake for breakfast? Kaye gave him a weird look but decided not to say anything. She turned to Mykel and handed him his sandwich and soda.

“Feels like I’ve seen you for the first time,” Mykel said, biting off a piece of his sandwich.

His eyes weren’t leaving hers. She was glad his friends never heard it. They might have come up with another cheesy line if they did.

Not knowing what to do, she just flashed a smile. She was too preoccupied to think. Orders kept ringing in and their front door was almost never silent.

No idea if it was the right thing to do. But Mykel paused and stared at her like some strange creature. His dumbfounded expression was even weirder. And her heart even made thumping noise.  

Who was acting strange now?