Chapter 1: Then
1843 Words
“That guy has been there for quite some time now,” Jirah nudged me as she points at the man that’s been reading some medical books for about half a day now.
He’s holding different colors of highlighters as he skims through his book. His laptop is right in front of him and I could see him scroll sometimes before looking back at his book again.
“Even with simple clothes, he levitates among all men,” Jirah beamed dreamily as she leaned on the counter, gawking at the student.
I looked at him and noticed how his brows are furrowed as he read through his books. I wonder if he’s not yet tired, though. He’s been reading for at least five hours now and he’s still at it. I already saw him here yesterday too, doing the same thing.
But I am not going to deny what Jirah said. He really looked good with simple clothes. He’s only wearing a simple white Nike shirt, a black jersey shorts and a pair of Nike slip-ons but he still manages to stand out among all the men inside the café right now.
However, he looks more enticing when he’s seriously reading. He’s too focused and I think that’s what makes him stand out more.
Men these days are all about swagger. Every boy thinks his cool when he wears a good get up and act so airy. It’s making him look so desperate that it turns me off. This guy, on the other hand, was different.
He didn’t care what he wore and is solely focused on what he has to do.
I wonder if he’s a doctor because he’s been reading medical books.
“He’s handsome, right?” Jirah’s teasing voice lingered in my ears making me look away from the reviewing guy.
I looked at her and saw her giving me knowing looks. I know her. Jirah is my cousin and she’s only seventeen but her imagination is way over a normal seventeen-year-old girl. Her parents are always so burdened by her wildness. She’s one that can’t be tamed.
“Just go and study,” I told her, trying to shoo her away from my café.
She snickered and shook her head. “In denial,” she chuckled. “Go and give him a piece of your specialty cake.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “Why would I do that?”
I looked away and started to check on the inventory of the café. This is my way of dismissing her and she knows it.
She laughed and patted my shoulder. “You’re already twenty-six. Stop sulking over your ex-boyfriend and look for a husband material…” she said before leaving the café to god-knows-where.
I sighed and shook my head. I hate that everyone around me assumes that I still couldn’t get over my broken relationship with Hero.
Hero Angelo Jimenez was my college boyfriend. We dated for more than two years before ending it when I decided that I needed to go back to Spain to finish my studies. He’s the one who called it off because he doesn’t believe in long distance relationships. Well, I don’t, too but I was willing to try for him.
But it didn’t happen because he didn’t want it. So, we broke up.
And it’s already been three years since we broke up but my friends and cousins still believe that I couldn’t get over him. It’s silly and almost crazy.
When Hero didn’t even want to try a long-distance relationship with me, I already knew he wasn’t the one for me. Because if he really loved me, he would take any chance he gets for me, for our relationship but he didn’t.
I guess it’s not my loss.
“One slice of strawberry cake please,” I looked at when I heard someone ordering.
A manly scent welcomed my nose as I laid my eyes on the customer in front of me. My jaw slightly dropped when I saw the man who Jirah and I have been eyeing minutes ago standing right in front of me.
He’s tall and has a low manly voice. And hell, he even looks better up close.
He looked at me and c****d his head to the side.
My eyes widened and I suddenly want to curse myself. He ordered and here I am, blatantly gawking at him like he’s some delicious cake! I should be ashamed of myself.
I immediately registered his order and told him the price.
He’s holding his wallet but his formed biceps did not escape my eyes. He’s got some good body. Even with this getup, it is obvious that he is the type to work out.
He handed his money and gave him his change. He smiled curtly and kept his change.
I nodded and immediately got a slice from the strawberry cake. I placed it on the tray and handed it to him. “Thank you, sir,” I told him and he just gave me a short nod.
I bit my lip as I watched him walk back to his table. He must like strawberry, huh? I remember that he ordered the same thing yesterday.
“Sorry, ma’am. Did we take a break for too long?” Eula asked worriedly as she was fixing her hairnet and cap.
Eula and Angelica are my employees in this café. Angelica is a good barista while Eula is an effective cashier. Both of them are studying but since it’s the summer, they are here for a summer job.
I have three regular employees but they will take over later in the afternoon for the night shift.
I smiled at the two. “No, it’s fine,” I said assuring. “Besides, there were not so many customers who ordered.”
Angelica smiled while Eula let out a sigh of relief.
The day went on normally and I got to finish the inventory for the stocks. I also have made the necessary calls for the orders of the stocks almost running out. I was productive today and I got to go home earlier than usual.
The next days were also normal. The guy was always there and he’s been continuously ordering strawberry cake so today, I made sure I baked strawberry cake for him.
“He’s not here today,” Angelica silently said in a dejected voice.
I looked at her before noticing that Eula was a little down too. “Who?” I asked them.
Their eyes widened when they heard me.
“The guy who’s always ordering the slice of strawberry cake, ma’am,” Eula replied when she recovered from her surprise.
Oh. That guy.
“He’s been reviewing here the whole week but now, he’s not here!” Angelica chirped. “I even did my brows better today than yesterday!”
I stifled a laugh and shook my head. But then something inside me fell when I knew that he is not here. I wonder if he’s found somewhere else that’s a better review environment.
“I wish he was just late,” Eula said, still hopeful.
Angelica already negated her when we heard the door of the café open. Both of them gasped in delight when they saw him walking inside.
Eula glared at Angelica. “I told you, he’ll come…” she uttered in triumph.
Angelica was only quiet as she stared while the guy sets up his laptop and book on the table.
Today, he’s wearing a maroon shirt with the name of a famous school, Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, a pair of faded jeans and a pair of Jordans. He looked a little more groomed now that it makes me wonder if he was aware of how dangerously handsome he is right now.
Almost all the girls in the café are stealing glances at him. I guess, I’m no exception.
Oh, hell, he stood up and walked right up in the counter.
Eula was all smiles as she greeted him. The guy was oblivious as he looked at her. He looked so mature, like he’s way older than me.
“What’s your order, sir?” Eula asked.
Angelica almost choked on her saliva as she watched her friend interact with the handsome guy they are fighting over.
The guy suddenly looked at me who’s busy watching this little scenario. I stilled and didn’t have a choice but to stare back into his eyes because he caught staring at him.
I took a deep breath and looked away, pretending to be doing something on the directory once again. My heart started to race fast. What the hell? Since when did a man’s stare make me this affected?
“A slice of strawberry cake and a tall cup of Espresso Frappuccino,” his manly voice lingered inside my head.
My back is already turned towards him but I still feel shivers into my spine. I would be lying and exaggerating if I say that I have never heard a voice that manly but then, no one’s voice has made my insides tremble like this.
“Is that all, sir?” Eula asked.
“Yes,” he replied shortly.
I sighed in relief. He’s leaving the counter now, I guess.
“Uh, can I ask one question?” he asked.
I was silently listening.
“Sure, sir. What about?” Eula asked.
I heard him taking a breath. “Who bakes your cakes?” he asked making me stop from pretending to write something.
Eula chuckled. “Miss Lily is our boss and our resident baker, sir…” she replied proudly. “Miss Lily…” she called me.
I pursed my lips in a thin line before turning to them and smiling briefly. I looked at the man who’s looking at me with an appreciative smile.
“You cakes are good,” he complimented.
I smiled. “Thank you, sir. I am happy that you love our cakes…”
His eyes bore into mine as he flashed me a wide grin. He didn’t speak anymore but he’s already spoken enough for today. He nodded at me before walking towards his table with his orders.
“Isaiah,” I uttered when I read the name on his cup. It’s a religious name.
- Writer
