Chapter 5: Then
1539 Words
I was wearing makeup for the first time in my life at work. Before I left home, I put on a little blush on my face and I am even wearing a yellow A-line dress. Eula and Angelica will definitely be shocked when they see me later on.
I drove through the traffic and just couldn’t stop but smile when I recalled my last meeting with Isaiah in the wedding. He said we will see each other often, so I’m looking forward to my first day at work after the wedding. I wonder if he’ll be there today.
I hope he will be there today.
I sighed and bit my lip. “I can’t believe I am crushing on him right now. Should I be like this?” I mumbled as I turned to the curb, arriving at the café.
I looked through the glass wall to see if Isaiah is there but since there are no cars parked in front, I don’t think he’s here.
I sighed and looked at my face using the rearview mirror before shaking my head. “I can’t believe I am wearing makeup. I feel like I am a high school student. I looked down at the yellow dress and scoffed.
Dulce Analilia, you must be crazy.
I sighed and grabbed my bag before getting out of the car. I walked straight inside the café and saw Eula and Angelica talking in the counter. They have already set up the cakes and cookies that I baked yesterday on display.
They both looked at me with wide eyes when they saw how I looked. It seems like they saw a ghost when they saw me. I pursed my lips and looked at the dress I was wearing. Too bright?
“What?” I asked them.
They blinked several times before clearing their throats. Eula smiled at me. “Good morning, Ma’am!” she greeted, trying to hide the fact that she just gawked at me moments ago.
Angelica greeted me too.
I smiled weakly before heading over to my office. This is really a wrong move. I definitely overdid it. I feel like a high school girl crushing over a college guy.
I locked the door before throwing my bag on the table as I plopped on my swivel. I scoffed at myself and shook my head. I immediately grabbed my wipes inside my bag and started removing my make up. Stupid, stupid. I sighed and threw my wipes on the bin beside my table and leaned on my swivel.
I chuckled humorlessly as I cursed myself over and over again mentally. What was I really thinking? Did I expect him to come here and flirt with me? My goodness, Analilia! Since when have you even learned how to flirt?
I stayed the whole morning in the office. I finished all the paper works needed for the renewal of my business license and checking the inventory done by Niana last week. I was busy with Seraphim’s wedding cake so I didn’t have time then.
I ordered those stocks that were getting consumed in a week before realizing that it’s almost lunchtime. I sighed and finally had the courage to get out of the office to take over the counter while I let the two have their thirty-minute break.
I acted as if nothing happened this morning and told Eula and Angelica that they can have their break.
“Is it okay, Ma’am?” Angelica asked, somehow reluctant to go with Eula simultaneously.
I smiled and nodded. “Yeah, you can go,” I replied, trying to reassure her. “The café is almost full and their orders are already served. I have nothing to do now.” I beamed at her as I motioned for her to go to the pantry and eat. “Don’t worry about me. I’d call if I need help.”
She frowned at me before sighing in defeat. “We’ll eat fast,” she told me before taking her lunch box to the pantry.
I chuckled and shook my head as I walked to the counter. I looked at all of the customers we have inside and, apparently, there’s no Isaiah that showed up. Well, he said that he’s reviewing for his specialization exam so I believe he could spend most of his time in the library.
Did I really expect him to come here daily? He could have joined review groups or lessons, too. I am plain stupid to think that he will be here today just because he told me that he would see me often.
I sighed and was already convincing myself to not expect anything when the door chimed and opened. I looked at the customer to greet but instead, I was stoned in my spot when I saw Isaiah coming inside.
His backpack is slung around his right shoulder as he looked around the café, probably for a place to sit. He’s holding his thick book in his right hand and his car keys in the other before walking to the table in the secluded part of the café.
I bit my lip as I suddenly felt my heart beating like crazy. I swallowed hard because my heart pounded so hard that I can even feel its beat on my throat. Was this even normal? I have dated someone before but I don’t remember feeling this way for him.
Yes, I did love him and I was devastated when we broke up but I have never felt this intensity of emotions before. There’s got to be something wrong with me.
I clenched my fists and tried to calm myself as I anticipated Isaiah to come and order. Ah, why did I let Angelica go for her break again?
I was still in the process of making sure I would not space out in front of Isaiah when he walked to the counter with a huge smile on his face. Damn, why did he have to do this to me?
I smiled awkwardly like a stupid creature, voice leaving my body and tongue failing me big time. “G-good afternoon. What’s your order?” I asked him and I prayed that he didn’t realize that I stuttered.
He smiled and looked at the menu. That only gave me a moment to shamelessly check him out. He’s wearing a black shirt with a huge logo of a famous sports brand and a pair of faded jeans. It’s what he usually wears when he comes here to study.
My eyes widened a little when he suddenly brought his eyes down to me. He probably saw me gawking at him and it’s hella embarrassing. I cleared my throat and smiled at him as I tried to divert his attention.
“Order?” I asked.
He chuckled. “What do you suggest?” he asked as he looked at me. “You don’t have the strawberry shortcake here. Should I go for the carrot cake?”
I swallowed and nodded. “S-sure…” I cursed myself mentally. “I mean, yeah…the carrot cake is good, too. Well, it’s not everyone’s choice but I personally think that it’s good.”
He stared at me with an amused grin on his face. He’s probably amused at how stupid I am right now. Yes, that’s probably what he’s thinking this moment. I’m so stupid.
“Okay, I’ll have a slice of carrot cake and Espresso Frappe with an extra shot, please,” he told me.
I nodded and immediately punched his order on the registrar. He needed an extra shot of espresso. He must have been up till late last night.
“You really come here every day?” he suddenly asked.
I looked up at him and smiled before nodding. “I need to monitor the girls,” I replied. “They are both part-timers so I need to be here in case something would go wrong,” I explained. “I let my full-timers take the night shift.”
He smiled. “Great,” he said and I looked at him confused. “That means, you’ll be here the whole day?”
I paused for a moment. “I guess…”
“Can we eat dinner together?” he asked me. “I mean, after your shift…”
I blinked several times. I could feel my blood rushing to my cheeks. Is he asking me for a date? Shut up, Analilia. Don’t get your hopes up!
He rubbed the back of his neck as he smiling awkwardly. “I mean, I wanted to take a break from studying. Are you free tonight?”
I bit my lip and looked at him, dumbfounded and stunned…or maybe both. “Uhm…” stupid, stupid! “I mean…sure…I’m not doing anything tonight.” It’s true though. I am already done with my inventory and I have already called the supplier for orders and they have confirmed for delivery on Friday.
I am basically done with all of my agenda today so I think I can spare a dinner with him. Really, Lily? Spare a dinner? That sounds like you’re the one who’s giving him the honor to be with you. Meh.
Isaiah smiled widely before nodding. “Alright, I’ll wait for you there.” He pointed at the table where he is. As if I didn’t see him taking that secluded table.
I nodded. “Great. I’ll serve your order in five minutes.”
He chuckled and nodded. “Looking forward to tonight,” he told me before walking to his table with a huge grin on his face.
Damn. That was fast.
- Writer
