Chapter 129
Jojo:
We opened the restaurant early that morning. We were still new around the block, so people did not know us that much. But it did not matter, we were still pulling customers in, even if it was nothing compared to the crowd we used to have at Ten.
Mel and I started by cleaning the tables and chairs, while the newly employed cleaner mopped the floor. After that, we headed to the counter and balanced the account for the previous day, while Mrs. Smith and the cook got the meals on the menu for the day ready.
By 10am, we were done with everything. The floors were sparkling, the tables were neat and in order, and the meals were bubbling from the hot pots in the kitchen, the aroma was slipping into the main restaurant. Mel and I continually peeped into the kitchen and Mrs. Smith snapped at us every time. She did later give us two croissants each though. And it was lovely, so tasty and fluffy that I could only help but pity anyone who wouldn't taste the croissant today.
At exactly ten minutes past ten, the glass door of the restaurant swung open, and a gentle looking man stepped into the room. He closed the door behind him and closed his eyes, as though he was savoring the aroma of the restaurant. Mel was not at the desk, so I knew I was the one who would have to take his order.
I would have been terrified by how he stood in front of the door with his eyes closed, if he did not look so dashing in his army green colored tuxedo and matching pants, the black inner shirt made everything look more... daring. He liked to play with colors, Mel would be delighted to see him.
I stood in front of him, he still had not opened his eyes or looked to see who was steadily approaching him.
"I can see you're enjoying the aroma already. Why don't you get seated quickly, so you can savor the taste as well?" I greeted, flashing my most polite smile. It was a genuine one anyway, I was happy to see he was already enjoying the smell. His eyes opened and he looked down at me. My gaze locked with transparent grey orbs, almost so clear that I could see through them, into his skull.
"Oh! Forgive my manners. I have just not perceived anything so good in... a very long time." He spoke with the accent of the people of Ten.
Of course he would! He probably lived here!
I chuckled and placed my right hand on my hip.
"Then I should get you started with a fresh glass of her best-selling lemonade. Your review has melted my heart." I replied sharply.
His eyes lingered on my face while he remained silent. I corked my right brow and he blinked rapidly. Realizing he had just caught himself staring, his cheeks turned a dark shade of red. I really did not know what to do about that. I ushered him to a seat by the window and watched as he settled into it.
"All comfy and cozy now, aren't we?" I asked. I pulled my pen from my pocket and held out my notepad.
"I would start you off with our finest lemonade, just like I promised. Our menu is on the table; you can pick what you like." I continued. He flashed me a small smile, and stared into the menu.
"I want something light, so I'll have two croissants and... well, the lemonade you promised."
I could almost feel myself jump in excitement.
"Great minds think alike! You're in luck, because the croissants are smoking hot and fresh today." I said aloud, while I penned down his order.
"I have a feeling everything in this restaurant is smoking hot."
My hand stopped immediately. My gaze slowly flickered from my notepad to his face. The smile on his face was genuine, not flirtatious, not condescending. He was doing what Mel and I liked to call "honest flirting". Our eyes met and I quickly turned back to my scribbling pad.
"Alright, I'll get your orders right away!"
I turned away from him and walked as fast as my legs could take me. I didn't sprint away because I was scared or repulsed, in fact, it was the total opposite. I rushed away because I wasn't scared or repulsed. I found his aura friendly, and male friends were the last things I needed.
I stepped into the kitchen to get his order and by the time I was out, Mel was staring at him from the counter where she stood.
"Back from breakfast break already?" I teased her with a taunting smile. She turned to face me, before shaking her head. She looked over to the handsome stranger, and back at me. When she winked, I shook my head and walked away. I got to his table with the tray in my hands. He looked away from his phone screen and fixed his eyes on me.
"They smell amazing." He spoke, with nothing but pure delight in his eyes. I found myself smiling at him, but deep down, I felt it was more of a blush than an actual smile. He was friendly, his aura was pleasant, that was all. "I'm Anthony, by the way."
I placed the tray on the table, wondering how easily his name had strolled into the conversation.
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"Am I obligated to tell you mine now?" My reply was a question, a tricky one. His reply would determine if I continued to remain friendly or not.
"That'll be if I decide to blind my eyes to the name tag on your apron. Beautiful color by the way, the black suits your..." He paused when I leered at him.
He cleared his throat and picked up the napkin by his side. He pressed it to his mouth and feigned a cough, I fought back the urge to laugh. "Never mind, I'll just eat." He started.
"I'm Jojo, and it's nice to meet you, Mr. Anthony. You're from around here?" He had been polite to me; it was only necessary I returned the... gesture.
"Well, yes. I live here, even if I don't stay here much. I'm an art collector, so I travel most of the time." He replied me. I noticed how the dark strands of his hair were a stark contrast to the gray color of his eyes. "Ouuu. Art collector sounds very interesting. I hope you'll enjoy eating the art in front of you as much as you enjoy collecting art."
Goddess! I didn't realize how cringe that sounded until it was already out of my mouth.
But he didn't wince. Instead, he continued to look into my eyes as he smiled.
"I have a feeling I will."