Chapter 3

My first day at work was almost going to be a disaster because Ric showed up, so I was hopeful that my second day will be peaceful, maybe then I can get to be alone with Jake in his office, probably use giving a financial report as an excuse. The day's job was over, the restaurant's closed sign was put up and it was time to give the financial report for the day. Jake was sitting on his chair focused on something he was reading In a book. I couldn't see what he was reading clearly but I was sure it was a report from one of employees. Jake didn't hear me walk in, he was still focused on what he was reading, so I just stood there waiting to let him raise his head up to notice I was standing there. I just wished he wouldn't raise his head up, just watching him so focused will have to be the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. My fantasy was short-lived when Jake raised his head and apologized for making me stand for long. I laughed it off, only if he knew what I was thinking.

Jake had worries written all over him. I asked if everything was okay, he said yes but I knew that wasn't true. Maybe it had something to do with the report he was reading earlier. I didn't want to ask further as that might make him feel I was prying too much.

Jake's mind was no longer on the book he was reading but now all focused on me. Will you be free this weekend? Jake asked. The moment I have been waiting for has come, Jake asking if I was free by weekend did all kinds of things to my tummy. I felt like a little girl opening a package on a Christmas morning. I quickly told Jake I was free but didn't expect what was coming. Jake needed a hand to host a group at the restaurant omby weekend, and I was the only person he could ask for help. All the other employees won't be free by weekend, I was the only person Jake had to ask. Hearing I was free had all his worries vanish into thin air. Jake was smiling now and then it occurred to me that the reason for his worried countenance was because he couldn't find anyone who was free on the weekend.

All the feelings I had for Jake was so much that I didn't know what to do with myself. Jake didn't know what to say when my mood changed after he told me about hosting a group by the weekend. He asked if I was okay and I didn't have a choice but to tell him I was okay. The weekend was here and I was at the restaurant with Jake alone. At this moment I could take whatever I get, being alone with Jake at the restaurant was almost impossible, except today, I was with him, alone. Jake was in the kitchen area preparing the meal of the group that was to come later. I went to him in the kitchen after I had arranged the dinning area of the restaurant. Jake saw me coming and beckoned on me to come taste the soup he was making and to tell him what I think.

Jake brought a spoon close to my mouth, I took a sip of the soup and got some at side of my mouth. Jake reached out, wiped my mouth with his thumbs and took his thumb to his mouth. I almost lost strength in my legs and couldn't stand properly, Jake quickly caught me before I got to the floor completely. What does this mean. I couldn't get the thought of Jake's thumb on my lips out of my mind.

The group was done with their meeting and have all left. It was Jake and I in the restaurant alone, again. This time I couldn't take it anymore if Jake tried to do something sweet again. I literally avoided bumping into him until we finished cleaning the restaurant. I grabbed my purse to leave when Jake surfaced, surprised I was going to leave without telling him. I didn't know what to say when he said he wanted to take me home. I didn't know what to think of that. I had refused Jake taking me home because I didn't know what might happen when we are both close to each other in the car. Jake insisted on taking me home, we both walked to my car and I handed him my keys. He started the car engine and drove off. On the way, Jake kept looking at me through the corner of his eyes, he reached for my face and the car became hot all of a sudden.

He cupped my face in the palm of his hand and said, Josie I have been meaning to tell you something, but I haven't had the chance to do so. I have feelings for you Josie and I don't think I can hide it anymore, you have been the girl of my dreams and it didn't start today. I have had feelings for you since high school, but I didn't want to destroy the friendship between you and my sister. It has always been you Josie, only you. Is this really happening right now?. Did Jake just say he likes me?.

Processing what Jake had just told me, about having feelings for me took quite a while, before I could speak. Jake was confused as to why I was quiet. Is everything okay with you Josie, Jake asked.

Josie, we are here, Jake said. That was when I realised Jake was already driving to my house, while I was still in shock from what he told me. Jake, I don't understand, I said to him. I asked how he could have liked me all those time and didn't say a word to me or his sister Janet. Jake explained further stating what and what could have gone wrong if he had made his feelings known to me then. Jake asked if I had anything to say in response to his confession, but I was still speechless. Starring at Jake like he was a ghost from a movie, I had to form words in my mouth eventually.

Jake, I am really loss for words right now, can we have this discussion some other time? I didn't want Jake to see through me, the over excitement, the feeling of being loved back just the way I imagined, it was all so new to me and I couldn't quite process it. I needed some time to he able to process everything and come to a conclusion. It was all real, so why was I hesitating to give Jake a reply, this was the question hanging above me when I got into my house. I was overwhelmed and didn't also notice when Jake handed me my car keys and hailed down a taxi, then left. What is wrong with you Josie, my inner thought was speaking loudly this time. This was like a dream come true for me, but I guess it was all new to me.

My phone rang all through the evening and it was Jake calling, I didn't know if picking the call would give me the courage to speak to him. There and then, a thought came to me, Janet, I had to call Janet, I need be needed to speak to someone else I wouldn't know what to say to Jake.

Hello Jane, it's Josie. Jake said he likes me, he said it was always me, how did you not know this?. Janet burst out laughing, like I needed someone to laugh with?. This isn't funny Janny, or have you known all along?. Janet couldn't give me a definite answer, all she could say was that Jake likes me the same way I liked him. This is all too much to handle, Jake the love of my life is also in love with me!. I screamed, laughed and smiled all by myself. Jake's call came in again and this time, I have to talk to him.....