Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Calvin Enzo POV

"NEL!" I called out, but she was already too far away.

"She's gone, dude," Andy tapped my shoulder. I just sighed.

"You really owe her. You'll be in trouble with your parents if you fail, bro," Andy said.

"She shouldn't have done that. It's really my fault," I replied.

"And to tell you something, she's Ms. World's cousin. What a coincidence," Andy added.

"I know. Nel and I were together when Moana called her earlier," I said as we sat down on an empty bench.

"I have a nice idea since you really need this. Why don't you ask her for help to reconcile with Ms. World?" Andy suggested. I furrowed my brows.

"Is it going to work?" I hesitantly asked.

"Why don't you give it a try, dude? But one more thing, I'm out if whatever happens. I've advised you multiple times to stop this craziness of yours, but because you're my close friend, I'll support you. One thing for sure, it's really up to you," he said, his tone serious.

I just frowned. "I'll think about it first."

Would it be okay? Well, I should try something rather than doing nothing. I stood up.

"Oh? Where are you going now?" Andy asked.

"To Nel. I want to apologize, and maybe I will take your advice," I answered.

"Tss! I don't know about you!" he grunted.

I just shrugged and quickly got into my car.

"I don't know about you," he muttered with a frown.

I just shrugged my shoulders and headed back home. When I reached my place, I parked my car and looked across at the coffee shop. I saw Marinel entertaining some customers. So she works hard? What a tough girl. I parked my car and crossed the street. I really need to apologize to her formally. I was completely out of it earlier. All the time, I was only thinking about what I should do to win Moana back. It just so happens that Marinel and Moana are cousins. Maybe I need to try Andy's advice.

I entered the coffee shop and looked for an empty table. All eyes were on me, especially the girls. I just ignored them and focused on Marinel. It seems she hasn't noticed me yet because she's so busy. One of her coworkers approached me. I just smirked at her attempts to be intimate. She adjusted her clothes slightly and unbuttoned her top just enough for me to see her cleavage. She leaned in a bit while wiping the table even though it wasn't dirty.

"May I take your order, sir Enzo?" she grinned.

"I'd like Marinel to take my order, please," I said.

She raised an eyebrow and left in annoyance. Nel was holding a tray when suddenly she was bumped by her coworker. I immediately stood up and helped her.

"Oh no, sir! Please don't... Enzo!?" she exclaimed in surprise when she saw me. I just smiled at her.

"Nel! This kid is quite something," an older man said angrily as he approached us.

I stood up and faced Nel's manager.

"I'll pay for the damage," I said.

He was surprised to see me.

"Sir!? Oh, Sir Calvin, please don't," he said, hesitant.

"I'll pay for it, Mr. Elton, and I insist," I said again.

He hesitated but eventually nodded. Nel was stunned for a moment. I just smiled at her. Marinel doesn't know that I'm a regular customer here, and my cousin owns this coffee shop. I put my arm around her waist and whispered.

"I'll wait for you right after your shift," I winked at her and then headed to the counter.

I ordered a mocha latte and grabbed some magazines before returning to my table. Which is my favorite spot where I can see all the customers here in the coffee shop. Sounds too boring, but nah! I'm cool with it.

Marinel’s POV

"Your hair’s so long! Did you use Rejoice, girl? Super long! Palmolive natural!" My coworkers teased me.

"Can you all please stop messing with me?" I snapped, annoyed.

Aira rolled her eyes at me, as usual.

"Wow, huh? New girl but already snagged someone—and of all people, Sir Calvin," Aira muttered under her breath before storming out of the kitchen.

I shut my eyes tight, trying to hold back my irritation. I was new at this branch, and she was being ridiculous. It wasn’t even my fault! I stormed out of the kitchen and started taking new orders again. Even though I was surprised and had no idea what was going on, I tried to stay calm, despite the awkward feeling of someone watching me. My coworkers kept throwing sly looks and comments my way. Aira especially kept glaring at me every time she noticed Enzo glancing in my direction.

I couldn’t help but wonder why he was waiting for me. He even paid for the damage earlier—which, by the way, was totally Aira’s fault since she deliberately bumped into me. And it’s not like our manager would believe me if I complained about her behavior.

I sighed. According to my coworkers, Enzo was a regular customer here, and on top of that, the place was owned by his cousin. That means he came from a wealthy family. Just his Porsche alone must be worth millions.

I glanced at my watch and stretched.

“Ugh, I’m so tired!” my coworkers groaned.

“I’ll go ahead,” I said, taking off my apron.

“Take care, Marinel!” they all said in chorus—except Aira, who threw me a dramatic eye roll.

I ignored her. My coworkers looked like they were all giddy and giggling. I just shook my head and grabbed my stuff from the locker. Once I was done, I headed out of the shop.

"Nel?"

"Ah!" I yelped in shock, clutching my chest.

I swear, I felt like my soul flew out of my body from the fright.

"God! I'm so sorry if I scared you," he said apologetically, clearly concerned.

I leaned against the wall as my knees buckled slightly.

"Are you trying to give me a heart attack or something?" I asked him.

He bent down to gather the things I’d dropped.

"I'm really sorry, Nel," he said, looking a bit sad.

Ugh! That face? How do you say no to that? Who do I think I am, a goddess? Tsk!

“It’s fine, I’m still alive, thanks,” I said, taking my stuff back from him.

“I thought you left earlier,” I added. I hadn’t seen him around after that.

“Just freshened up a bit,” he replied with a smile.

I nodded.

“Is there something else you wanted to say?” I asked, trying not to sound rude, but really—I had no clue what his intentions were.

He suddenly grabbed my things and took my hand, pulling me along. My heart immediately went wild from the sudden contact. I tried to pull away, but I was stunned when he slid his fingers between mine. From just holding hands to full-on interlocked fingers! What the heck!

I froze. Sweat started trickling down my back even though the wind was cool. My cheeks burned from the heat rushing to them. All this from a simple touch—what more if it gets more intense?

I didn’t even manage to speak. I just let him lead me.

He glanced back at me and flashed a sweet smile. God, you’re kissable! Ugh, Nel, get a grip! Why are these thoughts even in my head?

“Enzo, where are we going?” I asked, hesitant.

We were crossing the street, and it looked like we were headed to his sports car Chevrolet parked nearby. He opened the door for me and helped me inside. My God! His car smelled just like him. Or maybe his cologne was the car’s scent too?

“Enzo?” I called again.

“Hmm? Relax. Trust me, it’ll be fun,” he said casually.

Fun? I’m panicking here, and he wants me to relax?

He buckled my seatbelt himself, bringing him even closer. I could smell him clearly now. The scent was so intoxicating.

“Strawberry,” I murmured without thinking.

He chuckled.

“What about strawberries?”

“Strawberry?” I echoed, panicking. Ugh, brain, think of a reason!

“Huh? Oh! Yeah, right. I, uh, left my strawberry… with my friend. They probably ate it already,” I stammered, scratching my head.

“I’ll buy you more. Don’t worry, okay?” he said.

I nodded, trying not to die from embarrassment. I stomped my foot lightly and covered my face. Kill me now.

After what felt like forever, we finally reached our destination. I was sweating all over—even in places I shouldn’t be sweating. Damn it! The tension was killing me. I mean, we were practically strangers. Or maybe I was the only one who felt awkward.

He brought me to a fancy hotel. I felt like a stiff statue, totally out of place.

“Hurry up, Nel,” Enzo called.

“Huh?”

He didn’t answer. He just grabbed my hand again and led me into the elevator. My heart pounded so hard I could barely think. Hotel? Elevator? What’s next—room?! Oh no!

But when the doors opened, I saw a fancy restaurant instead.

You idiot, Nel! What were you even thinking?!

It was my first time stepping into such a luxurious hotel or dining in such an upscale restaurant.

“You look pale,” Enzo observed.

I shook my head. You try being dragged here without warning. Of course I’d look pale.

I gave a weak smile. We sat at a vacant table, and Enzo took care of ordering.

“What’s all this for?” I asked, confused.

He pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to me. His phone?

“Read the text, please.”

I did—and was totally shocked by what I read.

“So… let me explain first before you say anything,” he said. “First, I waited for you after work because I really wanted to talk to you. I mean, to properly thank you for what you did at the lab.”

Holy sh— I bit my lip hard to stop myself from reacting. His eyes were intense and captivating, especially up close—deep brown and full of meaning.

“And I wanted to treat you too—to celebrate. You aced the exam, and I did too. And it’s all thanks to you.”

He bit his lip a little. Crap! I swallowed hard watching him talk. My eyes were drawn to his lips as he spoke.

“Nel? Are you listening?” he suddenly asked.

I cleared my throat and sipped my water quickly.

“Ah? Yeah. And it’s nothing, really,” I replied.

He grinned widely.

“Really? Well, that’s great. Let’s eat.”

I nodded.

Damn it, Nel! You’re on Earth but your brain’s in outer space! Can you blame me though? There’s an Adonis sitting right in front of me! Tsk!