Chapter 3: Grant pov

“So, are you ready to go?”

“Mmm.”

“Come on Grant, I know you’re hungry, maybe today we can order those tea cakes.”

“What is it with you and that tiny cafe anyway?”

“Best coffee in town and great service. Although, she hasn’t been there the last couple of days and no one will answer me when I ask.”

That catches my attention, I know who he is talking about, the goth girl who served us on Monday, and made me that latte with the wing in the foam. I was surprised by the choice of decoration and was suspicious of Ellis when he sat staring at me over his regular coffee as I took a sip. I was shocked when the flavour hit my tongue, I am usually particular about how I like my coffee made but this was definitely the best latte I have ever tasted.

A shame I was still in a bad mood, from my earlier run-in with some punk in the rain. Who bumps into someone else and doesn’t even apologise, then has the audacity to call me, rude?

I didn’t see where they went as the rain was too heavy and I was in a rush, but I will probably never see them again anyway.

“You have a thing for the waitress then?”

“No, I just love the coffee and the atmosphere there. Did you even notice how the other customers treated her, despite her looks?”

“No and I don’t care, but I am hungry.”

“You are so narrow sighted Grant, relax once in a while, would you? Or is it that you are pent up for another reason? I heard Rita moved out.”

I glare at him at the mention of my, soon to be, ex-wife. Thank god I had her sign a prenup, otherwise, the scheming, cheating, bitch, would have had access to my business and all my earnings giving her half of everything once the divorce gets settled. Instead, she gets nothing, and I will keep the knowledge of my wounded pride a closely guarded secret.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned the harlot, so let’s go to lunch.”

“Ugh fine.”

We leave the office and twenty minutes later, are seated at the same table as on Monday. I look around and see many of the same faces that were here then.

“Hmm that’s disappointing, I guess maybe she isn’t in again. I wonder if she is on holiday.”

Ellis grumbles away to himself as I also scan the room discretely. Then a man in his early forties walks in the door and proceeds to shout out making every head turn his way.

“Where is she?!”

As I look on, I hear a female voice call from the kitchen area.

“Tom? Are you okay?”

As we watch, out steps the young girl that Ellis has been looking for and I see his reaction as he recognizes her, he is relieved but tense. I realise I am worried as well, although we have no indication who this man is looking for.

“There you are Angel, I knew that when you did not answer your phone, I would find you here. I thought I told you to stay home.”

“I did stay home.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Yes, you said to stay home for at least three days, I stayed for three days and now I am back.”

“Angel, this isn’t a joke.”

“Then hire someone who doesn’t want to be here and will be happy to stay home.”

“This is no time for your smart mouth missy, your health is what matters here.”

“Aww, I know you care and thank you, but a little cold from falling over in the rain isn’t enough to stop me.”

My breathing hitches at that and I look closer at her, she has dark clothing on, beneath her uniform and her hair, which is dyed purple and blue is tied in a tight bun on the back of her head. I imagine her wearing a hood, and I am struck by the realization, that it was her that bumped into me on Monday.

“A little cold? Jack said you had a fever of 120 and you fainted, right where you are standing now. Don’t brush it off so easily and take better care of yourself from now on. Okay.”

“Yes, boss!”

She salutes him and he smiles as a few other customers chuckle at her action, then everything returns to normal. I feel a sense of guilt about her getting sick as I watch her chatting with customers, who address her with concern, but she leaves them smiling soon enough. I can tell she is a natural with people and I wonder why she dresses the way she does.

“So, she was unwell, I knew something was off.”

“Yea, well she seems to be doing well enough now.”

“Seriously Grant, is that all you have to say? You’re so cold.”

“Hmpf.”

“Hello, again gentlemen, one black coffee, no sugar and one latte. Can I interest you in the tea cakes today?”

I look up, shocked that she remembered that with such precision, but she is looking only at Ellis and does not glance my way at all.

“Actually, yes we are here for the famous tea cakes, and the same drinks as before will be perfect, thanks, sweetie.”

I frown at his endearment, not liking it but unsure why, and I notice her features twitch as well, which leaves me wondering if it annoys her too.

“Alright, I will be right back, here is your coffee for now.”

I notice she is always walking around with a coffee carafe, ready to give refills on request, an effective habit. I discretely watch her at the latte machine and her movements are so fluid and without any hesitation, I can see that she is very experienced.

As she is bringing the latte back, a group of teens walk in and I see her stiffen her posture, but she otherwise doesn’t react.

“Oh, the goth chick is back, well there goes my appetite. Why do you insist on coming here, Seth?”

“Derek stop being a dick and sit down.”

“Hey, she is the clumsy one who spilt coffee on me.”

I raise an eyebrow at their loud conversation, as they sit in a booth and I notice her walking past them with my drink.

“Hey watch it! That stuff is hot I don’t want to get scalded again.”

I grit my teeth listening to the arrogant shit and even Ellis has taken notice, as I watch her face him.

“Perhaps this time you will know to keep your hands to yourself.”

“Ugh, you’re such a prude.”

She walks away from him and I see some customers giving the kid dirty looks.

“Here you go, one latte and the teacakes will be along shortly.”

She walks away before I can form a response and when I look down, I see that once again there is a wing on the foam.

“If you are curious about the wing, I asked about it and it is something only she puts on the foam. It’s her signature.”

I nod making note of Ellis’ comment.

“Hmm, yeah, what is it her boss called her?”

“I think it was Angel?”

“Yes, that’s it and it explains the wing design.”

“Oh yeah, that does make sense.”

I sip my drink savouring the taste and keep watch on those teens from the corner of my eye. They order drinks and the idiot from before orders a coke with ice instead of a hot drink. As she gives them their order, the call for our teacakes comes out and the kid takes advantage of her distraction, to grab her ass.

I feel an urge to teach the punk a lesson in manners, but before I can move, she shocks me as she calmly, overturns the glass in her hand, and empties the drink into his lap.

“Oh, that’s cold.”

Says Ellis, with a chuckle as the kid jumps up screeching.

“Arrrgh! What is wrong with you lady?!”

“Oops, sorry you must have knocked my arm when you grabbed me without permission.”

Laughter erupts from several other customers and a few of the older couples begin commenting, about how the youth of today have no respect for anyone. I find myself impressed by her action and how everyone is always on her side. I am so distracted; that I do not notice that she has retrieved our food until she is standing beside us.

“My apologies for the disruptions today gentlemen. Please enjoy your food.”

“Thank you, Angel, right?”

“Yes, everyone here likes to call me that.”

“Oh, is that not your name then?”

“It’s a shortened version, please eat before they get cold.”

She walks away and I make note that she avoided looking my way the whole time and also, she didn’t tell Ellis her full name.

“Oh, I do like a challenge.”

“Ellis, leave her alone.”

“Huh? Why? Oh, hold on a moment, do you want her yourself perhaps?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, I’m just saying that she shot you down pretty effectively and yet remained professional the entire time. She is out of your league my friend.”

“As I said, I like a challenge and the way she dresses is so unique, I want to find the girl beneath all of that.”

My annoyance with him is rising, so I choose to leave the conversation before I get too angry. The teacakes are delicious, and I have to admit that she was right to recommend them, once we are finished, we have a little time before she returns for the dishes.

“Was everything to your satisfaction?”

“Yes, they were as delicious as you said they would be, thank you for recommending them. Would you perchance be willing to give me your number sweetie?”

“Oh, I don’t mix work with my private life. Sorry.”

She quickly walks away with our used dishes and I laugh at Ellis’ shocked expression.