CHAPTER Six

I was wrong! My day gets more shitty I thought as I ran into Greg at the staircase on my way back from the restroom and headed to the counter. Already dressed in the Cafe's stipulated dress code of blue jeans and a Kings Palace Cafe white T-shirt, I feel a bit more comfortable.

I still don't get the rationale behind using a white T-shirt as a uniform for a Cafe.

“Well, well well! Look who the cat got dragged in!” He drawled

“Hello, Greg!” I greeted forcing a smile

“You are late Rina,” he said trying to look down his nose at me

For a man who is barely 5 ft 3, with a slim body build and average looks, let's just say his intimidation tactics aren't working.

“I apologize for my tardiness, it won't happen again sir” adding the ‘sir’ to stroke his ego a little.

“Hmmm, make sure it doesn't happen again”

“It won't sir!”

“Well, I heard from a little birdie that someone who looks exactly like you, was seen entering this Cafe with her luggage, that could not have been you right?” He gasped dramatically.

Woah! Gossip truly travels very fast in Kings Place Cafe, especially since the likes of Josie and Kimberly started working here three months ago.

I thought I would at least have until the end of today to discuss my accommodation predicament with Greg. Now that the cat is out of the bag, I may as well just tell him.

“Ummm Greg, if you don't mind I would like to ask for a favor” I begin, trying to gauge his reaction. He smiles widely as he leans back on the rail, crossing his arms over his chest.

“This is interesting! ‘Miss, I don't need your help’ actually needs my help! I'm shocked”

“Umm, my roommate and I had a little fallout, and because of that, she kicked me out of her house so I am in a fix and in dare need of a place to crash for a few weeks until I can get a place”

“Sabrina, the last time I checked, I don't run a guest house or a hotel, as much as I sympathize with your predicament, I still don't understand how I can help you. Unless you want to come and live with me at my place, which will be welcomed, you know you won't even need to pay rent all you have to do is allow me to have my way with you. I promise it will be fun and a win-win situation. Greg said, wiggling his eyebrows like a fish in the water.

I struggle to keep my disgust at his words from showing on my face. Yes, I know he has been pestering me for a date, and making untoward advances at me since I started working here, but I didn't think he would stoop so low as trying to take advantage of me at my low moment.

“That's not what I had in mind, I was hoping you could allow me to use one of those rooms upstairs that were initially meant to be storerooms but are barely used. If I could keep my luggage there and spend the night there, I would appreciate it. I will be careful, no one will even notice I sleep there, please Greg help me” I pleaded even though it kills me to ask this scumbag for help

“You know that is not possible! I can't let you crash in the Cafe, what if our Boss finds out? My job will be gone! I like you, like I like you, I mean you've got curves in all the right places…”

He shoots me a lascivious look as he blatantly ogles my boobs, “I am sorry, but I can't lose my job for you, but if you still want to reconsider, the offer to come to stay with me is still open” he finished, not looking sorry at all.

“Again that won't be necessary. Thank you for the offer, but I will pass, if you will excuse me, I have a job to get to” I said as I stepped around him and made my way to the main floor. Getting to the counter I nod at Josie in greeting as she prepares coffee for a customer.

The crowd in the Cafe is thin at the moment because most people would have bought their coffee during the morning hours.

Kings Place Cafe is one of the most popular Cafes on this side of the city because our coffee tastes absolutely like heaven, which is the reason most of the upper echelon of the city usually patronize us.

Taking a deep breath I try to compose myself before taking my clipboard as I matched to the first table by left, intentionally avoiding the table at the right, where Mr Hottie is currently sitting. He has been trying to catch my eyes from the first moment I walked back into the hall and I have been very careful to not let our eyes meet.

Josie or Kimberly can attend to him for all I care. I am yet to recover from the embarrassment of earlier and with my current emotional state, I am not sure I trust myself to act professionally around him.

I quickly take down the order of the young man in table one. I'm back at the counter, trying to prepare his coffee, when feel someone standing in my front.

I snapped my head up to see who was obstructing my view, only to reel back as my gaze collided with none other than Hottie.

He casually leans his back by the countertop, looking so relaxed, but the look he shoots at me is anything but relaxed.

“Umm, how may I help you, Sir? I managed to ask without my voice quivering

“Sir? Really? I feel like we have gone past the formality by now, I mean with what happened just outside a few minutes ago….”

“How do you want your coffee sir?” Interjecting before he can say more

“Good, now I have your attention after pretending not to notice I was beckoning on you”

“I'm sorry sir, I did not notice you were asking for me” I lied. I can feel Josie's eyes watching the two of us and I certainly don't want to give her any more material to gossip with, so I have wrapped this up as soon as possible.

“Coffee sir” I reminded him

“Black with a cube of sugars. Bring it to my table and I think we need to talk”

Not waiting for my response, he walks confidently to his table, knowing fully well I will follow. I hope whatever he wants to tell me will not embarrass me further.