3: CRUSH OR NOT?

Grace had been unlucky for some months o finding a job. She had no hurry that morning. They decided to go out for coffee and some fresh air. The cafeteria was only a few blocks from where they stayed, they walked.

The cafeteria had on table left- they took the spot happily. The two ladies had never lacked something to talk about when they were together. That must have been one of the reasons why they bonded easily. While hooked to their stories a hand tapped Clare on the shoulder, she did not expect it and she freaked out.

“I am sorry, I did not meant to scare you.”

“You didn’t?” she said gasping

“Yes, I am sorry.”

“It’s alright then”

Clare had not been keen on looking at the guy before him. She turned and continued talking to Grace when another tap landed on her shoulder.

“I think that was quite intentional.”

“I… I am sorry, you did not let me finish. May I have a sit on your table…this place is full already. This is the only table with a spot left.”

She looked at the guy with keen interest, he was the soft spoken kind. Clare did not want to say yes to him but evidently their table was the only left with two spots still available. She shared a glance with her friend and they agreed to let him sit.

“Sure, you may sit with us.”

The man stretched his arm towards the generous ladies and introduced himself. His name was Luke, he looked composed and his taste in fashion was great. The ladies were too busy observing Luke that they forgot to be courteous and introduce themselves. Their eyes showed admiration towards the stranger.  Luke put on a grin on seeing the ladies stare and he sat facing Clare.

“I am sorry, I am Clare.”

“Grace.”

Grace and Clare continued with their conversation letting their ‘guest’ enjoy his alone time. After a few minutes Grace remembered that her friend had not mentioned work all that while.

“Aren’t you supposed to go to work today? You do not seem to be in a hurry.”

“I messed up… like really messed up Grace that why yesterday I was a mess. I have no idea where I am going to start this time.”

“You should not just give up on everything because he left you… just recollect yourself and report to work tomorrow.”

“I already lost it… I gave my boss my resignation letter yesterday after working hours. We had planned everything already, it rusted him and he has just cost me everything!”

“Did you tell him that?”

“No. And I wont. I can figure myself out without him. The last thing I need right now is pity from him.”

Sombre mood filled both of them. Clare felt hopeful, like she could do whatever it takes to find another place to work. She had a feeling it would not take too long before she was back on her feet. Grace was hoping the best for her friend but she was full of sympathy she knew her friend was wrong about reality. Grace knew how tough it was to get work because it had been her life for several months now.

The truth was good but it was not wrong to wait for the right time to say it. The truth should be used to to enlighten people not to break them. Their conversation kept switching to future plans and their history together, it brought back the melancholic  mood.

Clare caught Luke staring at her on several occasions and it got her attention. She glimpsed at he man when he was not looking and found herself checking for physical qualities that she admired in a man. She was willing to start with the  physical ones for now.  Severally, their eyes met and she looked away feeling shy. This had never happened before. Not even with Cane. She was always bold when it came to facing both men and women. The grin and confidence on Luke’s face made her want to look back for more.

Luke knew he had gotten her attention and was not planning to make it easy for her… he wanted more than her attention and he was going for it real hard! Clare loved what she was seeing. Goosebumps formed  on her skin and she felt very warm, even  though it was very early in the morning. A though crossed Clare’s mind, how she had loved Cane. How she had always thought highly of him, how he had managed to make think about him countless times, how he managed to make her love him even thought he had hurt her and biggest of all was his betrayal then demand for understanding.

He gave the man before him a final  glance to impress he eyes and she asked her friend if they could leave since they had finished taking their breakfast.  They stood up to walk away and Luke followed behind.

“Excuse me, I don’t mean to be a bother but can I have your number please?”

Clare did not believe her eyes. Luke had just come and asked bluntly for Grace’s number. Grace seemed to have liked his vibe and appearance and of course she did not hesitate. While was staring the phone’s screen putting her number, Luke winked at Clare and put on devilish smile. It was hot and nasty at the same time! The he said in his deep voice.

“Thanks… I’m looking forward to knowing you ladies better. Good day!”

He walked back to the Cafeteria leaving the two ladies astonished. None of them had expected that to happen that  day. As his amazing scent poked  Grace and Clare’s nose, they were glued to the ground still debating if what had happened was real or not. Grace had started to fantasize right there.

“I do not believe a guy like him could have just fallen for me!” she said almost screaming.