Stupid Cupid

03: The Encounter

- New's POV -

As I try to open the lock on my cafe's door, I look up. It's already daybreak. I could not watch the morning weather forecast today because I overslept and still needed to cook breakfast for myself and Green, the street kid who always waits for food from me every morning across my house. But when I sat at the bus stop, I unintentionally - yes, unintentionally. I'm not a nosy person, you know! - looked at the teenage girl's phone beside me as she scrolled through her social media account and I saw that there was a forecast for rain today.

Good thing it still has not poured yet. Not that I'm worried anymore, since I always have an umbrella with me.

I sigh. I still have not seen that beautiful woman ever since that incident. I tried looking for her but it seems fate does not want us to meet anymore.

Tsk. Who am I kidding? It's not like I would let fate stop me. Maybe I'll go back this Saturday and try my luck again.

Once I am inside, I proceed to the kitchen immediately and prepare myself to bake.

I have always loved baking especially because I grew up eating the best pastries ever.

When I was a kid, I would always come home to the smell of freshly baked goodies that my mom made for me. I eventually asked her to teach me one day; hence, baking with her has become one of my fondest memories.

It was actually her dream to have her own coffee shop or to be a known baker. However, being a single mom at the age of 18, she had to put her dream on hold to take care of her son. And that is why I never looked for my father nor did I ever feel like I needed one. My mom was enough for me that's why I made her dream come true. Well, our dream. 

When I got the insurance money when she passed away, I bought this place. It was expensive because of its location-specific advantages. Truly enough, what you pay is what you get because I didn't have to wait long to realize profits. After about a year of living in losses and breakevens, it eventually became profitable that I was able to turn the second floor into a book store.

I look up and smile. I know she's happy now wherever she is. It's been five years without her but I'm sure she's watching over me and proud of who I have become.

I was so lost in my thoughts while kneading that I did not notice my employee-slash-friend get in. I just got aware of his presence when I heard some kitchen wares fall on the floor which almost made my heart jump out of my chest.

"What the!!!" I look behind me and see P'Podd bent down.

"Sorry, boss!" P'Podd responds as he smiles apologetically and picks up the mixing bowl and the rotary beater.

I shake my head and continue what I am doing.

"If that's your way of telling me to focus, Phi, then please stop it. You can tell me in another way that does not involve scaring me," I chuckle.

"Nah. I don't think I'll ever have the guts to scare you, boss. You've been good enough already to not fire my clumsy ass out," he answers as he assists me.

"Well, only if the customers do not come here for your drinks and looks, I would have kicked you out a long time ago."

I heard him laugh, "Seriously, boss? Do you honestly think they come here for me? Can you not see all the women and men lining up almost every day just to ogle at you when you man the counter?"

I roll my eyes at his response.

"Oh, please stop with the teasing me, Phi. Let's just hurry now. It would be eight soon."

"Copy that, boss."

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- Tay's POV -