Don't Cry Over Phở

Chapter 26: Giving It Your All

Would u guys be interested in Luca POV bonus chapters?? 😳😳 I'm not sure whether to integrate them into the story or have them all at the end when I finish. What do u guys think? Also to thank you guys for your patience for new chapters, I made this one extra long for u guys hehe!! <3

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The jingle of the bell above the doorway only meant one thing and one thing only. It was the little signal that alerted us of a new customer's entrance— or anyone's entrance for that matter, but for our sake I hoped it was a customer.

It seemed like my parents looked up towards the door the same time I did. Our heads turning in unison like a plate of sardines. Was it really a customer?

An Asian woman entered through the doorway. But not just any Asian woman. I recognized her instantly. It was Luca's aunt of all people! Same jet black hair and everything. For a second I just stared slack jawed at her until my parents shot daggers at me to take her order instead of standing idly around. Snapping out of it, I finally mustered a "Hi, welcome to Backyard Phở!" Except it sounded more like a question than a welcome.

She smiled warmly when her eyes landed on me. It was so strange seeing this woman who looked so similar to Luca in looks, but have a completely different personality.

"Oh hello Allison! It's so nice to see you working. I don't think I even told you my name back when we met at the apartment so my sincere apologies for that. You can call me Auntie Ju," she smiled gracefully.

I nervously smiled back at her. I don't know why I cared so much about her impression of me, but I wanted to make sure I left a good one at least. "Okay... Auntie Ju," I said tentatively before continuing, "Table for one?"

"Oh! Yes, a table for one please."

As she sat down, she looked around her, quirking an eyebrow up. "Hm, not many customers at this hour?"

I gave a small half shrug. "Yeah, business hasn't been too good lately." I studied her as she looked at the menu. I wonder how she found out about this place? Maybe Luca told her?

"Oh wow, I'm sorry to hear that," she frowned before continuing, "Can I have the chicken phở dish please?"

I nodded as I scribbled her order on my notepad. I wondered if she was here to see Luca or was she simply in the mood to eat pho? Perhaps it was a mix of both.

As if she read my mind, Auntie Ju curiously surveyed the empty restaurant. "By any chance Allison, is Luca working here today?" she asked hopefully.

I gave a slight nod as I answered, "Yes, he works in the kitchen."

Her face fell in slight disappointment. Was she expecting to see him today? "I see, thank you. Could you do me a favor and tell him that I'm here?"

"Yes, of course," I smiled slightly at her as I took her menu and walked back to the kitchen. I wonder if she wanted to surprise him, but based on the slight worried look on her face, something told me that she wanted to tell him something. I couldn't help but wonder what it was even though it was none of my business.

I hung up the note with Auntie Ju's order on it before I peered into the kitchen. Spotting Luca's familiar back turned to me, I called, "Luca!"

He turned around immediately with eyebrows knitted together in slight annoyance that he was interrupted in the middle of his work. "Yes..?" he drawled out.

I opened my mouth, closed it, and then opened it again to blurt out, "Your aunt is here."

Surprise flickered across his face as he gazed at me for a bit to see if I was really being honest. "Aunt Ju?" he asked.