A House Made For Two

Would you like some desert- NO

“Wel-!” Leena spun around to greet the entrance and halted when she saw who it was. “-come.” The   face of an obnoxiously smiling Jack met hers, and he rocked on his heels expectantly, raising one eyebrow. “How pleasant.” she said, through a tight-lipped smile. “This way, sir.”

“Thanks, Leena.”

She flinched at how the use of her name caused curious stares from her co-workers; the silver-haired boy, Owen, and the arrogant Jess.

“No problem.” She led him to the same table he sat at the last visit, and gestured towards the menu resting on the top. “I think you’ll want to look through the menu this time, unless you want the house speci-”

“HAHAHA,” he interrupted loudly. “I’m good.”

She allowed herself a small smirk. “Put your hand up when you need me then.”

“Will do.” She left the table and begun serving others, while he casually skimmed through the menu. After some time though, he noticed there were a few customers battling with a plate of sweets that looked so big it gave the impression it was illegal. Several of their faces were starting to turn green - how fun. Pondering for a few minutes, he decided to raise his hand. Leena approached slowly, though he highly suspected she was purposely taking her time.

“Yes?”

“What’s those huge deserts everyone’s having? I don’t think I saw it in the menu.”

She gestured towards blackboard near the entrance of the café, decorated with rainbow chalk and colourful pictures. “It’s a food event we’re hosting just for today, if you choose to do it. Finish three large-sized deserts in one hour - oh and believe me, it’s not as easy as it sounds - and you can get it all for free and a picture with a waiter of your choice to be published in the local newspaper.”

“Hmm…do I get a copy of it?”

“I know exactly what you’re thinking and you better stop thinking it now because there’s no way in hell it’s going to happen-” A large silver platter suddenly covered her face.

“Why yes you do, sir.” Jess cut in, making sure the tray prevented Leena’s words from being heard. “Simply ask for it and it’ll be yours.” she added, sending a devious smile to Leena, who pinched her in return.

“I’m all in, then.”

“Don’t you have to go back to work soon?” she tried.

“Nup, we finished early today since the children had a half-day and tomorrow’s Saturday. Nice try, though.”

Leena grumbled, hesitantly taking away his menu and scribbling down on her pad the three dishes. “You’re gonna regret taking this challenge. Not just for the picture, but you’re stomach’s gonna be in serious pain.”

“And I bet this is just you talking because you hate sweets.”

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She head off towards the kitchen and by her words, Jack was slightly starting to regret his decision a little.

*****

He was dying. If this wasn’t what it felt like to be dying, he didn’t know what was. He had lived through the stack of syrup and fruit-covered pancakes. The assorted chocolate-flavoured deserts with chocolate toppings. But the introduction of this monstrosity of a strawberry and banana parfait had been the absolute killing blow. “Bathroom’s over there if you need it.” He hadn’t seen Leena approach his table but seeing her smug expression, he wished he didn’t.