Where Iris Bloom

Ch 2. The Dish

Putting away the last record I had to review, I called for Rosie, my assistant. She poked her head before entering the clinic.

"I'm going to lunch with Shelby, go grab some too." Taking off my coat replacing it with my usual black cardigan, I tied my hair loose.

"What time should I go back?" Rosie asked while clicking the pen on her hand. She seemed tired from the long list of patients that has come and go.

"An hour or so. Clinic hour's almost up so don't worry about it. If there are no booked appointments left, just endorse to Andy, and you're good to go."

"You're really the best." The young assistant smiled brightly.

Shortly after, I found myself at the parking lot waiting for Shelby. We agreed to go grab our usual late lunch at Love, Nana. Now I'm wondering, who's even having lunch as late as 4 pm? I have yet to recover from the mess I have made but who cares, I'm craving for a good food.

I have been in the car for about 10 minutes when my phone started to buzz incessantly.

"Hey! Are you on the way?" Shelby on the other line.

"No? I'm at the parking lot waiting for you."

"I'm so sorry I can't go with you today. They called me in"

Upon hearing her say that, I automatically understood and nodded. "No worries. Duty calls. Good luck!"

When the line went off, I roared the engine to life deciding I'll go have lunch alone. Maybe I need a time alone for myself too.

I resorted at my usual spot on the red couch. Not minding the people around me, I scanned for the menu though I know every single dish listed on it then it caught my eye.

Oohh, they have a new dish in the house.

This place gives me a homie vibe maybe because of it's rustic feels. Brooched with the combination of black and brass, it was like having a trip back to the Victorian era. The walls were adorned with pictorial tapestries along with the intricate wood work. On the other side was a built-in bookcase where you can read novels written by Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll and a whole lot more. Why I know the author's? Coz I had the chance to browse on the shelf given how frequently I'm visiting the shop.

Another highlight of this place is the impeccable chandelier. I'm not so sure but it looks like it's made of Swarovski Crystal seemingly one of those in Victorian movies hanging way up the high ceiling. The warm light illuminating from the chandelier imparts a cozy feeling.

Squinting my eyes, I know surely I gotta try it. You could never go wrong with Love, Nana. It's just a matter of sequence of what you'll have on a daily basis.

Before I could ever lift my head, the familiar face greeted me. "Oh," I awkwardly mumbled and I'm sure I was blushing like hell.

"What interests you for today?" She was holding a paper and pen as per usual.

"Uhm, I'm gonna try this new one, the fish casserole." I pointed in the menu.

"And what's for your sides?" My goodness, her gaze will leave me breathless.

"Uh, what would you recommend?" I pretended to be unbothered and try to be as composed as possible but constantly failing.

"My two best choices are garlic bread and garlic roasted asparagus." She mumbled with confidence.

"I think I'll go with the asparagus." I hummed trusting her best pick. What could possibly go wrong?

"Great, perfect combo right there. Are you not gonna get apple crumble today?" She asked while scribbling my order.

Aww, she remembered. "I think I'm gonna get one but for take away."

"M'kay. I'll be right back with your food." She smiled but this time, showing her pearly whites.

A staff came setup the table for me and instantly smiled when she recognized me. "Hello there! Haven't seen you in a while." It was Anya, the server who knows the dish I usually order.

"Well, I'm back. And oh, by the way, is she new here?" I whispered.

She sneaked a glance to where I'm looking at. "Yeah, Kim started a week ago."

It didn't take long before my food arrived and there it was again, that peculiar scent. "Here you go." She placed the food in front of me which really looked so enticing.

On the plate was a perfect looking Pollock, clams and other seafood I can't name of. Don't blame me, I grew up seldomly visiting the kitchen but our house maid made sure I was familiar with what I'm eating.

"By the way, would you mind if I get your feed back with our newest dish?" Just what I thought, this dish is new in the menu.

"Not at all. Do I have to write a review or something?" I feel like I'm having goosebumps as she gives back my gaze.

"Great. No need to write stuff, just your comments on how did it go. Thanks. Let me know if you need anything else." She smiled timidly and there was swarm of butterflies in my tummy.

"Sure." Then there she goes, leaving behind her signature scent.

I'm not much of a critique when it comes to food coz I know I can't cook and it's a fact. This food right in front of me tastes sumptuous. I never imagined eating seafood in such enjoyable manner. The shell, the fish and everything in this dish just makes an explosion of flavor inside my mouth.

"By the looks of it, you enjoyed the dish?" Kim says as she handed me my take away apple crumble.

"I liked it. I can't explain, don't get me wrong, I'm no good in words nor expressing myself." I laughed awkwardly.

"Fair enough. I can see right through you. Your face says it all." She shrugged which caught me off guard. 'I can see right through you'.

Before I can even answer, she's got her back against me and off to the counter.

Someone's about to get ruined.

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A/N: and I'll call it a night. Hope everyone's snuggled up and have someone snoring right beside them! Wink wink!

A kiss goodnight in the forehead and it sure is a great night. Sweet dreams nuggets!