Let Me Love You

Chapter 1

"Lisa, take the order for table number 16," I heard Nolan say.

"On it," I replied, grabbing my pad and pen and heading over to the table. "Hi there! What can I get for you all today?" I asked, flashing a big smile. My eyes landed on a cute boy who was looking at me with an adorable expression.

"Miss Graham, is that you?"

I turned to see the woman speaking and felt my stomach flip. It was my Criminal Psychology professor.

"Yes, ma'am. I'd prefer if you called me Lisa. Calling a waitress 'Miss' feels a bit formal," I said, chuckling softly.

"Oh, shush now," she replied with a wave of her hand.

"So, what does this handsome young man want to eat?" I asked, glancing at the boy whose eyes were shining brightly in the sunlight streaming through the window.

"I want pancakes!" he exclaimed in a sweet tone. I couldn't help but feel charmed by him. I just love kids.

"Got it," I replied before turning back to my professor. "Is he yours?"

"Mine? No, he's a devil in cute disguise. He is my friend's," she explained with a laugh.

I nodded, still smiling. "Should I come back to take your and your friend's orders?"

"Yes, that would be great," she answered.

"Okay, see you soon," I said, heading back to the counter to place the boy's order. "Hey, Nolan—" I began, but stopped abruptly as I collided with a woman. I quickly knelt down to pick up my pad and pen, noticing a phone lying beside them.

"I'm sorry," I heard the woman say. By the time I stood up and turned around, she was already walking away. I only caught a glimpse of her back.

"Mam, Mam," I called out, but she didn't stop. I followed her to her table, realizing she was Miss Taylor's other friend.

"Mam," I said, gently placing a hand on her shoulder to get her attention. She turned around, and my eyes widened in shock. I just stood there, speechless. Frozen, unable to move or even attempt to remove my hand from her shoulder, I must have looked like a fool—or a weirdo—to anyone watching. But my mind had shut down, my whole body had frozen. My heart started beating faster, and small beads of sweat formed on my forehead. Was it too hot in here, or was it just me?

"Lisa," Miss Taylor called out, snapping me out of my trance. I quickly removed my hand from the woman's shoulder and cleared my throat.

"Uhmm, yes, Miss?" I responded, trying to compose myself.

"You were calling Rachel here. Any problem?" Miss Taylor asked.

So her name is Rachel. What a beautiful name.

"Oh, right, umm..." I turned to Rachel, debating whether to address her by name. "Ma'am, you dropped your phone when we collided," I stuttered. It was so hard to look her in the eyes, so I averted my gaze.

Rachel's voice forced me to look back at her, even though I didn't want to. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I was in a hurry," she said, smiling sweetly at me. Her smile was captivating, and her green eyes glowed in the sunlight streaming through the cafe window. Never had I thought someone with green eyes could look this hot and so captivating. I couldn't maintain eye contact, yet I found myself just staring at her face.

Her angelic features were mesmerizing. I tilted my head slightly, taking in her messy bun, with baby hairs left out as if she had just rolled out of bed, and the light freckles on and around her aquiline nose glowing in the sunlight. Her lips—

"Lisa, hey, Lisa," Rachel called out, pulling me back to reality. I looked around to see Miss Taylor smirking at me. Panic set in; she saw me ogling her. I stood there, frozen, feeling like a complete fool.