Kate Fleur's Love Soup

7. Love Lost

Margaret's words dropped like a bombshell. "The guy who came just now...his name is Niccolò De Luca, and he's the owner of this restaurant."

My eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Really? At this age, he's the owner? Quite impressive!"

Margaret's expression turned serious. "And he's also your boyfriend."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "What? He? But...okay...But why was he like that? It's no big surprise for me anymore. But  Henry, Zane, and Leo, they just called out my name, and yeah, at first meet, I could say they're somewhat related...but he...it felt like..."

I trailed off, trying to process the revelation.

Margaret's expression turned thoughtful. "I know, I know...I didn't expect him to act like this. You liked him so much, you mostly talked about him more than anyone, and he did too. And you need answers, right? And I'm pretty sure he has them."

I stood up, determination coursing through my veins.

"Where are you going?" Margaret asked, concern etched on her face.

"To find answers," I replied, my eyes scanning the restaurant.

I made my way through the bustling kitchen, searching for Niccolò. I spotted a door with a sign that read "Staff Only" and hesitated. Should I go in?

Just then, an elderly lady appeared beside me, wearing a crisp white apron. Her warm smile put me at ease. "Is that you, Kate?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with kindness.

I nodded, even though I didn't recognize her.

She enveloped me in a warm hug. "Oh my dear...it's been so long to see you! Are you alright? I heard you were in an accident...and my poor Niccolò..."

She paused, studying my face. "You don't remember me, do you?"

I shook my head, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, I don't..."

The lady's expression turned sympathetic. "So it was true...I thought it was just a rumor. I'm so sorry for you, my dear."

I grasped her arm, desperation creeping in. "Can you help me? I want to see Niccolò."

The lady's eyes lit up. "You remember him? That's good! Oh my, it's true that love won't disappear with memory...it's smeared into one's soul."

She gestured to the door. "You want to see him? Right! Just get in through this door...he's in there."

I hesitated, unsure. "Is it okay for me to get in?"

The lady nodded. "Of course, it's alright. You always used to go through this door to meet Niccolò."

I pushed through the door, thanking the woman. "Always welcome, dear," she replied with a warm smile. "Call me Rosa."

As I entered the bustling kitchen, the aroma of freshly cooked food enveloped me. Chefs scurried about, some yelling orders, others expertly chopping vegetables. But when they spotted me, they paused, their eyes wide with surprise. They smiled, waving, and one gestured to the side, saying, "He's there."

I made my way through the kitchen, my heart pounding in my chest. And then, I saw him. Niccolò stood motionless, staring down at the floor, his hands clenched into fists. He seemed lost in thought, oblivious to the chaos around him.

"Niccolò," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He glanced up, his eyes widening as they met mine, but he didn't say a word.

I spoke up, "See, I'm not here to reconnect old relationships or anything, which I have no memory of. I'm here because I need to ask you something, and you're the only one who can answer."

Niccolò finally found his voice, but his tone was dismissive. "Sorry, ma'am...I have work to do."

I raised an eyebrow, incredulous. "You have work to do? You were standing here doing nothing until you saw me. You have a load of work to do?"

I took a step closer, my voice pleading. "I'm sorry, but please...please just help me. I don't know what your problem is with me, but after this, I won't show my face to you again. Please."

Niccolò hesitated, his eyes fixed on the floor, before nodding curtly. "Ask me..."

But Kate didn't ask her question. Instead, she glanced around the bustling kitchen, her eyes scanning the room before returning to Niccolò. "Not here...this isn't the right place to talk. I hope you'll be free at 4 in the afternoon. Let's meet at City Café."

Niccolò shook his head, still avoiding eye contact. "No, I can't come."

But Kate ignored his refusal. "You have to come," she said firmly, before turning on her heel and walking away, leaving Niccolò standing in the kitchen.