Months and years passed, and today Kyle turned 16 years old. "Baby! I'm on my way home. Don't worry, as soon as I get home, we'll have our promised movie night," Kevin said as he drove home. Earlier that day, he and Kyle visited Alin's grave. After Kyle had his private chat with his mom, Kevin had a mixed-emotion conversation with Alin, thanking her for giving birth to Kyle and expressing how much he wished she was there to see their son grow up.
As Kevin took a turn, his phone rang. It was Max, the manager of Euphoria Restaurant-Bar. He had been called to work overtime frequently even since he became to head chef, "Yes, sir, is there a problem? Or do you want me to work overtime again? I already worked overtime for the last three days. Please respect my time and give me today off. I'll come in early tomorrow. Thank you," he said, hanging up with a sigh as he got out of the car.
Kevin had moved with Kyle after working two years at Euphoria. He made sure to buy a house rather than rent, not wanting Kyle to witness monthly arguments with a landlord over late payments. As Kevin rang the bell, Kyle opened the door and leaped into his arms. "Papa! I missed you," Kyle said, clinging to his father.
Kevin smiled, hugging Kyle tightly. "I missed you too, baby. How was your day? Did you have fun?" Kyle nodded eagerly.
"Yup! But I missed you, and right now, I want to eat the cake you made and watch a movie," Kyle said.
"Then let's cut the cake before the night ends," Kevin said, heading to the kitchen for a bowl and two spoons while Kyle retrieved the cake from the refrigerator.
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Kyle, happy birthday, baby," Kevin sang as Kyle blew out the candle. "May Alin bless you from heaven and make all your wishes come true. I love you, baby," Kevin said, hugging Kyle and kissing his forehead.
"I wished for Papa to be happy," Kyle wished, and with that, they ate the cake while watching a movie, savoring the simple joy of being together.
—
As the night grew darker, a man newly returned to the country entered the Euphoria Restaurant-Bar. It was the first place he wanted to visit after years of being away, a place filled with memories of his love. As he took a seat, the waiter handed him a menu. Scanning it, he ordered what his love always used to "I'll have mac and cheese, chicken steak, and a chocolate chip cookie with extra sugar."
"Okay, sir. If you need anything, please ring the bell at the side of the table," the waiter said, bowing slightly before leaving. The man sat at the table, enjoying the view from the window and reminiscing about his first date with his love, memories that brought a smile to his face.
"Sir, Mr. Matt is calling," the man's assistant said, handing him the phone. The man took a deep breath and answered. "Hello! What is it now?" he asked, irritation evident in his voice.
"Baby, when did you go? When are you coming home?" The voice asked on the other end.
Sighing, the man replied, "I'll come in a while. I'm having dinner right now and just want to be alone. See you at home later."
"Baby, you gotta come home soon. Mom and I wanted to have dinner with you and now, why go to the restaurant and eat? Come home" his father insisted.
"You've waited many years; few hours is nothing. Just eat without me today, Dad. I'll come later. Good night," he said, hanging up before his father could respond. "If anyone calls again, tell them I'm not available and will get back to them tomorrow morning," he instructed his assistant, who nodded and left to give him some privacy.
Soon, the waiter returned with the mac and cheese and chicken steak. As the man looked at the food, he yearned for the presence of his lover. Taking a bite of the chicken steak, he was shocked. He abruptly got up and made his way to the kitchen. "Where is he?" he shouted.
"Who are you looking for, sir?" the waiter asked, following him.
"The person who made the chicken steak. I want to meet him, right now," the man demanded.
"The head chef just left," a young staff member said. The man turned to the waiter. "I want to meet the head chef right now. I don't care how, but get him here, or I'll bankrupt the restaurant."
The waiter, sensing the man's seriousness, said, "I'm not close to the head chef. He always keeps his distance from everyone except the manager."
The man stormed toward the manager's office. "I want to meet the head chef. Get him here, or I'll bankrupt your whole business," he threatened, his rage barely contained.
The manager, taken aback by the outburst, tried to calm him. "Sir, please calm down. I'll call him, but if he doesn't pick up, I'll have to request you to come tomorrow."
He quickly dialed the head chef's number. Each ring felt like an eternity. When the phone was finally answered, the manager sighed in relief. "Yes, sir, is there a problem? Or do you want me to work overtime again? I already worked overtime for the last three days. Please respect my time and give me today off. I'll come in early tomorrow. Thank you," Kevin said, then hung up. The phone was on speaker, and the man heard his lover's voice for the first time in years.
"I'll come tomorrow at noon. Get him free for me. I don't care how, but I want to meet him. If I can't, say goodbye to this place," the man declared before walking out.
—
OMG! Finally they're going to meet again after ages!!
Anyways stay tuned for the next chapter, we're getting the flashback!!
