At the Sign of Trouble

Chapter Ten

Chapter 10: The Other Woman Hypothesis

It has been a couple of days since the incident that sent Kyla to her boss’ private quarters after being down with the flu. Everyone at Galiana’s have been wondering what happened to him since all that the manager said was that Henry can’t come to work for a couple of days.

“I saw a woman come out of his room the other night.” One of the waitresses, Ann, said to Kyla while they were in the kitchen preparing to serve the second batch of red velvet cupcakes that was on the menu that day. 

Kyla almost dropped her tray had the waitress not caught it in time. “What’s wrong with you?” the waitress asked suspiciously.

“I’m sorry it was heavy.” She smiled apologetically then set the tray down the counter. “Did you see who it was?” she inquired warily.

“No. But she was wearing a uniform I just couldn’t tell which but it was white.”

“Maybe it was the doctor?”

“I don’t think so. I mean, what was the doctor was doing here at three o’clock in the morning right?” she said unbelievingly.

Her job? Kyla wanted to say but stopped herself and did not reply. It was good enough that Ann thought she saw Henry’s doctor and not her. The gossip in this place was unbelievable that she really had to be careful about everything.

Turning slowly, Ann suddenly eyed her suspiciously. “Come to think of it, I think the woman looked like---“

Afraid she might say ‘you’, Kyla started to protest when the store manager suddenly barged into the kitchen and interrupted their conversation.

“Kyla, Henry needs you in his office now. And Ann, get those cupcakes in the display cases we’re running low out there fast.” He said quickly then headed to his office.

They both exchanged puzzled glances and left to do what they were asked.  

As it turned out, Henry wasn’t in his office and so Kyla decided to go back to the house to have her break. She took the sandwich she made earlier and climbed on the upstairs porch. It was past 8 o’clock in the morning and Galiana’s was unusually packed with customers that the porch was the only place she could eat in peace. It was drizzling when she got there, and so she grabbed a chair and stayed in the corner with the roof over her head and started eating.

 She was almost done when a hand shot out from behind her with a steaming cup of coffee.

Startled, she let out a little yelp of surprise then turned her head to see who it was.

Henry?

“How did you know I was here?” She asked.

Henry shrugged before answering. “I saw you from my office window. Here, take it.” He motioned towards the cup.

Kyla took it and sipped. “Thanks.” She muttered and looked away.

“And here,” Henry took something from behind him and opened an umbrella and handed it to her.

Kyla eyed him suspiciously before taking the umbrella. What was he doing here?

“I just wanted to say thank you for what you did the other day. “ He started. “I’m sorry I acted rudely. I was a bit of an ass. I get a little grumpy when---you know, when I’m sick. But I’m better now, so…”

Kyla nodded, understanding. “Its fine, I’m just glad you’re feeling ok now.”

Henry smiled at her in response.