There was a horde of customers storming in Strictly Awesome to give their stomach the satisfying delight of food and natural drinks.
Lavender watched as the customers escalated day to day as she and the others in the kitchen had to prepare dishes that were both delicious and presentable every day.
Lavender was giving the Fish tacos her finish touch when Rose entered the kitchen to whisper in Jessie's ear.
"Lavender," Jessie called immediately after Rose left. "Those grill steaks."
"Yes, mam? Is there a problem?"
"Yes."
Lavender's heart dropped to the ground. She couldn't afford to be fired. She really needed the money and she loved her job.
She even offered to work extra shifts so that she could have enough money to pay for her last year of college. She hasn't depended on any man or anyone for that matter and it felt good to finally be independent with anything concerning money. Working in the kitchen also made her feel like her mother was still physically there.
"Just kidding."
Lavender wiped her forehead in relief, glaring at her boss.
"But," Jessie continued.
Lavender groaned. "I hate buts."
"You better love this one. A gentleman ordered the grilled steak you made and wants to have a word with you. Go."
Lavender hesitantly left the kitchen, forgetting to remove her apron. Thankfully, Stuart stopped her, taking it from her.
Rose saved her from her quest, pulling her by the arm until they were outside in front of a well dressed man. The man's face had no facial hair or wrinkles, his black suit sitting nicely on him. His long black hair was slick back in a ponytail.
"There she is," Rose informed the man, pushing Lavender forward and disappearing inside.
"Good afternoon sir, you were asking for me?"
The man nodded. "Ahhh, yes please sit. That steak was perfect."
Lavender already liked the man's straight-to-the-point attitude. "All thanks to my momma," she answered modestly.
"Never knew that I would find a Batido here either. You remind me of someone. That grill steak tastes too familiar."
His already dark brown eyes darkened, hiding secrets that weren't yet to be revealed. Both his eyes and voice were distant. He cleared his throat and his eyes lightened.
"I'm Angelo."
"Lavender Summers."
The man froze with his hands still in hers as they shook hands. He stared at Lavender in her eyes and she gazed back, feeling a weird pull. The man released and leaned back comfortably on his seat.
Lavender played with the butterfly pendant on her necklace, the coldness warmed her insides.
The man looked down.
"Up here, you perv."
That was when he laughed, revealing the hidden wrinkles at the corner of his eyes. "I'm twice your age. You are a beautiful young lady, but I will not fool with someone as young as you. Not anymore at least."
Lavender remained silent, finding him odd. He kept sinking into his past as if he and Lavender were buddies from way back.
"I was looking at is your necklace. Who gave it to you?"
YOU ARE READING
Heart Of A Fighter
Action"I intend on winning this." "Okay, I'm about to wither that little confidence you have going on there." "Looks like you have yourself a challenge. Bet I'll win. I always do." He walked up to her until there was barely an inch between them, his hot b...
