Don't Try the Noodles

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Bailey

Even though this is Emma's first time working at a restaurant, she's learned her way around quite quickly. I was a bit worried when my mom simply tossed her an apron and gave her the job starting today. My mom isn't exactly one for thorough planning with these kinds of things. Thinking about it, I was never given much of a head's up prior to working here either. My parents didn't even tell me they were opening up their own restaurant until everything was already settled, to which I was forced to move away from all of my childhood friends.

And him.

I shake my head. That was a pathetic thought. It almost sounds like he and I had been acquainted, which couldn't be farther from the case. I doubt he even knew my name. This is borderline creep status to be secretly thinking about someone who knows nothing about me.

I am so pathetic.

I sigh and go back to cleaning the tables. Work is the only distraction I have from my depressing thoughts.

I catch Emma walking my way. "You okay, Bae?"

"Um, yeah, I'm fine." I force a smile, but it must not be believable because Emma looks kind of worried.

"I mean, if you're tired you should take a break. You've been working hard all morning."

"No, it's okay. I wouldn't want to leave you alone on your first day."

"Hey, it's totally fine. There aren't even that many customers right now," Emma says with a much more genuine smile than mine. It's hard to refuse.

"Okay. Just for ten minutes, then."

"Take twenty!" Emma says too enthusiastically.

I laugh. "Um, I don't think my mom would approve of that."

"Don't worry, Bae. I'll work my charm on her."

Emma takes over cleaning the tables for me while I sit down at a vacant table by the front window, away from everybody else. I lean my head on the glass to cool my head and peer out at the blue sky. The summer sun is blazing overhead, so I have to resort to closing my eyes or risk going blind. Still, it is nice to have some time to bask under the warm glow.

To be honest, I don't know what has come over me these days. As much as I've long accepted the unrealistic nature of Caleb ever liking me in any sort of way, my mind can't help picturing him whenever the chance comes. It really is so pathetic.

In a way, I wish I never had this crush—

"Bailey," a familiar voice says next to me. A strong hand gives me a careful pat on the back.

My eyes burst open, and—dare I say—they've expected someone other than Ethan. I'm glad it's him though. I have to stop living in a fantasy and face the harsh truth already.

"Oh, hi, Ethan. What's up?"

He takes a seat beside me and whispers, "Master Cho is showing, um, Emma around the kitchen, so I decided to come out here." He says her name extra quietly and cautiously.

It's funny how much I can relate to him right now. Saying a crush's name out loud can feel like an indirect confession. There is just something about it that fills you with so much embarrassment. I've decided to save Ethan extra embarrassment by hiding any hint of having caught on to his feelings. He should have the right to share it only when he's comfortable.

Instead, I casually say, "You know, Emma only seems intimidating by appearance. She's actually a really nice person. So, you don't have to avoid her so much."

"I-I'm not avoiding her!" he still says in a whisper, coming closer to me so as not to be heard by a certain someone.

Perhaps it was wrong of me to mention Emma at all. I am not good with this sort of conversation. I should have just stayed quiet...

Ethan sighs, his shoulders dropping in defeat, and I think this conversation is over. However, he continues, "This is a secret just between you and me. Okay?"

I nod.

"Well, it's just that I think your friend is really pretty. And I want to ask her out on a date sometime."

"Oh. Um, well, Emma doesn't currently have a boyfriend. So, maybe you should go for it...?"

I was trying not to sound too excited nor forceful, but perhaps I've instead come off as insincere because Ethan merely sighs again.

After some thought, he says in desperation, "But you don't understand. I'm so horrible with these kinds of things."

I jolt in surprise when Ethan grabs both of my hands.

"You know your friend much better than I do. You have to help me, Bailey!"

I never had a guy hold my hands like this. I suddenly become super self-conscious of how sweaty they are. Despite refusing to ever have any special feelings for Ethan, I still feel very nervous right now. So, this is what it's like to have a boy hold your hands for the first time.

A dreadful thought hits me. I'm still at work! If either my parents or Emma were to catch the two of us like this, I won't hear the end of all the couple talk from the three of them.

I quickly pull my hands free much to Ethan's dismay. "Uh, um, I-I don't know how I can—"

The bell rings at the front door behind us, and it sounds louder than usual. It's like a police siren to my burning ears. I hope my ears aren't as red as I imagine my face to be right now.

Ethan gives me some space, looking at me apologetically. "I'm sorry. That was really sudden, huh? Just think about it for me. Please."

He gets up, and I'm able to take deep breaths again. I haven't even noticed I was holding my breath the entire time. No wonder Ethan looked so apologetic. Gosh, I'm so awkward, it's painful.

Before I go off into a self-loathing tangent, I see Ethan is still standing next to me. He has a big greeting smile on his face typically reserved for the customers. It is amazing how well he can shift from personal to professional emotions in a second.

He says, "Ah, you were here last night, right?"

Last night.

I recall the voice of the late customer, the dark image of him driving away following shortly. Even though rationally speaking there is such a slim possibility, my feet move with a mind of their own. I lost my chance to check yesterday, but by some luck I am given another chance today.

Another chance.

"Caleb, hi!" Emma says from the kitchen door, excitedly approaching the three of us.

In a heartbeat, my gaze moves from Ethan's face, which has transformed from kind to concerned at Emma's presence, to the new person in the restaurant. I completely forget what it means to act like a normal human being. Everything just goes blank, my mind completely astonished that such a minute possibility has become reality. It's like I've won the lottery.

Caleb is in front of me. It's really him.