Tiger's Beginning

Chapter 4: Mediterranean food and "Working"

Being the lazy bones that I am, I put off for as long as possible turning in my application at the coffee shop. My parents deemed it necessary that for the month of summer we would be in Oregon, I needed a job. As I gave Michael my application, he gave me a smile and said,

“I’m glad we get to spend more time together if you get the job.”

I smiled and agreed with him before going to a booth and waiting to be interviewed. I twiddled my thumbs nervously, even though I knew Dawn, my old babysitter, would be the one interviewing me and most likely hire me. This whole new world opened up for me, and having to find a job and put yourself out there was not exactly my cup of tea. I prefer English Breakfast.

The interview went fine, and Dawn said she would get back to me in a couple of days. I had plenty of time to kill, so I decided to surprise my dad at work with his favorite food, Mediterranean.

I got to the campus around 11, and he got his lunch break at 11:45. To kill time, I decided to walk around campus for the zillionth time. It was strange; I never got tired of it. I guess that means you have found the place you belong.

I passed the recreational fields and saw a field hockey game going on, and on the green lawn in the middle of campus, couples were sitting together under the ancient trees. I sighed slightly and stuck my hands further into my pockets.

I wasn’t opposed to a relationship, I just wasn’t ready. I didn’t really know myself yet, and I think it’s important to develop who you are before you try to become a solid person for someone else.

Smiling, I knew one day I would have someone like that for me.

I was so busy watching the couples, I didn’t realize I wasn’t watching where I was going, and found myself bumping into someone. I felt myself stumbling backwards and hands reached out and steadied me. I smiled sheepishly and looked up to see who I was apologizing to.

I tried not to look surprised, but it was the guy from the coffee shop, of course. Oh gosh, now I was in for an embarrassing situation. He had on glasses this time, which made him look even better. His hair was combed back, he was wearing a t-shirt which was just small enough to show his muscle definition but not make him look like a tool. Although all of that was wonderful, I enjoyed his eyes the most. They were a bright blue color with a hint of gray, very clear and serious looking. I managed to say,

“I’m so sorry; I wasn’t looking where I was going. Did I say I was sorry already?”

He smirked slightly, and nodded before replying,

“It’s alright. Are you ok?”

I really hoped my face wasn’t revealing what was going on through my brain because it was on overload. He had a voice with a slight accent I couldn’t place, but it was taking all I had in me to not say something stupid. Not trusting myself to speak, I nodded.

“Alright, well take care.”

I gulped, and managed a small smile. I watched his retreating form, and then turned around, trying to figure out how else I knew him. It then dawned on me. He looks just like Ren.

I didn’t want any more mishaps, especially with the mystery guy, so I headed to my car to get the lunch bags. Checking the time, I saw it was 11:30 so I decided to head to my dad’s office.

I opened the door with my free hand, and walked over to where Janice was sitting behind her desk. She was a sweet elderly lady who had worked for the university for thirty years, and always had a smile on her face.

“Hi Janice, is dad in a meeting?”

“Grace, what a pleasant surprise! Yes, your father is meeting until 12 today, but after that he has the afternoon off so you can have him all to yourself.”