GROWING PAINS

TWO

I am currently busting tables when Mark clears his throat.

"Yes?" He glances at the floor, "Nevermind." I furrow my eyebrows, "Uhm, okay?"

Just then, the doorbell dings. I place the 'wet floor' sign as I make my way to the menus.

I grab one and walk over to the new gentleman's table. He is currently setting up his laptop but stops as soon as he sees me.

"Welcome to Mark's Cafè, I'm your waitress today what may I get you?"

I'm to busy pulling out my notepad and pen that I forget that the customer has remained silent.

I look up for the first time and I pause.

The male has beautiful brunette hair, captivating blue eyes and a sharp jawline.

His features bring some sort of familarity which I cannot clearly put my finger on.

The male asks slowly, "Savannah? Is that you?" I furrow my eyebrows but nod slowly.

His mouth flies open as he stares at me in shock. He runs his hands through his messy hair and slides a hand down his face and across his neck.

He keeps shaking his head and staring at me. I furrow my eyebrows, "Do I know you?" He shuts his eyes and flashes me a dimpled smile.

"Yes, you do. Or at least, you should." I stare at him as I try and process who he is.

He chuckles, "I can give you a hint." I nod, "Alright then, what's your hint?" He sighs, "I honestly still cannot believe that we're actually having a decent conversation."

I furrow my eyebrows, "Is that your hint?" He shakes his head, "Oh no, sorry. Here it is: You really think any girl will fall for braces, allergies, and a nerd like you?"

I gasp, as heat appears on my cheeks. No. This cannot be. Can someone really change that much in the space of two years?

Well, life can happen in less than a month. So imagine how much can happen in the space of twenty-four months.

"Brandon Campbell." He nods, "Correct." I shake my head, "What are you doing here?" He shrugs, "I was on my way to a meeting but my stomach grumbled so I decided to stop here."

I nod, "Oh." Is all I manage to say. He clears his throat and runs a hand through his hair, "So you work here?"

Reality stabs me in the heart.

"Yes." He nods, "This is so unexpected." I nod and shut my eyes, "I know." He scans my features before saying slowly, "How you holding up in New York?"

I furrow my eyebrows, "I beg your pardon." He blinks, "No, don't-I'm-" I cut him off, "I work here. Out of all places, you walk in here in a fancy suit with a laptop bag to match it. You ask me how I'm holding up? Clearly, you're doing great. While to answer your question, I'm the polar opposite."

He stares at me, "I know, I'm sorry." I pause, "Now you're feeling sorry for me. Ugh. Great." He glances at me, "Sweetheart, with the answer that you previously gave me, anyone would."

I glare at him, "Call me once you've decided on what you're ordering." I'm about to walk away until he says quickly, "Savannah, wait."

I turn around and fold my arms, "What?" He says slolwy, "How about I make you deal?"

I furrow my eyebrows, "What deal? You want me to come and clean your house?" He rolls his eyes, "Savannah."

I roll my eyes, "What is your deal, Brandon?" He nods, "I will pay for all your needs and necessities. I will also allow you to stay in my old apartment."

I stare at him, "What? Brandon, I appreciate your concerns but I don't think this would be necessary. I am fine on my own. Besides, I don't want to live with you as you know you need your space an-"

He cuts me off, "I never said we'd live together. I've got an apartment here that I don't use and I keep it for my friends or if family come down. Since that won't be happening anytime soon, you can have it."

I stare at him, "You're just handing an apartment to me. Without any costs?"

He shakes his head, "But-" I cut him off, "You see, there's always a but." He chuckles, "You need to come with me to three places. We will go to these places over a period of time. So not all at once."

I stare at him, "Well, where exactly are these places?" He shakes his head, "You will find out within time."

I shake my head, "Well you could be taking me anywhere. For all I know, you're leading me to my own death. Freaking, lamb to the slaughter."

He shakes his head, "My offer still stands. Tell you what, I'll come back here in the morning."

I sigh, "Alright then." He nods, "Blueberry muffin for me please. I need to rush." I nod and quickly wrap one up for him before he pays and dashes off.