The Billionaire's Chef

Chapter 9

Zia Knight POV

"OMG... OMG ... OMG!!" exclaimed Avery as she come to me and dragged me to the manager's office in the cafe. I was looking at her in worry and concern, but she kept on pacing around as soon she shoved me down to her leather office chair.

After five-minutes she stopped her pacing and sat on one of the chairs opposite to me. She looked at me with her eyes open wide before she leaned back to the chair and look up to the ceiling. 

"I went to pick up Lucas and waited with him for his new friend's, Derek, family to get him." she said and by now my body is leaning forward with me on the edge of my seat.

"and..." I said after she went quiet for a couple of seconds.

"Derek's uncle came and introduce himself. But what I didn't expect was him using pick-up lines one after the other and continue to flirt at me even in front of the two kids." she now has her eyes closed as if she was reminiscing the event.

"and... what did you do?" I asked slowly. By now I am standing on my feet with two of my palms on her desk and my upper body leaned forward towards her as I anticipate for her answer.

"I... I.... umm.. I ignored him and acted coldly. I left with Lucas after I interrupted his flirting by bidding my goodbye to him and Derek." Avery stuttered as she began to fiddle her fingers from being nervous. 

I groaned loudly and sat myself back down in disbelief. "Avery... why?" I leaned back on the chair as I observe her facial expression. She looks nervous, sad and... afraid? 

"Is it because of your ex-? do you still have feelings for him or is it because you're scared to fall and be hurt again?" I asked softly now knowing the reason can be from the ones I listed in my question.

"I... I'm not sure. I think it's because I am scared to fall in love and be hurt again. What if he will treat me the same like my ex?" tears start to slowly fall from her eyes. I stood up and went to sit myself down on the chair next to hers before I grab her hand that was closer to me.

"I don't know what to really tell you since I've never fall in love nor have I ever been in any sort of a romantic relationship. But what I can tell you from other life experiences is 'don't let the past ruin your future; simply let the past remain in the past and your future be your new priority.'" I said gently. Avery is now looking at me as if she's still unsure. 

I gave her a small smile before I continue. "I was raised in a household where my parents always told me that each of us are made differently in God's image. What's your opinion? do you agree with that statement?" I asked in a different approach to help her see the message I'm trying to send across.

Avery nodded her head slowly, then I continue. "You are different from your parents because they simply can't understand the new priority you have in life. You see, even if you are related you are still different, every human is different that means men too. You see what i'm trying to tell you now?" I raised my eyebrows to her.

"I can't say he will be the same like your ex but I can say that he is different from your ex. You can only find out once you give yourself a chance to know him more, then you can make your decision and judgment whether he is worth it or not. But, don't and I mean don't let your past relationship hinder your future relationship. What will that serve you except letting you live in the past and remain hurting more and more?" Avery is now sobbing quietly. 

She hugged me while she still sobbing but I can hear small whimpers coming from her. I hug her back and brush her hair softly. 

"Don't you think it's time for you to have a new chapter in your love story and find your happiness? everyone deserves a happy-ending in their love life.. even me" I said to her and chuckled at the end part. Avery started to laugh at what I said in the end as she let go of our hug and began to wipe her tears away.

I smiled at her and she returned it with her own. "Thanks Zizi, I needed that. I guess I will try to not be drown too much from my fear of falling in love and get hurt"

"You will heal, the pain will only make you stronger" I said before I hug her once again and leave her office to give her a time to herself. 

I started to look around the restaurant to find Lucas. I saw him chatting with one the girls at the coloring tables in the kids corner. Already a ladies man? I chuckled at my thought as I begin to walk towards him.

"My baby Lucas!" I said exasperatedly with my wide grin showing on my face. Lucas looked up and ran to me with his arms wide open. I laughed and placed each of my hand on his waist and lift him up. I spinned him around until we were a bit dizzy. We took our time to get rid of the dizziness before we begin to giggle at each other. 

"How was your day baby?" I always call him baby when I feel a bit emotional. Avery and I's talk was making me a bit emotional. It got me thinking of my own love story. Many questions come into my head. 

Will I be falling in love anytime soon?

Will he treat me right?

Will he fall in love with me as well?

I got out of my dream-land when Lukey shook my shoulder to tell me that he's hungry. I lifted him up and carry him on my waist as we make our way to the counter to have him pick what he wants to have. 

"Zizi, can I have Nutella sandwich and then can I bring that for school tomorrow?" he asked and pointed at the triple chocolate eclair. 

"Of course baby. How many Nutella sandwich do you want and will you be bringing two of these eclairs with you, for you and your friend Derek?" 

"Two Nutella sandwiches please. Oh yes for Derek and I. Today I shared with him the macarons and he shared with me his cookies! It was yummy! Lunch is my favorite time of day now!" he giggled as he answered to me. I giggle along with him since his giggle was contagious. 

I told Lucas to go back to the kids corner while I prepare him his sandwich and put aside two eclairs for his friend and him tomorrow. I called Lucas to come and have his nutella sandwich while he shared with me everything he did at his kindergarten today.

"Derek got cookies for lunch today and we swapped! I shared him some of the macarons for one of his cookies. The cookies was big! Like the one over there!" Lucase exclaimed loudly as he pointed at the cookies in the counter's display window. 

"Ohh... did you like the cookies? I'm sure it was tasty. It is one of your favorite desserts." I grinned widely remembering the first time I met him and got close to him really quickly by bribing him with two cookies. 

"YES! It tasted like yours. It was really yummy." Can he actually tell the difference in taste? that'd be interesting if he can.

Lucas and I continue with our talk. It was tough but I managed to not ask Lucas about Derek's uncle who came and flirt with his mom. But it made me wonder if Lucas ever want to have a father figure in his life? Maybe not now but hopefully he will, I'm sure there is someone out there who will love the two of them unconditionally.