Patty's mouth drop. She's certain she hears something favorable or unfavorable, she can't tell yet. His words created a shallow state of uneasiness in her.
"Pat,"
"Hmm?" sounding aloof.
Rigby takes a Pepsi in his car drink holder and gulped. He seems tense, but he doesn't know why until he spoke.
"Actually, it's a song for a girl."
"A girl?"
"Yup! A girl I really, really like."
She sits next to him, frozen but sweaty. Herself can't figure out why he's saying such lines and why she feels uncomfortable at that very moment. There are no assumptions or what-so-ever. It is awkward. Just plain awkward.
"I like this girl since day one." He finally emptied the Pepsi can. "I'm glad we met."
"Hmmm."
He turns left going to a long tunnel. In less than five minutes, they'll be in the getting-to-know phase. And she's sweating all over.
"We're almost there, Pat."
"Great!"
"I can't wait to know more about you. And your baking skills."
She realizes she's sitting side by side with Rigby, not being able to research his facial expressions or observe his eyes where they're rolling, so she can tell this man's sincerity and intentions.
Her head snaps to look up and see the oversized, lighted signage flashing in her eyes as they are fast approaching the place.
Fika.
Tall trees are seen all over the place.
A huge canopy of flowers which will soon bloom in the upcoming cold season adds to the welcoming ambiance.
The two hurry across the available parking slot and then stoop inside. Live plants are positioned around the sky blue shaded room. Various photo frames hang on the wall, probably different branches of Fika all over the Persian gulf.
Tables painted in tan while chairs in moss green. Excellent taste for miniature bonsai trees as centerpieces in pots. Old school chandeliers set the perfect mood for everyone who wishes to sit back and relax and get to know.
"Mr. Lustre? Good evening, sir. Please, this way." An Iranian-looking lady in black and white waitress uniform showed a warm hospitality upon us as we pass by the side counters. Her smile is contagious. It pulled off Patty's fraught silence and uneasiness.
She passes by another counter where deliciously baked goodies are displayed in colorful baskets. These are delightful treats in her eyes. However, she wishes the goodies she brought for Rigby are inviting as well.
He pulls the chair and let her sit first hand. Gentleman, she says to herself in a thoughtful manner.
A stream of feel good music of the 80's and 90's constantly plays on the background. Patty's starting to like the place. Thanks to Rigby.
"I bet they bake overly delicious pastries here."
"Yeah, you bet! But I'm sure nothing beats your home-made bites. Can I have some?"
"Oh sure. And I separated the ones for your little angel. Mind if I ask? Is it a boy or girl?"
He grabs his wallet and shows her a photo insert.
"Erin. My first born."
She stares at it for a quick five millisecond and smiled.
"Your little sunshine is so beautiful."
"Of course. My wife's beautiful as well."
Wife. A statement that sends a decent information that he's married, happy and nothing's gonna be awkward.
"Ms. Liz, give us two of your signature frappe. Extra whip cream for each, please."
"Coming right up, Mr. Rigby."
He gives the waitress a high-five. At a point, his age seems unsuitable to his ways. And it's great to have a mature, old man as her first newbie friend in such category.
"Oh Rigby! You are too friendly to almost anyone."
"Is that so bad? For you?"
"No ..."
She press her lips, rolls her eyes and gives him an insulting smile.
"Patrycja Anastacio, you are the meanest."
"Hahaha." Her eyes sparkle as she giggle. "Well, if you really want to make friends with me, deal with it."
"Of course. Before you even say it, Pat."
She smiled timidly.
The spark in her brown eyes is still there.
Two banana melt frappe with extra whip cream is served. It is the signature creation of Fika for the week.
Patty sips to taste and she cannot hold her amazement.
"I am quite impressed. Seriously."
Before she can even speak another word, she sees Rigby munching cinnamon bites while looking down his iPhone.
"I am impressed as well." He holds up the cinnamon bite with his right hand, then ate it in a very convincing manner. "Seriously."
She draws her face near him and whispered: "You think I can supply some here? Hehe."
He puts down his iPhone on the table. He tries to move closer and closer to her face where he visibly perceives Patty's alluring features. She is beautiful in her own way, so as his wife, Sam. But, in a millisecond thought, he sort of feels a quirky connection to this young lady.
"I think so, too Pat."
Her smile is as bright as a crystal gem that enlightens the mood between them and their coffee. Suddenly, a familiar beat barged in. The lyrics begin to echo across the room. And it is contagious.
I really only met her 'bout a week ago
But it doesn't seem to matter to my heart
I know that I love her,
I'm hoping that I never recover
Yeah, she's good to me
And it would really make me happy
To never let her slip away.
In the amidst of good music, a phone call occurred.
YOU ARE READING
Decency
RomanceA citified girl named Patrycja is blissfully living a life. She is attractive, witty & engaged to her first love. And then, there's Rigby. A married man in his mid-thirties, enjoying a life too, finds himself in an obnoxious experience as he strange...
