A Kiss of Goodbye

15: I'll Be

                 I woke up early. I slept on the couch last night. I didn't want to wake up beside him. I don't want to see his disgusted look on me.

                 I decided to leave him at my room. And left a note for him. I lied, I said I have to go to work when the truth is I can't face him. I felt so ashamed. He might not want to do it but I pushed him.

          I went inside a bistro few blocks from the apt. to have my breakfast. The lovely aroma of stir fried veggies and meat greeted my nostrils. I just came from a long jog. I didn't pass by the park this time afraid of what or whom I would meet there.

               The bistro is owned by my close friend Halyei. She's almost like my older sister. She lived on the same building in the apt. and I helped her put this bistro up to business. I helped her secure the necessary permits to operate. And I baby sit her daughter sometimes. She's been raising her child single-handedly for 5 years and have not looked for new love interest. "Dusty is my world Aevey, I want to focus on her." She told me.

               "Lovely meal for the beautiful lady!" The server said in playful sound. -"How's your day Brien?" "Nothing short of ordinary until you came in." He grinned flashing his perfect set of teeth. I raised my brow and he laughed. "In all seriousness, I missed you Aev!" He said in serious tone. He's Halyei's younger brother, also helping her out in the bistro sometimes although he has a stable job as a graphic artist. He also lived on the same building in the apt but not with her sister. He didn't continue to bother me as I started with my meal.

                   I went on to have my breakfast, Halyei came over to my table and right there she immediately noticed something's up with me. "You know you can share it to me Aev, I'll be all ears." She said and then sat on the opposite chair. -"I'm fine Hal, I'm just really tired from work. You know how work tries to consume you, right? I'll be ok!" I said sternly while putting some food in my mouth trying to make it sound believable.

                     Although she doesn't looked convinced, she nodded and let out a small smile. It's mid-am and a lot of people are coming in to fill their stomachs. "I got to go Aev, let's talk soon, yeah?" She reached over for my arm and inquired, I gave her a simple nod. Halyei got up and went inside the kitchen to continue serving her customers. She's not only the owner but also the chef. She makes most of the meal with just an assistant chef and three server making it four when Brien is in.

                  I stayed there for more than an hour, observing how Hal's business is blooming. I am really happy for her. She's a strong woman and a fighter. Ok, that's not really the real reason why I stayed longer but I have to make sure Gregg's not in my room anymore. I hope he has work today. As I was exitting the building, I saw Gregg's car parked so that wouldn't be hard for me to tell if he's no longer there.