PIMP (Completed)

six: helping hand

PRIYA PATTERSON

I dusted off the table before sliding into the booth and placing my binders on top of the table before me. One of my favorite waitresses handing me the menu after I adjusted myself. "You already know what I want." I said with a smile.

"Of course, latte or cappuccino this time?"

"I think I'll go with..." I chewed on the inside of my lip for a brief moment, "a Green tea."

"Green tea?" her brow raised. "Now, that's different."

"Figured I might as well." With a shrug, I handed her back the menu.

"And I'm guessing Mr. Palmer will be having the same when he arrives?"

"Unfortunately, Mr. Palmer won't be my company today."

"Oh... now that, is different."

"Very." I glanced towards the glass door entrance, both the waitress and I catching glimpse of the tall figure that made his way into the Café. Once again, wearing nothing extravagant at all; a simple black graphic t-shirt, dark wash ripped jeans and a burgundy bomber jacket to match whatever sneakers he wore on his feet. I wasn't really into the whole Jordan, Nike, Yeezy debacle but they looked like they could be one of the three.

Egypt spoke briefly to the hostess at the front who pointed in my direction, his body turned, and a smile grew across his face, sending goosebumps up my body for what reason, I'm not sure. I let out a soft sigh, before sitting up as I watched him grow closer to me.

"Nice to see you again," he greeted, nodding towards the waitress before he slipped into the booth across from me, reaching for my hand that laid on the table; giving it a shake. "How has your morning been so far?"

"Uh," letting go of his hand, I placed mine in my lap.

"My apologies."

"No need." I waved him off, "My morning has been good and yours?"

"Good, now." he smirked then looked up at the waitress that still seemed to be hovering over us.

"Oh, I've already ordered. Would you like to look at the menu?"

"No, no." he shook his head. "Black coffee and a couple of those lemon squares, please." He ordered, before peeling off his jacket. "Coming right up." The waitress answered while taking up the menu from before him, which she tucked under her arm as she walked off towards the kitchen.

"So, you've been here before?"

"Not at all." He chuckled. "I just follow a lot of restaurants and chefs in this area. Ryan, the owner here is someone I look up to. I've heard people rave on and on about these lemon squares."

"That's sweet. Ryan's a good friend of Pierre's." More like good client. With a nagging wife and five children, Pierre practically saved his life. Which is why, I don't even see the bill when I step into this restaurant. I always leave a generous tip of course, but for the most part; I know Ryan's got us covered.

"Well look at you, doing big things, meeting big people."

"What can I say? You've gotta surround yourself with bosses if that's what you endeavour to be. You are the company you keep."

"Which is why I appreciate this opportunity, from the bottom of my heart. This means the world to me and you didn't have to, but the fact that you did; speaks volumes."

"Well after this morning's call; I realized that you were just as serious, and I have no choice but to respect that. It's not every day I meet someone with that drive and charisma, you showing me that determination just let's me know that having you on my team will give me that extra push to conquer this dream of mine."