Elixer of Feelings

Episode 3

"Here you guys are, cold water for you and hot lemon water for you. Now, who has the breakfast special?" The waitress cuts in.

"That was me," I state to the waitress and grab my food. The plate is erupting with good smells and stirring my hunger, finally get to put some food down. I get started immediately. With fork and knife in hand, I make my first slice and scoop to get a little of the sausage and eggs. This place has the best breakfast.

Across from me, I can feel the eyes of Andre looking over at me. I can feel as he peers into my soul. I don't look up at him, I just continue my work on my plate and hopefully, we can change the subject. I mean, like what does he want me to say to that? Now he wants there to be an Us? And he knew of my feelings before and just ignored them. Why should I care about what he wants now?

Oh what, just because I was the only person .... the only person on his mind when he was at war. Like sure, that makes me feel great in all. But I'm sure he thought of other people. Like his mom. Yeah, and he didn't send me any letters... Okay maybe I didn't write him back as much as I should, but I'm a business owner, I get really busy.

He can't waltz back from war and declare feelings for me and expect me to run to him. That's not how things work. So what if I really want to and he's finally telling me all the things I've always wanted to hear? He should have said those things earlier. I have moved on from my crush from him. Really, I have. We can stay friends and he will still have me. Just not the way he wants.

"Name your price Bunny."

"Excuse me?" I cover my mouth to say as I just took a bite of bacon. After I do the work of chewing and complete what I had. "Price? Please explain." I give him a look.

"There is no way you are just going to run to me with open arms, this is not one of those love stories where that happens. You're far too stubborn for that. I know that you are going to need some work on my end to prove to you that I'm serious. So name your price." He. Always. Knows. Sorry buddy, it won't be that easy.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm starting to think that I needed to listen to you all these years. This friends thing has been working for us all these years. Why change it now?"

"I told you Bunny. I'm a man who knows what he wants, and more times than not, I get them." I gulp as he says that. "I get it. I've known you since you were five. All that time wasted and me pushing you aside to stay as my friend. I've had time to think about it all. So how about this, we start with a two-week vacation in Reve? A month from now is the R&B Jam, I'm sure you want to go."

"I can't take off for two weeks. I..." He cut me off. That's getting annoying

"You have a Keyholder and more than enough employees to run the shop."

"Well, that may sound like a good idea to someone who doesn't own a business, but my keyholder doesn't have all the tools to run the shop like I do."

"A month is enough time to train her. Besides. I'll also make up for any loss in your projected sales."

"With what money Andre? You can't make that much as an Army Captain."

"Who said I stilled worked for the Army?"

"Well, it's not something you can just quit."

"No, but I can get recruited by the Queen's special forces."

"The Royal Guard recruited you?"

"Well, I wanted to surprise you with that little detail, but yes Bunny."

"What did you do?"

"What do you mean?"

"You have to be a ruthless killer to be one of those."