GROWING UP WITH MY LOVE

A PIECE OF PANCAKE

NELINA

"Is everything here, ma'am?"

Observing the service crew's confused look, I tried to compose myself and forced a fake smile. "Yes, everything's okay, thanks," I said and nodded to dismiss him.

My eyes tried to scan for the man and found out that he was heading to my table, if I was not mistaken. He was in a semi-formal look, wearing black slack pants, paired with a baby pink long sleeve folded in his elbow.

I admire men who wear clothes in pink shades. So I said under my breath. My lips curled up in a warm smile. His mesmerizing black eyes darted to mine, which sent butterflies to my stomach.

"Is this seat taken?" he asked, a smile trailing on his lips.

"No," I replied and expected him to sit, but then.

"Can I sit here?" By the look on his face, he was pleading.

Too cute. Is this guy trying to beg for this seat in front of me?

"Sure." I need to return the favor he did to me at the doorway. Don't overthink, Nelly. I shook the thought in my head and focused on my food.

After not eating in a fast-food restaurant for a while, I missed the pancake since my mom didn't encourage me to make it a habit. But today, I had an excuse. I'm eating my pancake first—a little self-treat for today. So I was savoring the taste, like a child—my usual way of eating pancakes, having it in reverse.

I never expected a plate of pancakes from the guy in front of me. I laugh at my thoughts. It's the first time I've seen a handsome guy who loves to eat pancakes in the morning. My dad and brother don't like pancakes, perhaps because mom doesn't make it at home. A few seconds later, I realized a grin trailed on my lips on such a shallow thing.

"What is it?" He said, intensely looking at me.

I wanted to burst into laughter, but I couldn't. I don't intend to offend the guy, but my mind doesn't cooperate. Except by being honest. "Ahh..."

"I knew it," he interrupted, a smile crept on his lips.

He cut me when I opened my mouth to speak out. I pursed my lips into a thin line as I waited for him to talk.

Did he know? I bit my lower lip at the thought. I'm sure the red apples are on my cheeks now.

"You can have a piece of my pancake," he said, licking his lips.

"No, it's okay. It's not what you think it is." I told him, trying to be as calm as possible. "I have mine," I said as I looked down at my plate, but the pancake plate was empty.

Was I that hungry?

The guy pressed his lips into a thin smile. Was he disappointed with me for not taking his offer? "Oh, it's empty." I forced an awkward grin when our eyes met.

In a flash, his face brightened. "You can have one of mine." He didn't wait for my answer and used his fork to transfer a pancake onto my plate.

I was starving for more pancakes, so I didn't refuse.

"Thank you." I showed a genuine smile and then continued to devour my breakfast.

"You're welcome," the guy said as he scrunched his shoulders.

I nodded and then fixed my eyes on my food. The guy hadn't talked after that, so I kept quiet then. But it was noticeable that some women were stealing a quick look at our table. I'm sure it's not me they're looking at; it should be the hot guy in front of me. I stared at him for a moment.

Yes, he's hot. A prominent jawline marked on his beard was left unshaven for days. He sneaked a few glances at me. I paused at the awkward feeling of having someone around that I'm not familiar with. Eat, you can't be late for your appointment. I reminded myself. I gripped my fork and devoured my meal again.

My phone rang when I was about to finish my breakfast. Marica's name appeared on the screen. I immediately swiped to answer.

"Hello, Marie?" I answered and listened to the other line.

"Oh, thank you, dear. It will help a lot. We will surely get this deal. I'm just having breakfast; I'll get to the appointment from here." Marie wishes me luck before I cut the brief conversation.

We both had our breakfast in 15 minutes. Retouching at the powder room was not an option because it was a busy hour. To mingle with people in the powder room is not one of my favorites in a fast-food restaurant. But the handsome gentleman was still at the table. Please leave now; I prayed in silence. If I wait for him to go, I could be late by then; as a make-up artist, retouching is a must. So, I retouched my make-up.

Possibly realizing the awkward moment, he wiped his lips with the napkin.

"I should go first," he said with a smile on his lips.

I paused and responded with a smile. "Yes, thanks for the favor at the doorway."

"No problem, I must go. I have a meeting to catch up." The guy nodded as he stood up.

I finished retouching my make-up in a rush. By the time I reached the first floor, the guy was going to the parking area. His back was on me. A scene flickered like lightning; I closed my eyes and pinched my eyebrows.

"Have I seen him before?" I muttered. Who is this guy? He seems familiar. Do I know him? I had a lot of questions, but it wasn't the right time to entertain them. I shook my head out of the reverie before walking out of the restaurant to find a taxi.

The hustle and bustle of the city welcome me like the usual hot weather. Then, reality kicked in again. While I waited for the taxi to come by, I pressed my lips in frustration and glanced at my wristwatch. If only I could have a car.

The second time I looked at my wristwatch, I was impatient. Being in a tropical country that could get as high as a 40-degree Celsius heat index, my sweat was dripping down my spine.

But, OH GOD, please, I can't be late.

"You want a ride?" I heard a familiar voice.