Chapter One
Chapter One
Lily’ pov
The bustling city of Manhattan seemed to move at an accelerated pace, matching the rhythm of my own footsteps as I hurried to the small coffee shop where I work to feed my family. It was a modest place amidst the towering buildings, a haven of warmth and caffeine for weary souls seeking a momentary escape.
As I entered the shop, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me, soothing my nerves and bringing a smile to my face. It was a familiar routine—a haven in the chaos of the city. Little did I know that today would be different, that the familiar rhythm of my life was about to be disrupted.
As I went about my duties, serving tables and attending to customers, I noticed two men entering the shop. Their presence was commanding, their demeanor exuding an air of power and confidence.
I looked at the tall, black-clad figure of the man who came in first, he looked younger than the other man. He halted at the front door and his eyes scanned through the room. He was tall, impeccably dressed in a black tailored suit that seemed to accentuate his strong frame. I couldn't help but steal a few glances, intrigued by his striking appearance.
I froze. My mind stopped working and my body turned numb. Something about his look disturbed me. He looked vaguely familiar.
Maybe he is a movie star or a model, I threw the thought at the back of my mind.
His dark glasses hid his eyes. It was impossible to find out where his eyes were focusing. He carried himself with a commanding air of self-confidence. He looked powerful and extremely rich.
"Good morning, what’s your order, sir?”, I asked the two men standing in front of me.
“Can we have a cup of espresso and a café latte?”. The older man replied to me while smiling. He was probably in mid-forties.
“Is there anything else, sir?” My eyes shifted from one man to the other.
I prepared their order in five minutes. My hands moved with practiced ease, but my heart raced with an unexplained anticipation. As I handed the younger his cup, our fingers brushed, sending a shiver down my spine. There was a subtle intensity in that brief touch—a spark that hinted at something more.
"Thank you," he said, his gaze lingering on mine. "You have a remarkable smile."
His words caught me off guard, a blush rising to my cheeks. I stammered a response, feeling a mix of bashfulness and exhilaration.
"Thank you, that's very kind of you to say."
A few customers came in. I became so busy with their orders and prepared their coffee, But I couldn’t stop myself from glancing at the two men sitting at the center of the room. I tried to ignore them and focus on my job.
After a while, I saw two girls approach the two men. They were giggling flirtatiously at them.
The younger man looked at them and said something that made the girls' faces turn sour. He probably said something very insulting, since the girls went out of the coffee shop immediately with stony faces. Well, he looked arrogant.
The men placed a hundred dollar bill in front of me and left.
What! A hundred dollar bill? I couldn’t believe it. They left too much tip for the coffee.
As I continued my day, serving customers and attending to my responsibilities, my mind often wandered back to that moment at the counter. There was something inexplicably special about him—his presence, his voice, the way our eyes locked. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring us together, if only for a brief moment.
Before I went home, I mopped the floor and scrubbed the bathroom. I was so tired, but I didn’t have a choice.
It was already eight-thirty when I left the coffee shop. I took the South Bronx, where my family rented a small apartment. The moment I got settled on the bus, I ate
the burger I grabbed near the bus stop. After eating, I took a Power Nap until I got home.
“Guess what mom. I got a very big tip today. Two rich- looking men left a hundred dollar bill for their coffee”.
“What? That’s too much.” My mother, Ruby, narrowed her eyes.
“Yeah, I couldn’t believe it. I told my boss we could split the tip, but she said it was all mine.
“Awww…she’s so sweet.”
“Yeah, very sweet.” I’m lucky to have her as my employer”. I removed the rubber band that held my hair in a bun. My long silky black hair instantly cascaded down my waist. I took a hairbrush and combed my hair until it shone.
“How’s baby Hannah?” I asked about our neighbor’s baby that mom has been babysitting. Mom has been working as a babysitter for almost a year now.
“She is still very adorable, but she is getting heavier. I don’t think I can handle her anymore.” Mom rubbed her chest. She has a mild coronary heart disease. It started six months ago. She was advised by her physician not to do strenuous activities.
“Then stop babysitting. I don’t really want you to work. You are risking your health. Don’t worry, I have a job. I’ll work during weekends too, to have extra money. We can manage”.
“I’m sorry for being a burden to you”.
“Mom, don't say that again. I love you and I’ll take care of you and Anna. I promised Dad that I will.” I hugged my mom, with moisture in my eyes.
My dad died of stage four lung cancer four years ago. I was eighteen at that time. He got it when he worked in a manufacturing company. A year before he died was the most traumatic year in our lives. We fought for him to be fine. We lost our savings and our cottage, just to keep up the medical expenses. It was like a nightmare, seeing our dad’s health deteriorate. He was a good man without vices, a God-fearing and jolly person. Always filled with vitality. A loving and caring father and also a good husband. I couldn’t help but wonder why the good ones always passed away earlier than time.
The day we lost him our world collapsed. We were dependent on him. I always look up to him.
“What’s wrong?” My sister, Anna, came out of the room. She thought something had happened.
“Nothing really. We only missed dad”. I smiled at my fifteen-year old sister.
“Ohh! I was frightened something had happened. Anyway, Lily, I have news for you”.
“Spill it!”
“I was chatting with Michael an hour ago”.
“Michael?”
“Yes, your old time friend!”
“What?”
“He asked for your f*******: account, and I told him you don’t own any social media accounts anymore. Then he asked for your phone number”.
“Did you give it to him?”
“No, you told me not to give anyone your phone number, right?”
“Right.”
“But he gave me his number. He asked you to call him, anytime. He will be waiting”.
I heaved a sigh. Michael
It had been four years since I last saw him.
