Bittersweet (English)

CHAPTER 27

“We need to display the seasonal cakes on the upper level so they could be seen right away.” Kaye instructed Stella. She then handed her some cut flowers. “Flower arrangement isn’t really my thing so if you could arrange this on top of the display then it would be great.”

Stella took the flowers. It was the same flowers on the plant box outside the cafe. She heard everything but she couldn’t keep her eyes away from Kaye.

“Adding more colors is lively, isn’t it?” Kaye asked with a kid-like smile.

Stella only nodded in response. She kept observing the changes in Kaye’s expression.

“By the way, I hope you don’t mind working few more hours a week.” Kaye scratched her neck timidly. “Keith had to prepare for graduation and of course his college application so I need to cut back his hours.”

Stella remained silent. Her eyes were still keen on details. Something about Kaye changed. But she couldn’t point it out. It wasn’t her clothes. Definitely not her face nor her hair.

“Are you fine with that?” Kaye pouted not hearing a response from Stella. She appeared to be in a daze. It made her worry. “Something wrong?”

Stella finally snapped. “Yes. I mean no.” She shook her head profusely trying to get back on track. “I’m fine working more hours. I don’t mind.”

Kaye released a sigh of relief. “I thought you would never.”

“Silly!” Stella teasingly punched her shoulders. “I don’t mind. I was just trying to figure you out. You seem brighter than usual.”

“I do?” Kaye asked in confusion.

“Yes, in fact, you seem at ease.” Stella replied with a grin. At that same moment, Stef walked into the dining area with a tray of desserts. Stella then turned to him and asked, “What do you think, Pops?”

Stef laughed placing the remaining deserts on the display counter. “Well, it seems it worked out pretty well with you guys.” 

Kaye felt herself turning red. It wasn’t a secret anymore considering how Mykel would show up in the cafe from time to time for the last couple of weeks. Or how she never spent after-work hours in the cafe anymore. And properly took her rest days.

Was I that obvious?! Kaye scolded herself.

Stef walked past her patting her head. “It’s good to see you happy.”

Kaye bit her lips and took a deep breath. She didn’t want to start their relationship again with another lie. 

“You’re right.” She affirmed. “It did work well with Mykel. He’s a bit clingy so I apologize in advance if he shows up all the time.”

Stella and Stef exchanged questioning looks.

“He has always been clingy even before you guys started dating.” Jenny came out from behind. She playfully nudged Kaye on the side. “It took you a long time to tell us, huh.”

Kaye apologized with hands clasped over her head. “I was waiting for the perfect timing but we got busy without Keith so--.”

“Excuses.” Jenny scoffed. But the others were right. She looked radiant these days. Even her hair and skin were glowing. She sighed. Still,  she was glad. “Just tell me how he confessed.”

Kaye froze with an awkward smile. The details of her affairs were too complicated. It would take a while to explain. 

Stay with the present! Her thoughts screamed in her head. She should save herself from humiliation. 

Suddenly, she felt herself panicking. Remembering the past was provoking. As her eyes tried to avoid contact, she realized the time. It was fifteen minutes before the opening.

“Perhaps another time---.”

Her words were cut off by an unexpected knock on the front door. 

All eyes went to Kaye. This scene seemed familiar. 

Kaye shook her head. Mykel always made sure to send her a message before coming over. 

Stef walked towards the door to check. Soon after, he opened the door to an unusual guest. 

Good thing they have time before opening. Jenny set up the office for the strange guest who just came in. Some customers would be coming in a few minutes, so listening to the guest in a private space was better.

This person was a customer they don’t receive every day. A government official visited them.

“Well, we never get to see the vice mayor coming here every day.” Jenny turned to their guest showing her business smile. She walked closer offering her hand. “Our office is rather small. Would you be fine talking there?”

Standing by the window frame was the vice mayor of Mt. Salvador, Christoph, smiling from ear to ear like Jenny. 

Christoph, the vice mayor with little known information. He was from around here because they attended the same preschool. But he moved years after and came back when he was already an adult.

Apparently, they heard he moved back with his father who was still residing in the town. His parents divorced when he was still a kid. Whilst, the reason for his transfer years ago. 

What a drag. Kaye thought to herself.

Unlike Jenny, she remained level-headed. Well, to be honest, she was also overwhelmed by the sudden visit but not to the point that she would be enamored of his presence. 

Jenny, on the other hand, was obviously taken aback. They haven’t gotten these kinds of visits from the municipal hall for a long time.  

“I’m confident we have complete documents and the business permit was renewed recently. Also, we have met the sanitation and safety standards. No complaints so far from the employees and customers.” Jenny started even before Christoph could speak. She had retained her business-like smile while walking Christoph to the office. “Unless they were directed to your office then that is totally messed up.” 

Christoph's eyes widened in surprise. He paused for a minute looking a bit confused. Then he shook his head softly before proceeding with his words. 

He chuckled softly. The woman looked so cheerful but her words didn’t match her look. “Rest assured I’m not here to investigate or check for any anomalies in your business and management. I’m well aware that Sweet Macys’ always been responsible.” 

“We certainly are,” Jenny instantly replied.

“What would you like for snacks?” Kaye inquired. She pulled the seats kept in the corner for their meetings. 

“Yes, anything you like. Coffee or tea perhaps? Just let us know what you prefer,” Jenny added setting the chairs to the other side of the table. A smile was still plastered on her face.

Kaye could grimace at the sight of her friend overly accommodating their guest. If she hadn’t known any better, Jenny was trying to be on the good side of this person. He may be a stranger to them but still, he could be a potential client depending on his intentions. 

Nonetheless, Kaye was still skeptical.

“I’ll just have tea, please. I wouldn’t take long anyway,” Cristoph responded as he took the seat opposite Kaye. 

Jenny arranged his meals leaving Kaye alone with him for a while. And those few minutes were dreadful. Kaye didn’t know how to start a conversation. Either way, she wasn't comfortable around him. 

She tried making small talks but she sounded so awkward. Though truthfully, she only has one question for him. But it would be better if Jenny would hear it too.

Hurry, Jen! Kaye screamed internally. 

Thankfully, It didn’t take long for the snacks to arrive. Jenny brought in some from the counter and a pot of tea. 

“Thank you,” Christoph expressed his gratitude once his tea was placed. 

“This one is our new addition.” Jenny offered the fruit sandwich. “It’s fairly new but we received positive feedback from customers. Our patisserie/owner is a master of her craft.” 

“Come on,” Kaye was embarrassed. Jenny was patronizing her too much. 

“Hmm, they seem as sweet as the baker,” Christoph showed a sweet smile as he took a bite of the fruit sandwich.

Kaye stopped midway as she sipped her tea. She didn’t expect such words from him. 

Jenny coughed up after hearing him. She took a glance at Kaye who was feeling confused as she was. Her eyes kept jumping from corner to corner trying to come up with something as a reply.

“Why thank you. As I said, she is a master,” Jenny released a hearty laugh. She tried not to cause any kind of tension between them. Oh God, I hope I didn’t sound so awkward. 

Jenny nudged Kaye’s side urging her to give a response. Kaye jolted and smiled awkwardly. Damn, this is not going well. 

“I--I appreciate your kind words,” Kaye murmured under her breath. Why do I sound so formal?!

Christoph looked pleased as he sat on his cup of tea. Kaye was obviously embarrassed. Like a person who was not used to receiving compliments.

“We can talk more of that on a later date.” Christoph straightened up appearing like he meant business this time. The ladies in the room can’t help but align their backs as well. Even his presence was different when he first came. “I’m here with an invitation.”

Both Kaye and Jenny stared at each other. Kaye having a confused look, unlike Jenny who was clearly excited with anticipation. The pause Christoph took was unnerving for Kaye. How she hated the suspense.

After a brief pause, he looked at her with a gentle smile on his face. Never had she imagined that the next words coming off his mouth would give her an infinite amount of stress.

“How would you like to join me for a summer festival?”