Bittersweet (English)

CHAPTER 31

“Are you sure about going with me? I still think you need more sleep.”

Kaye said with an obvious broad frown on her face. She didn’t like the idea of Mykel joining her going around Mt. Salvador. He just got off from work early this morning and only slept for a few hours. 

“Did I just hear this pipsqueak underestimate me?” 

Mykel quirked a brow looking straight back at her. He tousled her hair before putting his arm over her shoulder. 

“I guess you never heard of the word concern,” Kaye frowned gently knocking his sides. 

Mykel chuckled unfazed by her bitterness. He pulled her closer while they continue to walk on the side of the street. 

He stifled a yawn. He didn’t want to ruin this supposed date.

He could use a few hours of sleep. But he had time later since he was off until tomorrow. They barely have time together since his work schedule was contrary to hers. 

They might be neighbors but because of their work, they barely have time to go on dates. Walking her home from work every night doesn’t exactly count as a date. So this was a rare occasion he didn’t want to miss. 

“Do you think your mother will be fine having three dogs and a cat at home?” Kaye murmured worriedly. 

Since she will be visiting suppliers, she couldn’t bring Miko along. She was originally fine leaving him at home since she would be finished around noon. But Mykel insisted they leave him to play with the other dogs. 

“Mom will be fine. You know how she loved having furry friends.”

No one could deny that. After all, they have two dogs and a cat of their own. And all of them looked rather healthy. She barely heard them going to the veterinarian clinic aside from the usual health check. 

Emily was also an expert on handling them. The dogs were usually hyperactive but Emily’s gentle demeanor calmed them down. Unlike her, she was having a hard time disciplining Miko. Instead of influencing Miko, it was the other way around.

Perhaps I ain’t calm enough. I’m gonna ask Emily later. Or maybe Martin. Kaye took a mental note. 

She was buried by her thoughts that she almost forgot she was with someone. She flinched as Mykel suddenly grabbed her hand. 

“So where to, my lady?” He gave her a smirk and pulled her to walk faster. 

The familiar sensation of his hand was making her heart pound. It has been a while since they went on a date. Yes, she classified it as a date although partly it was for her job.

“We’re off to Central Mart first.”

It was a small market located at the center of the town. Hence the name, Central Mart. Although they have a supermarket located near their houses, Central Mart has all the baking supplies and dairy she needed. Like a one-stop-shop for her sweets.

“I called them on the first day of the summer fest but I wanted to apologize personally for the hasty request. You know how the place is run by an old couple. I want to help them prepare the orders, too.”

She could feel herself reddening. His hand on hers made her aware of their current relationship.

She looked down at the hand holding hers. They were the same big hands that held out to her since they were kids. The same hands that cupped her face whenever she felt down. And the same hands that never abandoned her all through these years.

Despite his childishness, he could be romantic at times. Actually, she found his immaturity to be romantic. It may seem weird but she loved that side of him.

“As you wish.” Mykel snapped his fingers and pulled her to walk faster again. “My, with those little legs, it would take us until evening to finish.”

“Oh my goodness,” Kaye exclaimed in resignation. She just thought how romantic he was but out of nowhere, he’d given her a snappy retort.

Mykel burst into full-blown laughter. He enjoyed teasing Kaye. He loved the transition of emotions on her face. It was entertaining.

Suddenly, the mood was ruined. Kaye dragged him by the ear like some disobedient child. 

They continued annoying each other until they reached Central Mart. The old couple was surprised by her sudden visit. 

As expected, they were busy. After all, Sweet Macys’ wasn’t the only shop they cater to. And with the sudden rise of business in the past few days, of course, delivery requests would flood their store. 

Kaye expressed her apologies to the couple but they just smiled at her. They were even shocked by her unexpected action. Somehow, the couple had expected the surge of orders. They have been observing the flow of business in town in the past couple of months. 

Surprisingly, every other establishment in town started increasing their orders for supplies since Sweet Macys’ gained popularity. 

Kaye had never felt more accomplished. It was good to know that Sweet Macys’ was helping other businesses in town. Jenny would be thrilled to hear this news. This was part of the goal after all.

It seemed that their help wasn’t much needed also since other members of their family were present to help. Their grandchildren were off from school for the summer vacation so they have hands helping them move things around. 

They promised to deliver her requests within the day. They just need to load them in the small truck so they can start the deliveries. 

After talking with them for a while, they left the family-owned shop and proceeded to the next place. 

They visited two more shops before proceeding to Geraldine’s stall. Going around town proved the old couple’s words. 

Unlike the usual laid-back environment, the streets began to clamor. Smiles on people’s faces were evident. Chatters around made the place even more lively. 

“Looks like everyone is fairing well in the business section,” Mykel voiced out his opinion. 

Even the previous stores they went said the same thing the old couple did. Some of them even received business cards from establishments in neighboring towns. Places such as restaurants, supermarkets, hospitals, or even schools took interest in Mt. Salvador’s fresh produce. 

“Good to know, right? Little by little the economy is progressing.”

“There’s even a rumor of an inn construction somewhere near the train station.”

“I heard that, too! Wonder when will they exactly start.”

Mykel sighed and gazed at the horizon. They were now walking towards Geraldine’s stall. It was situated near the bay area and farthest so they decided that it would be their last stop.

“Nice to see it happen in our time.”

“Did I just hear an old man say that?”

“Oh, shut up.”

Kaye giggled. She finally hit him where it hurts. Due to his unusual built he was often viewed as an older man. People usually had the misconception that he was already in his mid-thirties. 

And so, he was often conscious. He wanted to be viewed as a young man. Thus, he tended to act like a kid. Such a naive move. 

“My, my, my. Look who just flew in from lalaland.”

Geraldine broke the quibble forging around the couple. Much as she was entertained by their pettiness, she didn’t want trouble in front of her store. Even if it was meant as fooling around. 

“Geraldine, hi,” Kaye spoke first. She removed Mykel’s hand messing up her hair. 

“How’re you doing?” Mykel greeted.

Geraldine cleared her throat and smile at the pair. They seemed to be more honest and expressive now that they started dating. She just realized that them fooling around was a form of endearment. A weird couple indeed. 

“Months ago you guys were so awkward with each other. But look at you now, going around town all lovey-dovey,” Geraldine grinned staring at them.

“Aww shucks. I didn’t think we were that obvious,” Mykel acted all shy waving his hand in the air.

“Oh, I think everyone can say you’re trying to be obvious,” Geraldine countered. 

“What? No way,” Mykel widened his eyes in exaggeration. 

“Oh, don’t encourage him,” Kaye intercepted and handed Geraldine a small piece of paper. It was the list of things she needed for the cafe. 

Geraldine laughed in amusement. She skimmed through the list and gave a thumbs up to Kaye. 

She was actually overwhelmed too by the calls for delivery from the other shops. But she knew Kaye would be needing some things so she reserved some for her. Call it friendship privileges. 

Kaye was about to say something to her but then her mobile phone rang. She took a glance at the caller and excused herself.

It seemed like an important call though she heard Jenny was talking on the other end of the line. Must be about the cafe or something. 

And so, she was left with Mykel on standby. She noticed him subtly stretching his back and releasing a yawn. 

“Shouldn’t you be getting more sleep? I just saw you last night patrolling around the beach.”

Mykel smiled and gently shook his head. 

“Nah, I’m fine. I didn’t want to miss today. Now that we’re honestly dating, we rarely had time to go somewhere together.”

Geraldine bit her lip to suppress a laugh. Ain’t that sweet.

He may be silly but at times he could be thoughtful. She always imagined him to be someone childlike and would prefer to play around than seriously act his age. But it was a relief to know he was serious about her friend. 

“Just don’t make her sad.”

Geraldine meant her statement to be an encouragement. But she was caught by surprise from the look on his face. 

He was still smiling. But his eyes begged to differ. His expression looked dejected. 

“What- what I mean is you need to make her happy,” she added with an awkward smile. 

Did I just step on a landmine? Geraldine sighed and closed her eyes for a moment. She didn’t mean anything bad, truthfully. What a mess.