TWISTED ROMANCE

NEW BEGINNING AT THE CAFÉ

Chapter 3

It was morning already , I got up from my bed ,knelt down and said a short prayer.

“Anna ! Anna! My mum called out .

“Yes mum! I answered as I hurriedly entered the bathroom..

“You're late honey, and this is your first day at work,you wouldn't want your co workers to think you're lazy… she said softly her voice very audible…

“Mum , I'm almost doneee …I said dragging my words happily as I hurriedly left the bathroom to put on my dress.

I had a little breakfast,took my apron and stormed out of the house waving goodbye to my mum.

On reaching the café ,I tied my apron, took a deep breath, and stepped into the bustling café. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air, and the chatter of customers created a lively atmosphere. I smiled, feeling a sense of purpose. This was my new life, and I was determined to make it work.

As I worked at the café, Johhny walked in, flashing his charming smile. "Hey, Anna! How's it going?"

Johnny was one of my uncle’s workers though,he was a gay but I'd say that he was the nicest of them all. We had already met back at my uncle’s house that was when we became close .

I smiled back, feeling grateful for our friendship. "It's going great, Johhny! Just trying to survive the lunch rush."

Johhny chuckled. "I'm sure you're doing fantastic. I'll grab a coffee and catch up with you later."

Just then, Mister Charles, a wealthy and charming young man, walked in. He caught my eye, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. We'd met before, and he'd been...persistent.

"Anna, darling," Mister Charles said, his voice smooth. "You look stunning today."

I forced a smile, trying to be polite. "Thank you, Mister Charles. What can I get for you?"

But before he could respond, Uncle Austine walked in, his presence commanding attention. "Anna, let's go. You're done for the day."

Mister Charles's face fell, but he recovered quickly. "Ah, Austine, always the protector. I was just enjoying Anna's lovely company."

Uncle Austine's expression remained neutral. "I'm sure you were, Charles. Anna, let's go."

I breathed a sigh of relief as Uncle Austine escorted me out of the café. Johhny caught my eye, and we exchanged a knowing glance. He'd been keeping an eye on me, and I appreciated his concern.

It was the my third day at work again, I came in earlier than every body , started with cleaning up the café not long after I was done Johnny walked in with a smile..

"Hey, Anna!" Johhny , greeted me with a warm smile. "You're on coffee duty today!"

I nodded, my ponytail bouncing. "Got it!" He said out rather too loudly …

As I started taking orders and serving customers, I couldn't help but notice the admiring glances. Some customers lingered, chatting with me, and one or two...well, let's just say they were a bit too interested.

Johhny nudged me during a lull. "Girl, you've got a fan club!"

I rolled my eyes, laughing. "Shh, don't encourage them."

But Journey just winked. "You deserve it, honey. You're a catch."

I blushed, feeling a flutter in my chest. It was nice to feel appreciated, but I had to stay focused. This job was about supporting myself and Mom, not about romance.

Just then, a group of rowdy customers walked in, and one of them caught my eye. He was staring at me, his gaze lingering on my face, my body... I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Hey, sweetheart," he called out, his voice slurred. "Can I get another coffee?"

I forced a smile. "Coming right up."

But as I turned to pour his coffee, he reached out and grabbed my arm. "You know, you're really beautiful," he slurred.

That's when Johhny intervened. "Hey, buddy, I think you've had enough. Let me get you your coffee."

The guy scowled, but Johhny stood firm. "Trust me, dude, you're not going to want to mess with her. Her uncle is...not someone to mess with."

The guy's eyes widened, and he quickly released my arm. "Sorry, sorry."

I mouthed a thank you to Johhny as he expertly handled the situation. Just then, my phone buzzed. It was Sandra , one of Uncle Austine's employees and also a female friend of mine.

"Anna, I've got Uncle Austine here . She said , I told him there's a situation at the café?"

I glanced around, wondering what Sandra meant. That's when I saw the guy who had grabbed my arm, now standing outside, looking furious. And then, Uncle Austin appeared, his presence commanding attention.

"Anna, you okay?" he asked, his voice firm.

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. "Yeah, I'm fine, Uncle Austine. Thanks for coming again."

Uncle Austine's gaze swept the café, and his eyes narrowed. "Let's get you home. You're done for the day."

“Again! I said feeling sad as it looked as if I was babied too much …

I took off my apron, Johhny whispered, "Girl, your uncle is intimidating, but I love him!"

I smiled, feeling grateful for Uncle Austine's support. "Yeah, he's one of a kind."