His Roses

Chapter 2

"Thank you so much! Your service is amazing, this is for you." The male customer took something from his pocket and handed us 1,000 pesos. All of us were shocked because it was such a big amount. It was our first time receiving something like this. I smiled, looked at my co-workers, then looked back at the customer and bowed.

"Thank you so much, sir! We're very happy you liked our set-up!" I said with a big smile.

We were still smiling even after the customer left. Then, we screamed quietly and jumped with joy. For some people, this might be a small tip, but for us, it was already a big happiness. It was enough to help us grow our café and flower shop. After that, we went back to work.

It was Friday, so the café was full of people, students stressed about their thesis, business people having important talks, and of course couples holding hands while talking happily.

I sighed as I leaned on the wall near the counter.

"I told you, you should find a boyfriend already," Sierra said. I rolled my eyes, stood properly, and started decorating flowers since there were no new orders yet.

"If you just did what I said, you'd already have a fling by now," Sierra said while washing plates and glasses. I smiled and shook my head.

"How many times do I have to tell you, Sierra, that love-"

"-is not something you look for, but something you wait for. I already know that line of yours, El. You'll just end up old and jealous because of that waiting," she replied, not wanting to lose.

I just closed my mouth and shook my head. I couldn't argue with Sierra. She was right, maybe I would end up alone. And she was also right that I easily get jealous of people with partners. My mother was right, I really get jealous easily.

Sierra left for a moment to place new flower bouquets by the window, so I was left alone at the counter.

I heard the door chime, meaning a new customer entered.

I quickly cleaned the counter, washed my hands, and used alcohol. I felt the customer standing in front of the counter.

"Good afternoon sir, welcome to Bloom and Brew. What can I do for you?" I greeted cheerfully and looked up.

Our eyes met, and my heart started beating so fast.

I didn't understand it, but it felt like I was having a heart attack when he smiled at me. His deep dimples showed on both cheeks.

"A-ah..." No words came out of my mouth. I felt like I froze. What was happening to me?

"So Handsome..."

"Sorry, what?" he asked, confused. I blinked twice and came back to reality.

"S-sorry. I mean, sir... what would you like to order?" I bit my lips and bowed my head, pretending to type on the computer screen.

This was embarrassing. He might think I was drooling over his looks-which was true. I almost had a stroke and a heart attack.

I heard him chuckle softly, which made me jump. His laugh sounded like music to my ears.

I kept my head down, staring at the computer, silent.

"One iced latte, please."

I swallowed hard because of his deep voice, though his face looked gentle. I slowly nodded while typing his order.

"Anything else, sir?" I asked, still not looking at him. But when he didn't answer right away, I made the mistake of looking up and there was his beautiful smile again, his white teeth, and his eyes shining with joy.

"Finally, you looked at me," he smiled before speaking again.

"And one rose, please."

I nodded and typed everything in the computer.

"One iced latte and one rose. Total will be 205 pesos."

He quietly paid, took his change, and walked to find a seat.

That's when I finally breathed out. I felt like I was sweating. Why was I sweating?! I touched my forehead and felt it was wet. I got my handkerchief and wiped the sweat.

I started making his order but felt uneasy. Why was I reacting like this? He was just a customer, and it was my first time seeing him. This was annoying.

"Elira." My boss called me, making me jump. I dropped the milk container.

"Sir? Oh no, I'm so sorry." I quickly cleaned the spilled milk.

"Elira, are you okay? Maybe you're sick and still forcing yourself to work. I already told you not to work when you're sick," my boss said, sounding more worried than angry.

"I'm okay, sir. I'm just distracted. I'll finish this, then I'll rest."

He nodded and walked back to his office. I focused on my work and stopped thinking about anything else.

"Janet, can you bring this to that man?" one of my co-workers, Janet, asked, pointing at the man who was sitting cross-legged and talking on his phone.

"Sure," she said. I gave her the tray and thanked her.

I had no plan to look at the man again, but I failed. My eyes followed Janet, then went to the man.

When he saw Janet, he sat up straight, put his phone on the table, took his order, and thanked her with a smile.

He was so handsome, and his dimples suited him perfectly. I was surprised when our eyes met again. My eyes widened, and I quickly ran back to the counter, hiding under it and breathing fast.

I knew I was overreacting and embarrassing myself, but I couldn't help it.

I hoped he didn't see me. I wished the ground would swallow me right now.