MR GRUMPY

CHAPTER 2

I dozed off on my couch holding the dish I used for dinner in my hands. A loud thud jolted me awake from my slumber.

Apparently the dish had slipped from my hand and landed on the rug.

“Phew, thank goodness you didn't break,” I said, rubbing my eyes firmly.

Without wasting another moment, I got up from the couch, put the dish in the sink, and headed straight to bed. I dropped onto my mattress and felt the bounce of the impact, appreciating the comfort of the mattress beneath me. With a deep, relaxing sigh, I allowed myself to drift into sleep, ready for the next day.

***

“Good morning to me,” I mumbled, opening my eyes to the ray of sunlight streaming through my window.

“Oh no! 2:50 pm” I exclaimed,

Surprised to see how late it was. I hadn’t expected to sleep this long; I’d even thought it was morning.

I checked my email and scrolled through my phone for a while. Eventually I grew bored of that. Afterward, I stood up to clean the house.

Once I finished cleaning, I took a bath, but then I found myself wondering what to do next.

“What do I do now?” I thought to myself. “Where’s my phone? I can never find it whenever I need it!”

Maybe stepping out would help clear my mind. I thought as I left my apartment without knowing where I wanted to go.

“The park?” The thought crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it—too crowded with children. I just wanted some peace and quiet time. As I strolled through the street, I suddenly remembered, “Wait, I haven’t had coffee in a while.” I decided I would go to my favorite coffee shop instead.

Every time I visit this place, I’m mesmerized by the view. It’s a popular coffee shop in L.A. they make amazing coffee, and their pastries and tea are great too.

I ordered my favorite drink and found a seat by the window, watching people walk by.

“I might as well use their wifi.” I thought with a chuckle.

While on my phone, I heard a voice coming from the next table.

“I'm good” The person said.

“Fred, I need a new assistant.” My ears perked up. I'm not the type to eavesdrop on people's conversations, but this caught my attention.

“Fired her yesterday,” He said. I couldn’t hear what the other person said, but I guessed it had to do with why.

“Too clingy”The man replied dismissively.

“Fred? A male, to be exact, these damn females be getting on my nerves with their emotions all around my space”

“Ok, bye,” He concluded, ending the call.

I thought about walking up to him. Our of curiousity, I glanced at him and took in his appearance, but I could only see his side profile.

He had a sharp jawline and well-defined chin, with a well-trimmed beard, and rich growing stubble, His dark navy blue suit accentuated his physique, showing off his broad shoulder and I could see his bicep begging to be freed out of the suit and flex itself, then my eyes traveled down to his hand, That's when I took notice of his long fingers typing away on his laptop.

Snapping back to reality, “Audrey, you need a job” I told myself.

I stood up from my seat and confidently walked over to his table.

“Excuse me, sir.” I said, he raised his head, and I was momentarily stunned by how handsome he was. He was the most handsome man I’d ever seen. I was stunned; I'd never seen someone so handsome; oh goodness, he looked unreal, like a fallen angel, his jawline was even more defined up close. I stared into his eyes; I felt drawn to them; His striking grey eyes had a mix of blue, reminiscent of the ocean, they were captivating, pulling me in like waves.

I snapped out of my thoughts and realized he was staring at me with a frown and a raised eyebrow.

“I can do this,” I said to myself.

“I didn't mean to eavesdrop,” I began, waiting for him to respond, but his steady gaze indicated he was waiting for me to leave. Well, I guess I should continue.

“I overheard you talking about needing an assistant” I stated clearly.

“And you damn well heard I said, a male to be precise” He replied coldly

“I know sir, I can be professional—scratch that—I mean, I will be exceptionally professional”

“Not interested,” He said flatly.

“What if you change your view of me?” His right eyebrow lifted slightly. At least I got a reaction.

“What if you simply see me as a male instead?”I continued trying to sound persuasive.

I know I sound desperate, but I seriously need a job; I was determined to secure this opportunity, I can't afford to stay another month at home without any source of income.

“Not possible” He replied bluntly.

Okay! I was done with his one-word reply, seriously!. I didn't expect a man as handsome as he was, could be this rude and unfriendly. I utterly ran out of ideas to convince him.

“Sir, if you could reconsider?” I asked

This time around, he didn't bother to look up, talk more to respond. I guess that was the end of it, at least I tried my best

I stood up, feeling dejected, and walked back to my seat. Then it hit me—

“What if I left him my number? He might reconsider.” I thought to myself.

I quickly scribbled my number on a piece of paper and walked back to his table.

“You again?” He said, irritation evident in his tone.

“I hope you will reconsider,” I said firmly, sliding down the paper to him before leaving .

I drank my coffee, took my stuff, and left the coffee shop dejected.

“I really wished things would be different for me,” I thought to myself as I walked home.

I was frustrated and tired, on the verge of tears, but I held them in, I'm just gonna get home and do the crying.

I took a deep breath and exhaled, and then I felt better a bit.