MR GRUMPY

CHAPTER 3

I kept going to the coffee shop hoping to run into Mr. Grumpy again; yeah, I named him that since I didn't know his real name, and you can guess right, “I still haven't gotten a job.”

“Argh!!! I hate my life” I cried out in frustration.

In situations like this, I wished I had rich parents with connections; Even if they were gone, at least I would have a trust fund in my name and some family friends to lean on.

But reality is harsh—I don't know anyone related to my parents, and here I am, struggling to get a job.

“God I miss my parents.”

“Audrey, snap out of it; you're in public. Keep it together.” I reminded myself.

Now that I think about it, I've been coming to this coffee shop everyday for a week now. I loved their coffee so much, but my funds are running out; I think it's high time I'd stop coming here for now. Let's face it, I'm not running Into him anytime soon.

“Argh it's cold,” I said after taking a sip from my cup.

I decide not to let my money go to waste; I'd take the coffee home, heat it up, and enjoy it there; this will be the last time I will be here for now.

I stood up, coffee in my hands, without looking up. Suddenly I bumped into something hard unknowingly, spilling my drink in the process.

“Ow it's a body,” I thought to myself

I looked up to see who I bumped into; and suddenly I stood still; There he was—Mr. Grumpy, and that handsome face was as striking as ever. Gosh! I don't think I would ever get used to how good he looks. I shook off the shock, only to find him glaring at me,his expression fierce enough to bury me six feet deep.

“You! Are you stalking me?” He demanded coldly.

What! Why would he think I'm stalking him? Well…technically I was, but I wasn't going to give him the idea that I'm actually stalking him.

“What! No, of course not” I replied, trying to sound confident.

Oops, his shirt was ruined—stained badly. I pulled out my handkerchief to help clean the stain, but he grabbed my hand midair, stopping me from touching him.

“What are you doing?” He snapped.

“I just want to clean the stain!” I replied stating the obvious. As if he didn't realize I was going to wipe the stain off his shirt.

He looked down at the mess, “Damn it,” He muttered under his breath. “Gawd, even his curse sounded so sexy” Snap out of it, Audrey!

“Do you have any idea how much this suit costs?” He shot back.

“No, but I can help with that; I just need to wipe the stain with a wet towel,” I offered.

“No, you have to pay for this!” He demanded sharply, his tone was sharp as a blade, If it were a sharp object, it would have cut through me.

“Okay, how much is it?” I asked,bracing for the answer.

“$10,000” He replied with a shrug, as if it were no big deal.

“What!” My eyes almost popped out of their socket; where on earth was I supposed to get $10,000? Especially in my current state! Even if I had a job, I doubt I could save that much in 5 months.

“Who buys a suit for such an outrageous price?” I said with a scoff.

“I do! Now pay up!” He insisted.

“Well, Mr. Grumpy I—”

“Hold on,” He interrupted.

“What did you call me?” He asked with a frown on his face.

“Mr. Grumpy” He frowned deeply.

“Don't give me that look! you're grumpy, rude, Arrogant, unapproachable…. ” I trailed.

“You want me to continue?” I challenged feeling bold, as I raised an eyebrow.

I wouldn't dare to continue, because if looks could kill, I would be buried six feet under, by his glare.

“I don't have that amount,” I continued firmly.

Even if I did, there is no way I would hand over that much money given my current situation.

“How do you pay me then?.” He demanded.

“How about I work for you, As your personal assistant?” “You can deduct my debt from my salary?” I suggested hoping for some luck,instead it backfired because I heard a cold laugh followed by a scoff from him.

“So you actually thought I'd say yes?” He asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

I nodded.

“Well No,” he replied flatly.

“There's no other way I can give you your money except you abduct me, which of course, I wouldn't agree to,” I said sternly.

“Look, we are both wasting each other's time; I can wash this stain, and your shirt would be as good as new.” I added confidently.

“What's the big deal about me working for you? I already promise I'll be professional, isn't that why you don't want a female assistant? I proved, refusing to back down.

He gave no reply; he studied me intensely for a moment. I felt uncomfortable under his gaze. Then without a word, he turned and walked out of the coffee shop. I trailed behind him picking up my things, As I got outside, I saw a familiar face step out of the driver's seat.

I racked my brain, trying so hard to remember his name.

“Miss?” I heard the familiar voice call out.

“Audrey,” I said, searching for his name.

“Hi,” he said, noting my struggle to remember.

“Sam, right?” I asked, smiling.

“Yeah,” he responded with a grin.

“Hi Sam, thanks for the other day.” I said, trying to keep the conversation going.

“Omg is that your boss?” I I inquired, pointing toward Mr. Grumpy, who was already inside the car.

“Yes” he replied

“Urm do you have any other bosses?”

“No” he replied

“Is he the boss who said to give me the sandals the other day?” I pressed.

“Yes” he confirmed, I could tell he was getting tired of my questions, but I needed to clarify.

“You mean, Mr. Grumpy is Adrian?” I asked, glancing back at the car.

“Err, grumpy. No, but that's Adrian who told me to give you the sandals.” He replied with a slight smile

“Sam, can we go now?” Adrian called from inside the car.

“Sam, it's so good to see you,” I said walking towards the car.

“You too,” He replied, settling into the driver’s seat.

I tapped the window, and signaled Adrian to roll it down, after a few seconds, he did.

Leaning in and placing my head inside the car, I said……