MIO FIORE

HYGIENE COMES FIRST

"Are you calculating how much is the cost of one fry is?"

I looked at Aiden, "No." I popped it into my mouth nearly regretting it as the hot potato came in contact with my tongue, s**t that burned. Oh s**t, that really burned as the potato stuck to the roof of my mouth. There go my taste buds. Now I am not going to be able to feel the taste of my early morning coffee.

Damnit.

I looked up to see Aiden looking at me with a weird expression like I had just gone crazy. Well, the joke is on you husband, you are the crazy one here.

I cleared my throat picking up another fry, blowing on it this time as they all went back to their conversation leaving me out.

I looked over at the clock at the far end, gosh I just hope our parents left so I could just go home and sleep. I was exhausted and I had an early start tomorrow, having to make a trip to see the renovations and how the interior of the new house was going. This new project is important for me and my company, and I can't afford to make mistakes.

Maybe I could sneak back inside.

I looked up feeling an intense gaze on me only to come myself face to face with a blonde, glaring at me.

Why was she staring at me like that? The way she was slicing into her chicken sent shivers through my spine. Why do I feel like that she wants to replace that chicken with my presence.

God! Feels like I am back to Uni. Where girls pass you murderous glares for no reason at all.

I looked away first, sighing. I spotted a water dispenser on the bar counter in the distance, oh good I didn't have to pay for water.

I got up, should I tell them Í was going to go get water? Seeing as they were in another conversation I walked towards it, not like they would care anyway. His friends were strange.

I grabbed a glass looking at it, "Uh, Excuse me?" I called out trying to get the attention of someone behind the counter.

"Yes?" A woman asked looking very bored, but I still I smiled, "Hey, can I get a plastic cup or something?"

She raised an eyebrow at me, and I wasn't sure why she ran her eyes over me, "We don't have plastic cups here."

I looked at the cup in my hand, was this even washed? There was a tray of glass cups placed upside down, stacked, surely that wasn't hygienic,

“Oh, can you give this another wash?"

"This is already clean." she turned around walking away and I frowned. It didn't look clean, it had that misty look on it from not being washed properly, not that see-through clean glass feel.

But I wanted water.

I grabbed a serviette giving it a thorough wipe down, still felt gross but I filled it up with the water. This place was vile. I definitely needed to consider that idea I had earlier on about starting up a proper decent clean place that served reasonable food. Maybe a partner business. I should think about it.

"Hey, pretty lady."

At least the lemons and the cold water didn't make me too much about how many other people had their lips on this glass, did they even brush their teeth properly? For me hygiene always comes first.

"Hey," The voice said closer and I jumped turning around, “Me?" I asked, was he talking to me? I don't even know him.

The man nodded leaning against the counter, a dazed look already in his eye from drinking too much or maybe because of something else.

Drugs? Maybe.

“Can I help you?" I asked politely.

Did he want water? Was I blocking his way? Probably. I stepped back.

"How about you help me, what can I get you?" He slurred during his speech.

I stared at him confused, "What do you mean?"

“I’m offering to buy you a drink, anything you want."

“Oh, uh, very nice of you." I cleared my throat, "But I'm fine thanks." I filled up my glass so I had some water to take back with me.

"No, really, let me buy you something, even the most expensive drink, just pick." He insisted.

"No, really, I'm fine." I went to walk past him when he blocked my way and I narrowed my eyes, “Seriously mate? Move."

“Not before I buy you a drink."

Was he for real? The way he smiled, it was almost like he didn't realize how serious I was. Maybe he thought I was playing hard to get. Before I could tell him I was serious I heard a deep voice behind me, "The lady said no, so how about you f**k off before I make you?"