“How many people do you need? Let me call in a favor. Trust me I have a cousin who does work at my restaurant who could replace five people if he has to. Can I help you?”
“I would love for you to help me. Now we have short time to discuss it. Bring the food that you brought over. You can ride in my car. I fix the coffee if you call your cousin.” Loren said going back into the kitchen.
Loren was going to help, but not on an empty stomach. She glad she have disposable coffee cups. This was going to be one of the days she was going to need some coffee. She changed her shoes into something a little more comfortable. By the time she finished making the coffee and changing shoes she was Thomas was off the phone. Some thing inside of her to make Thomas take his car, but she wasn’t really thinking clearly in that moment.
They arrived at the restaurant together along with Thomas’s cousin, Kayla in fifteen minutes. If Loren knew that they had to pick up his cousin she would have taken her car. Loren could tell why if was Kayla was the best just by looking at her. Kayla had long brown hair with green eyes and long legs. Loren took them to the back entrance to the store. Chris only had a couple to prep them on what is what. Loren was glad that one of the people who called in was one of the hostesses. She glad one of her gifts was that she could remember every thing she saw. It only took a couple of minutes to memorize the sitting chart. Loren knew that Thomas was only helping because of her. When Chris got the restaurant really going he made sure that all the waiting staff had an extra uniform at his restaurant. Although no one ever had to use it Chris was glad that he did. Thomas was a pro. It helped that he had his own restaurant to go to.
Robert was a little upset to see Thomas there. It wasn’t that he disliked him he was worried that he was trying to get back together with Loren. If he was really truthful with himself he waited years for him and her to be single at the same time. Robert was afraid that having two people instead of five would make a difference in the restaurant, but it did.
Normally Chris business ran smooth in most areas, but he it ran perfect. Kayla was amazing every table that she waited on was well satisfy and could tell that she was making really good tips. Loren was both polite and well manner. After two and half hours his wait staff out of traffic and it was a good thing too because it looked like she knew the people who was coming into the restaurant.
Jason enters the restaurant and was surprised that Loren was playing waitress. He wondered why she would have the rest of the day off and still go some where and work. All the same he was happy she was there. Jason forgot to call Loren and tell her to go over to the restaurant for a meeting. Loren wasn’t supposed to be in the meeting, but the some of major people who they was trying add there books in there book store wanted to meet Loren since the company was a fairly new company. Jason walked up to Loren.
“Didn’t Mr. McClay tell you could have the day off? Tell me why are you working in a restaurant as hostess?”
“I am doing a favor for a friend. What are you doing here? I thought you were supposed to be in meetings all day.”
“I am going to have a lunch meeting with some of people who owns new chains of book store. I need you to find some clothes in a hurry and join us in the meeting. Ok.” Jason said looking back to see if the owners was coming.
“I will try to find something to wear pretty soon. Oh, by the way, Thomas has a cousin that I think would be perfect for you. I make sure we get to sit at her section so you can see if you like her.”
“Ok, if I agree to that would that make you more any faster than you already doing?”
“Ok, I can get the hint. I think I saw a dress shop before I got here.” Loren said starting to head towards the office.
“By the way make sure you come in through the front door. I don’t want them to think that our company is so poor that one of the owners has to work at a restaurant as a hostess. Now hurry.” Jason said basely pushing her out into the restaurant.
Thomas finally quit playing the waiter when the other staff came into the restaurant. Thomas was glad his table finished right about the same time that Loren started to talk to Jason. Thomas could tell something was wrong by the way Loren was almost running to meet him. Thomas was about to talk to Chris when Loren grab his arm and told him that she needed to talk to him.
“My company is having a meeting now. I need to get some clothes to wear. So I need to borrow your car.” Loren said.
“Loren, I can drive you for some clothes,” Robert said from behind them.
“Actually there is no need to go anywhere. I was planning on asking you to a play and I bought you a couple of clothes. I was hoping you see about three different plays with me kind of as a way to say thank you for staying at my house.” Thomas said taking them to his car.
“We will talk about the plays later, but let me see the outfits.” Loren was handed three different outfits. “Oh, theses are lovely. This is just my taste. Thank you.”
Loren forgot that Thomas was behind them because she kissed Thomas on the cheek. Thomas grabbed her hand and leads her to an area that she could change. Loren just smiles at Robert as she past him. Loren was starting to have feelings for Thomas again. In that moment Thomas was her biggest hero.
Loren really didn’t know very much about everything in the company, but she knew enough because she worked in advisement to get the men and women to sign with them. Jason knew that Loren was good at her other job, but nothing like what she display at the luncheon. She impressed them so much that they wanted her to go down to New York to talk to the president of the company in their main office. Jason wasn’t good at those things so he was glad that Loren saved the deal.
Jason all throughout the dinner noticed the waitress Kayla. She was his dream girl. He thought he wouldn’t find another woman like Loren. It wasn’t until this moment he really knew deep in his heart what really the attraction to Loren it was her friendship. Kayla gave her number to Jason. She notice him when they came into the restaurant. She didn’t know when Jason would call her if he call her.
Loren had to find a way to tell Robert and Thomas that she would be gone for one week. Tomorrow would be her last day. She still had to go into to work the next day. It was just two o’clock and she had to find a way to tell Robert. She stayed at the restaurant until three o’clock hoping she could talk to Robert. Thomas was busy talking to Chris about something important. Plus Kayla was asking all kinds of question about Jason that she needed to go home even if means to go a way from Kayla and the questions.
James McClay called Loren to make sure that she got the message about going to New York. Loren also found out that she would be staying in New York for a week. She was happy about getting taking serious, but just when it look like something could happen with Robert she would have to go away.
Robert watched as Loren was on the telephone for work. He didn’t know what Thomas doing, but all he wanted is to have Loren talk to him. Before he had a chance to get free Thomas finished talking to Chris and now is taking Loren to his car with that great waitress, Kayla. He watched as Loren rode off with Chris. As soon as he could get a chance to talk to Loren the better he felt like something was going to change. He knew what he would do. He wanted a relationship with Loren. He notices that she like every time that he would cook for her. After work that is just what he would do. He wanted more than the kissed. He wanted a life the kind of life that he thought he felt like he gave up when he married Maria.
Chapter Sixteen
Loren was trying to get Robert all day. She didn’t know what was wrong. Her company always allow two days or in Loren’s case at least a day to pack. Loren was trying not to sound need, but she wanted to get in touch with Robert. Thomas had been trying to call her all day, but her cellphone lines was tied up because she calling Robert.
Robert didn’t know what it was, but he needed to think. He foolishly left his cellphone in the car
while he stay in the cabin that his former wife built him. He wanted more then ever to be with Loren. The real question he had to ask himself was he ready. If told himself the truth he was in love with her the moment that he met her. He was pondering the questions; why would she want him if when he was married he couldn’t handle his own role as head of the household. The truth be told he felt like a gold digger in that marriage. Loren was his fantasy woman. The real question is did he desire her.
After calling Robert five times she finally listen to the messages that Thomas left her. Thomas wanted her to meet him in the restaurant. So, she called him and he told her to come when the restaurant was about to close at eleven at night. She agreed. She had planned on spending the day with Robert. Loren didn’t know if he was mad or what.
Around ten o’clock he got back in his car and headed towards Steve house. He didn’t know why he just remembered his cellphone was in the car the whole day. He was only reminded when his cellphone started to beep as if someone called him. He gotten two messages on his cellphone and both was from Loren. He wanted to dial the number, but he couldn’t. He knew it was silly, but he stopped by Thomas’ restaurant. The restaurant closed earlier, but he could still see inside because the window was left open. There he saw Loren. It was as if all his fears had came true. She was meeting Thomas. He silently thought to himself was he just her back-up plan just in case Thomas and her didn’t work a second chance. He watched Loren hugged him after he watched Thomas and Loren talked for a while. He didn’t need to see Thomas pull out a ring to know that he thought about marriage.
Loren was so happy about Thomas giving her the restaurant. It was Chris idea for the restaurant to be turned into a breakfast and a lunch restaurant and carry the Chris’s restaurant name. Loren was also happy not to be working in the world of publishing. After this small business meeting that would take a week she was going to tell James that she will not be taking the company. Turning the restaurant into the breakfast and lunch restaurant give her plenty of time to date. Especially date Robert. When Thomas offered it to her all she could think of was the dream. The dream with the both of them married with two children and one on the way. Plus she didn’t want to be stuck in a job she would barely like. Before she knew it she signed the papers and hugged Thomas. After she hugged Thomas she thought she saw Robert in his car. Loren quickly called Jason and James and told them about her decision. She also said that she was sorry for calling in such a late hour.
Robert couldn’t sleep. Every time he would manage to get his eyes closes he kept seeing Thomas and Loren with the children that was supposed to be his. He could take it. He would go over her house in the morning and demand her feelings for him. He thought to himself that maybe demanding was much. He couldn’t lose anyone else that he cared for that would destroy him.
The morning came slowly for both Loren and Robert both thinking about each other in different ways. Robert wanted to win her back from the hands of Thomas. Loren was happy that after a week she could finally let her guard down enough to let Robert in. Loren heard a knock on the door about seven o’clock in the morning. He brought fruit salad.
“Good morning Robert I was just dreaming about you.”
“Really? Are you alone?”
“Why wouldn’t I be alone?
“I don’t know. Can we talk? I know I missed your call, but I accidently left my cellphone in the car.”
“Oh, good. I thought you was mad at me. Thank you for the fruit salad. You don’t have to stay out there you can come in if you want to.”
Loren went to the kitchen and Robert followed behind her. She took the fruit from his hands and started to get bowls so she could put the fruit in. Loren was trying to keep herself busy so she could tell him the good news.
“To day I am leaving around eight o’clock at night to go on a business trip. Yesterday, Thomas wanted to see me about some good news. I want to tell you after I come back in a week.”
“You are going to be gone for week that is a long time.”
“Trust me after I tell you the news that I need to tell you. You would think it would be worth the wait. I promise.”
Loren looks Robert in the eyes and then to his lips. She kissed him gently. She wanted to do that all yesterday. Then after the kiss she went at the table and started to eat
“So, the talk with Thomas was about business?”
“Robert, I really like you more than you ever know. You remember the time when I kissed you in this house when you gave that big surprise I wanted to kiss you so badly. “
“Good because I enjoyed kissing you.” Robert said with a smile getting close to her.
“I only have a couple hours let’s do something.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“I want you and me to see a movie. Any movie you pick.”
“That’s a date.”
Loren and Robert sent the day together like a normal couple. It was nice. Robert knew in his heart that Loren loved him. She didn’t say it because he already knew it.
It had been days since Robert saw Loren. He completely moved out Steve’s place. Robert would now be staying in the cabin full time. Robert was still on a love high. But there was still a little doubt in the back of his mind. His doubt only came in when he saw Thomas at the restaurant. Robert thought he saw to much of him then he would like. Even when he didn’t see Thomas the doubt was still there.
Loren couldn’t wait to go back get this whole thing over with. Jason talking none stop about the girl at the restaurant. She couldn’t wait to get home so she didn’t have hear how wonder Jason thought Kayla was. She wanted to see the person that she was crazy about. They had only one more day left. Luckily she manage to wow with going with their company. But all the same she was so happy to not have into work. Just one day to her fantasy man would be hers.
Loren and Jason couldn’t wait to get off the plane. They both basically race each other to Jason’s car. Just before leaving the gate she gets a call from Thomas telling her to met him at the restaurant so she could sign the papers to own the restaurant. Jason got stopped by the police for driving seventy-four and four-five miles in hour zone. Jason confidence the police officer not to give them a ticket in which made both of them happy. Jason dropped Loren at her place. Jason couldn’t wait to go home and change because he had a date with Kayla. Loren didn’t go to the restaurant right away. She went home and took that long bath that she wanted to take. Loren didn’t realize that her telephone was cut off because she forgot to charge her telephone.
Robert knew that Loren was supposed to be getting off the plane. Robert tried calling her telephone, but it went straight to voicemail. Robert started to doubt himself. He thought to himself maybe she doesn’t get home to day. So he decides to call Jason. Jason told him that she was headed to Thomas’s restaurant after she goes home and change. Robert decides that he was going to met her at the restaurant.
Lance had a feeling that Loren was going to be at Thomas’s restaurant. He wanted her with what he could only describe as passion. He wanted to take his lips and go up and down her body. He wanted to have sex her in so many positions that she couldn’t walk for a week. He wanted to have her before he leaves. Was this love? Lance thought to himself. He already knew the answer the question before asking the question.
Loren called James McClay and Jason to meet her over at the restaurant. Loren got there before Robert or Lance could get there. Both Lance and Robert was in the same highway stuck in traffic, but Lance’s car was way of head of Robert’s. Jason was a little upset with Loren about ruining his date with Kayla. She told him all he would have to do is to reschedule at a later time that night. Loren was so excited to start her new life. She wanted to take charge of her life. The first thing she was going to do is get out of a company she didn’t want. Maria wanted her take on something that wouldn’t fit her. She didn’t give her old
job just to now be doing something that she couldn’t or wouldn’t be able to stand. She liked the idea of owning that restaurant. In heart she knew that she would be doing the right thing. She didn’t want to change her mind. She wanted this over with.
Loren got the restaurant first and Thomas already had a contract waiting for her. She didn’t hesitate at all in signing it. About fifteen minutes later both James and Jason walk into the restaurant. Since she told James what was going on with her on the trip he drew up some papers. He had the contracts for her to sign. Jason had to be there to sign over the legal documents saying that he is to have full control of the company with the where the company is going. Loren would be a silent partner that would if she like have some input if she wanted, but mostly it was Jason. She would also be getting a check each month with some of the profits. When all the papers were sign she got a big check of the shared profits. Loren was starting to feel like her life was on track. Jason left, but James decided to asked for some food to take home to his lovely wife. James would only have see Loren once a year to make sure everything was going according to plans. Before Lance came in to restaurant James went to the bathroom and to call his wife on a payphone because his phone just died.
Lance tried to do his song dance about how they need to hook up when Robert comes in to the restaurant. Right when Robert was going to say something. Thomas comes out of his office. Lucky for him every customer left except for James who was on the payphone talking to his wife. Thomas was carrying a folder with some photos in it.
“Loren, I want to take you out for a nice dinner. Please say yes.” Lance said to Loren.
Before she could reply Thomas answer for her. “She won’t be having dinner with you tonight or any night.”
“And why is that? Do you two have plans or something?” Lance said to Thomas as if it was fighting words.
Chestnut Brown And Cinnamon Happiness Page 17