Mr. Delicious

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Mr. Delicious Page 5

by Gray, Khardine

Stella had offered to swing by at six to see how I was doing.

  When six came she appeared. I came out from the break room and she was waiting like the dutiful friend she was in our usual spot.

  I sat down and let out a breath of exasperation. Good thing I rested all those days. It was in prep for today.

  Stella smiled at me and set her pen down inside her notebook.

  “So, did you speak to him today?”

  She’d been pestering me since last week for all the juice on Mr Delicious.

  “No. It got so busy that we couldn’t talk.”

  “You have his number why didn’t you take a break and call him?”

  “I didn’t think I could do that. What if I disturbed him at work? Plus, and this is so embarrassing… I don’t know his name.”

  Her eyes turned to saucers and she started laughing.

  “Did you call him Mr. Delicious?” she cooed with mischief.

  “Just on my phone.”

  She laughed, and her pretty honey blonde curls bounced.

  “Well Miss Wren, I do declare it would appear that our Mr. Delicious seems to like you.”

  Blood rushed to my cheeks at the thought. “No. Pretty certain he was just being nice. I was a mess last week and he was just being nice.”

  “You said nice twice.”

  “Stella he was just being nice.”

  “Nice is opening the door, giving you the taxi he was waiting on. Heck, nice is giving a compliment. That man worked in here like the place was his.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. Trust me. So, Lord willing and the creek don’t rise I reckon it’s safe to say he’s a keeper if you can get him.”

  Last week I didn’t have the strength to laugh at her sayings. Today was different. I doubled over, holding my stomach, laughter coming up from deep within.

  “You’re laughing.” She straightened her candy striped blouse.

  “Because you make it sound like I have a chance.”

  “Wren, don’t you make me madder than a stuck hog in a sty.”

  “It’s a nice thought to entertain. If only for five minutes.” I shook my head and my laugher rescinded. “I think I’ll hear about the loan this week.”

  “The loan you shouldn’t get?”

  “I don’t know what else to do.”

  “Well, best place to start is with what’s in front of you. The place looks busy.” Stella gave me a warm, hopeful smile.

  I leaned forward and rested my elbows on the table. “With it so busy, I shouldn’t have to worry so much about money.”

  “No, but I know you know there are a number of things you can do to work on that.” Stella raised her eyebrows knowingly.

  I nodded, knowing what she was going to say.

  Stella had told me months ago I was hemorrhaging money, especially on my staff, and my prices.

  She picked up one of the menus from the holder on the table. “Coconut and Columbian Hot Cocoa: $1.99. And I know you get the good stuff. Also, I can’t see Pricilla or Jami again.”

  I sighed. “I know. This is all my fault. Everything. All of it.”

  “Sweetie, we’re in the middle of Chicago. The station is five minutes away from us—where all sorts of business people pass through, and we know they come here. You could have charged whatever you wanted from day one.”

  Considering I was the one with the business degree, I hadn’t used any of my knowledge to my advantage. Stella was right again.

  “I know. I’m going to look at all my prices tomorrow and then I’m going to fire Jami and Priscilla and caution Selene.” I pulled in a breath. Selene was good but could take advantage too sometimes. The most reliable members of staff I had were Albert and Denise, my chefs. I worked really hard today. I figured if Selene and I could manage it, they could take care of the place on their own. I would have to ask them to work for slightly longer hours to cover the busy periods.

  “I could help out at night after work. Maybe not every night, but I’m here if you need me.” Stella smiled.

  “Oh my gosh. Thank you.” I smiled back. Thank God for Stella.

  “You’re welcome.” Her eyes twinkled.

  Her help would be much appreciated. With two staff missing, I could maybe wing it for a month or two.

  I’d have to speak to the work experience guys and see how long they could work for me.

  It wouldn’t be sustainable. Eventually I’d have to hire replacements.

  People would notice if things weren’t going well and get pissed off when they had to wait longer than necessary to be served. I didn’t want that to happen.

  The other thing was there was a chance I’d have to miss this month’s and next month’s loan payments on the loans I’d taken out for Billy. He was supposed to give me some money for that and the house this weekend, but obviously I wouldn’t be getting that.

  “I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you for being there for me always.” That was actually a statement of truth.

  “Friends forever, and as your eternal friend I’m going to insist we push this mess under the rug and just deal with whatever happens next in a sensible way. At least you seem… okay-ish.” Stella wiggled her fingers and flicked her wrists.

  I smiled. “I guess.”

  “Good. Maybe it’s the fact you’re single again and free of that demon.”

  “Yes.” I couldn’t deny it. There was definitely a massive element to being free of Billy that made me feel at ease. “I hate wasting time. I wish now I’d kicked him to the curb sooner. I’d be in the same position I’m in now but without the added baggage of him and all the embarrassment.”

  “You’re too nice. And you need to stop going for assholes who want to take advantage of women.” Stella nodded vigorously and tucked away a wayward strand of her hair.

  “I know, I know.”

  “Hey, help me with my article. I need a fresh mind because I’m beat. Shelly wants something different to bring in the spring.”

  Shelly was the editor-in-chief at the magazine. She tended to come out with these requests sometimes.

  “What does she mean?”

  “She said ‘less dirty and more normal.’” Stella made a face and pouted.

  I started laughing. I knew what Shelly meant.

  Stella did have a tendency to do articles where she’d recommend dirty and filthy things that would shock some people who wanted to spice up their love lives.

  One time, she told one reader to buy a sex toy for her boyfriend of six years who wanted present ideas for their anniversary. Another time, she told a reader who was bored in her relationship to go to a swinger’s party.

  I honestly didn’t know where Stella got these ideas from, and she’d gotten away with advising people to do things like that for years.

  “Well, can you come up with something that’s less dirty and more normal?”

  Us talking like this was helping a lot. Again, it was distracting. And the smooth jazz Selene just put on the sound system was relaxing. It was approaching the time of evening where people were here to relax and chill with their friends and family over a light meal.

  “No, I’m not wired that way. So, help me.” Stella looked serious. “Give me your perfect idea for a romantic getaway.”

  “Aren’t getaways the kind of thing couples do? I’m not exactly the best person to talk to about that right now.” I was the worst example.

  “Come on Wren.” She pouted.

  “Okay, what about a spontaneous getaway, completely unplanned? A kind of let’s just go kind of thing.” I thought of the time of year. It was March. Spring. “A Spring Fling.” I bubbled, laughing.

  “Yes, I love it!” Stella gushed, her eyes beamed at me with delight.

  “Good. Just go with that.”

  “No, silly, now I need ideas for content. I can’t think of anything that doesn’t involve dirt.” A wicked grin flickered across her face. “I need the normalness of your mind. Just forget about that idiot and think of t
he perfect guy.”

  Oh wow, I wished Stella hadn’t said that because right now the perfect guy couldn’t have been anyone besides Mr. Delicious. I couldn’t stop myself from blushing.

  “Okay, what do you want me to say?”

  “Tell me what you’d classify as perfect and the perfect location for a spring fling.”

  “Paris.” No brainer for me. Had to be Paris. I’d always wanted to go. Stella picked up her pen and wrote that down. “He’d pick me up, and we’d just go. Screw the bills and responsibilities. Then we’d go everywhere there. Dinner on top of the Eiffel Tower, overlooking the city below and the beautiful scenery. Lunch in one of those cafés by the Louvre. We’d look at the Mona Lisa and all the other paintings and we’d go to the Champs-Élysées.” Stella’s hands flew across the page excitedly as I continued. “And he’d give me a single red rose every day to make me feel good. At night, we’d dine out at the finest restaurants, the ones where you have a private booth and a violinist that plays for just you. And if we stayed in, it would be because we couldn’t get enough of each other.” I giggled. Sometimes I could be so silly.

  I was sure that was a scene from a thousand romantic films rolled into one. The truth, I knew, sucked for me, because there wasn’t anyone like that for me. No one who would take care of me like that.

  “I have to go,” Stella announced to my surprise.

  “What? But we just …” my voice trailed off as Stella stood up and grabbed her bag.

  “That was seriously good. You are amazing and the savior of writer’s blocks. I have to write that article now. It won’t be the same tomorrow.” Stella beamed with excitement. “You know how my creativity works.”

  She rushed around and gave me a quick hug and was off before another word could be said. I sat back against the chair, feeling a little meh. I was actually hoping to talk through some more things and run some ideas past her, but it was fine. I understood.

  I shuffled to go back to the break room, but before I could move I felt eyes on me, and there was a shift in the atmosphere.

  That presence.

  I knew who the eyes belonged to even before I turned to face him. But, even though I knew I’d be looking at Mr. Delicious, I still blushed.

  He was sitting in the booth across from me, watching. Watching me as if he’d been watching for a while and analyzing me. He sat back against the leather of the booth, looking sinfully delicious indeed, dressed casually in a gray, long-sleeved T-shirt and jeans.

  He’d never been here at this time, and I couldn’t remember ever seeing him wear anything other than a dress shirt or suit. Of course, to simply say he looked good was a massive understatement. My heart lifted when I saw him, and my body moved before I could even conjure up what I was going to say.

  “Hi,” I said pleasantly. I stopped in front of him.

  “Hey,” he replied.

  I was certain there was a spark of something that flickered in the depths of his silver eyes.

  He held up his hands and pointed to his T-shirt.

  “Would this pass on Fashion Police?”

  Even if he wore a paper bag he’d pass.

  “Absolutely.” I nodded.

  “Great.”

  “Mind if I join you?” I motioned to the empty seat in front of him.

  “The seat’s yours.” The truly sexy smile that danced on his lips excited me.

  I slid into the seat and adjusted myself so that I was facing him directly. “I didn’t get to speak to you this morning, or give you your Thank You cookies.”

  “I don’t mind the wait.” His direct gaze made my nerves scatter.

  “I promise to give it to you tomorrow. Along with a batch from a new recipe I made up while I was away.”

  “Wow, thanks. What’s the new recipe?” Interest flickered in his eyes.

  “Chili chocolate. It’s Mayan inspired. You look like a hot guy.” Oh Lord. I just realized what I said. “I mean you look like a guy who can handle heat. Peppers. You can try them.”

  Stop talking Wren. Just stop.

  This was what happened when you lived a sheltered life for God knew how long.

  Now it was his turn to laugh. “I got what you meant, but it wouldn’t be too terrible a thing if you thought I was hot too.”

  “Oh… um yeah, but everyone thinks that, and I’m sure you must know that, too.”

  He just looked at me. Amused.

  At least it was amused and not like he thought I was an idiot.

  “You’re not normally here at this time.” I thought a change of subject was required. Considering the nest of butterflies that were flittering in my stomach, I was surprisingly able to act like I was calm.

  “I had an errand to run, and I heard the food’s good at this time.” The remains of Denise’s special chili nachos lay on the plate before him.

  “Cool. Glad you enjoy it,” I smiled.

  “I do. Keeps me coming back.”

  He was here practically every day, so I guessed the food must have been great. He leaned forward, settled his elbows on the table and templed his fingers together in a cool, calm manner. I liked that about him; it showed that he was a man who was sure of himself.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “I’m fine. Peachy.” Truthfully? I wasn’t, but I was doing my best.

  Mr. Delicious must have guessed that. “Are you over that asshole?” His eyes fixed on me in a way that showed more curiosity than he did last week.

  “Ours was a relationship of a different kind. I was over him a while ago.”

  That seemed to interest him. “Good.”

  “Yeah, it is.”

  A still silence filled the space between us, and my breath stilled too as he watched me, looking at me as if he wanted to see inside my soul. It was the most unusual feeling, and it made me nervous, almost like I wanted to hide myself, to hide that I was going through so much. To hide that I desperately needed a break, and sadly, that I was lonely.

  Having the kind of relationship I had with Billy was completely unhealthy, and could have driven anyone mad. It was the kind I could see a couple having and staying together for the sake of their kids, or because it was financially viable. It meant as soon as there was an end date, the relationship would expire.

  I never wanted that for myself.

  “How would you feel about going out with me tomorrow?” he asked.

  I blinked several times wondering if I’d heard him right.

  “I’m sorry, what did you say?” I couldn’t have heard him right at all.

  “Will you go out with me tomorrow?”

  Now all I could do was stare. “You want to go out with me?” I pointed to myself and felt stupid after. It was because I felt a hot mess and therefore assumed everyone thought I looked it.

  “Yes.” He laughed a deep, masculine laugh that filled me and pulled at my insides. “Why’s that so hard to believe?”

  “Because…” I couldn’t avoid those eyes now. “Until last week, we’d never spoken, and you’ve been coming here for as long as the place has been open.”

  Two and a half years.

  It was a valid point.

  He straightened, his eyes never leaving me. That confident manner he exuded rippled off him in waves.

  “Well, until last week, you weren’t available. I don’t tend to interact with women I can’t have.” His sensual lips slid into a slow, easy smile that did sinful things to my body.

  Had I ever met anyone quite like him, so blunt and straight to the point? No.

  The fact I had to think about it was answer enough.

  He ran his gaze over me. From my face to the edge of my waist that was visible above the table. Then, his gaze settled on my breasts and slowly made its way back up to meet my eyes. By now, my whole body was blushing with heat.

  “So, Wren, will you go out with me?”

  There was no question as to what my answer would be.

  “Yes,” I replied, much to his satisfaction. I could
n’t wait to tell Stella.

  “Great. How does twelve sound?”

  I smiled. “A lunch date?”

  Maybe he was one of those men who liked to try something shorter first before they took the plunge to go to dinner. Or, maybe that was all the time he had.

  “Not exactly, just because we’re meeting at lunch doesn’t mean we’ll be having lunch.” His smile widened.

  “Okay.” That did sound a little weird, and I would have to get some kind of cover. Maybe I could ask Denise to chip in and help Selene. If it was just going to be lunch, then I’d most likely be gone for an hour or two. I could then rush back to help Selene cover the afternoon shift.

  “So, twelve?” He looked at me expectantly.

  “Yes, twelve is good.” Honestly, it would have been good whatever time he said. I would have found a way.

  “Cool. I’ll pick you up from here.” He rose in one fluid motion to leave.

  “Wait.” I stopped him as he was about to move away. He shifted around and now I could see how amazing his long, athletic legs looked in those jeans and the way his t-shirt hugged the rigid muscles on his abs. Wow. I couldn’t believe I just agreed to go out with him. “I don’t know your name.”

  “I like the name you gave me.” Those eyes sparkled with mischief as he looked back at me and he shifted his weight from one leg to the other.

  I inclined my head to the side and lowered my brows a fraction, wondering what he meant. “What name did I give you?”

  “Mr. Delicious?”

  Oh. God, I had to remember to control my mouth. This was especially embarrassing.

  “I’m sorry. I –” what the hell could I say?

  He laughed and took a moment to think. “Call me AJ.”

  “AJ. Is that short for something?”

  “It is, I promise I’ll tell you soon. But not today.” It was the way he said that, with mystery and sass, that made my insides tingle. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Wren.” Another wink, and then he was gone.

  I watched him leave and stared at the door long after he was gone.

  I couldn’t believe he had asked me out. And, what could be better than going out with a super-hot guy you were attracted to?

  What a day. I was going to have to call Stella and tell her. I looked back at the window and caught a glimpse of my reflection in the glass. Forget calling Stella; I had to sort out my hair. There was no way I was going on a date with… AJ—I had a name now— looking like this.

 

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