Chapter 14 : The Waiter

| The Waiter | "WOW! We have lots of customers, huh?" I put my apron on and didn't bother to go to my locker and just went on the counter right away. "Of course, we have a gorgeous waiter," Kara answered. "You mean, Bill?" Well, he's handsome, I must admit, but Bill was absent since last week for a particular reason—he's sick. She shook her head and said, "No, we have a newly hired waiter," she answered. "What do you mean?" I asked with curiosity. "Oh, he's there, right behind you—" My forehead wrinkled as I shift my head to where she's pointing. To my surprise, the cup I'm holding almost slip on my grip, "What are you doing here?" I asked the guy whom I'm trying to forget. He raised his left brow and put the tray he's holding at the top of the counter. "Two macchiatos for table thirteen, Miss," he said and leaned on the counter, crossed legs as he taps his fingers, arrogantly waiting for the order. Kara went near me and slightly poke me at my waist. I flinched as it tickles. "R—Right away," I replied and started to prepare macchiato. Like what is he doing here? He seems not a student who badly needed some money. His physique shows how rich he was. Not unless he has a hidden agenda. When I placed the orders on his tray, I pretend to keep myself busy. Trying to avoid throwing one glance at him. I'm trying to forget him for Pete's sake. Why on earth he is here, being in the same space as mine? "Do you know him?" Kara asked as she places napkins at the center of the counter. "He's my classmate in Literature class. He's Linus," I answered, honestly. "Oh, But why it seems like something is going on with the two of you?" I denied as much as possible. "Of course not. We're not close, and why would we?" I replied, seems not affected. Whom I'm fooling, myself? Of course, we have a problem. Our customers that day doubled compared to the past days. It seems like Linus started to build his fans club. Kara and I part ways when our shift ended. I'm about to cross when someone's grabbed my left hand from behind. "Let's talk," he said. I wiggled for him t loosen his grip, and I succeeded. "What is your problem?" I asked. I crossed my arms and throw him a death glare. Silence last a second between us, overhearing his sigh, and seeing how he scratch the back of his head. Not hearing him utter a single word, "Why are you here? And why are you working if you have all the money you can get from the job. What is your—" "I'm sorry," he said that make me held my breath for a second. What did he say? Did I hear it right? He's sorry? "You're sorry?" I laughed sarcastically. "For what?" He closes his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to control his temper, then suddenly he drags me somewhere I don't know. "Linus!" I exclaimed. "Let go of me!" "Lower your voice, lady. You'll catch everybody's attention," he said, still dragging me. "Like who on earth will hear me, when we're walking to this street where only lamppost and trees around?" He didn't answer, and this undefined feeling started to arouse. Damn you, Linus! I cursed under my breath. "You're hurting me! Let go!" He stopped and I almost trip to the ground if I didn't compose myself up. "I want to ask a favor." I laughed, sarcastically, hand in my belly, faking it all. "You gotta be kidding me," I said. He just looks at me and started to walk and drag me. It's useless if I try to escape. So I just comprise myself and let him take me. I hope it's not into a place where drug addicts reside, or those gangsters or—oh gosh, me and my imagination. "What are we doing here in The Palace," I asked, as we stop right in front of the four-story building. "You'll see," he replied but I didn't bother to ask him another question, because I know that he will just ignore it anyway. Damn! When will this heart start to thump fast like I'm in a race, trying to run for the finish? I never like the idea of being attracted to someone else. I never like the idea of me being in love with someone else. But who am I to dictate my fate? Who am I to defy it? I believe that every person has their fate being planned since the beginning. Like this confusing feeling of mine, if I'm in love or this is just an infatuation. I know love and infatuation do have one thing in common—strong feelings of affection for a member of the opposite sex, which I know complicates the matter of sorting out the differences because the signs overlap one another. Sometimes, the most passionate and blind infatuation may contain a portion of genuine love. And love may include several signs that are found in infatuation. Confused with it, therefore, one must examine all evidence with extreme caution. Although, love and infatuation share some similar signs like passion, nearness, and strange emotions. Passion may be present without genuine love. It is possible to feel passionate for a person you have not even met. "Hey!" I got back to my senses when he snapped his fingers in front of my face. "Pardon?" I asked as I didn't hear what he just has said. "And… And why are we here?" I didn't notice that we're already inside. I can't describe how luxurious the interiors of The Palace, but I know it cost a billion. He didn't reply and just dragged me through the elevator. Star-struck, I don't even know what exactly to do. He presses the fourth button and it leads us to the last floor. An enormous four suite welcomed us as we walk to the carpeted hallway. "You get a job in the café but leave in this luxurious suite?" I asked, and let out a chuckle, mocking him. "You've got to be kidding me!" I exclaimed. I tried to distract my mind but my body can't cooperate as my palms started to sweat, my heart started to pound faster. "Don't worry. I'm not gonna rape you. You're not my type," he said as if he read what's inside my mind. Is that an insult?