Page 6 of A Pretty Fixation

“That sounds good,” he says.

Our eyes finally meet, and the warmth from thecafé reappears, washing my skin in small soothing doses.

I clear my throat to speak. “It is. I’ve had it atleast once a week since I started working here.”

“Nice.” His dimples become more noticeable withhis tummy-fluttering grin. “I’ll give it a shot then.”

“I’ll put those in for you,” I rush out.

Dante resumes their conversation the second Iturn.

I punch in their orders and chance a look over myshoulder despite pushing myself not to.

Even though he’s talking to his friend, Calebconstantly flicks his gaze across the room to me.

He’s so sure I’m the girl from his past. I’m toofrightened to remember. The nickname he mentioned doesn’t feel like mine.Though, it does rub me in a bizarre way.

I pivot and quicken into the kitchen. Needing amoment to calm down, I lean against the counter.

“Know him?” Yuri questions, setting down a tray ofempty wine glasses. She perches beside me and wipes her hands in her apron.

I crumple my brows. “Know who?”

“Come on.” She purses her crimson lips. “The guyswho just came in. Blonde hair has your attention, and you seem to have his.”

I lower my head and massage the nape of my neck.“I ran into him on campus this morning.”And he says we were close yearsago.

“Ah. It seems fate is at work.”

The implication in her sultry voice causes me tolook up fast. “It has nothing to do with fate. He found out that I worked hereand decided to stop by.”

She snorts. “He’s chasing you.”

“I’m not who he thinks I am,” I say more so tomyself.

Yuri slants her head, jet-black ponytail danglingfrom her shoulder. “Well, the way he stares at you, I’m sure he isn’t going toback down.”

I roll my eyes. “He better.”

She playfully bumps my arm with hers. “Let’s getback to work. Don’t want to raise Bennett’s blood pressure.”

“I heard that.” Bennett enters the kitchen fromhis office. He throws his hands up, belly protruding in his shirt. “You twoforgot we have customers? I’m not paying you to hang out.”

“Yeah, you are,” Yuri quips, shaking the old man’sshoulder before treading past him.

Bennett utters an exasperated sigh and places hishands on his hips. “She’s something else.”

He nods to the main area before veering in thatdirection to greet diners.

I carry out an order and collect Caleb’s mealalong with his friend’s once the dishes are ready.

Bennett is wrapping up a chit-chat with them. Hementions soccer and that he used to play when he attended Delham College.

“Enjoy your meal, guys. Good luck with yourupcoming match.”

“Thank you,” they reply in sync.

My boss walks away, returning to his office, mostlikely.

---