Chapter 37: Chapter 36

LILLIAN

She should’ve seen it coming. He’d been trying to rope her into working for him for the past week, using every trick in the book. Even their passionate encounters, which were becoming more frequent, didn’t seem to deter him.

She might have considered his offer if he weren’t so persistent, but as it stood, she wasn’t interested. However, she was glad he’d taken her advice and rented out the unused floors of his building.

A dozen potential tenants had already expressed interest, and he seemed hopeful about his financial future. He thanked her for her guidance, saying it was exactly the kind of help he needed.

She turned him down as firmly as she could, reminding him at every opportunity that she enjoyed her current job. So, she should’ve expected him to show up at her workplace just to pester her, even though he disliked tea as much as she did.

She had, however, started to develop a taste for certain varieties, finding them not entirely unpleasant. The enticing aroma of the brews and a spoonful of honey certainly helped.

When she spotted him sitting there, pretending to be engrossed in the menu, she couldn’t help but laugh.

“Is something wrong, Lillian?” Hikaru asked, looking puzzled.

“No, everything’s fine.”

“You seem to be staring at the customer at table six rather oddly.”

“I am, aren’t I?” she sighed.

Hikaru furrowed his brow. “Listen, Hikaru. Don’t be surprised by anything I say to this particular customer.”

“It’s someone you know?”

“Unfortunately.”

“Just keep it civil. If necessary, we can always kick him out. I’d rather not, but it’s an option.”

“That won’t be necessary. But I might get a bit snippy if he provokes me.” She winked at Hikaru, who stifled a chuckle.

She grabbed her notepad and headed toward table six, grateful that the café wasn’t too busy yet.

“Hello, sir. What can I get you?” she asked, maintaining her professionalism.

“A cup of hot cocoa,” he replied with a smirk, pretending to read her name tag. “Lillian.”

“As you can see from the sign outside and our menu, we only serve tea here, sir,” she informed him.

“Just tea?” he scoffed. “How dull.”

“We also have cookies and cake, if you’re interested. You might want to take another look at our menu.”

“I did, but I’m not much for sweets, I’m afraid. Are you sure you can’t make an exception and serve me a cup of hot cocoa?”

“No, sir. We only serve what’s on the menu. But if you don’t like tea and aren’t a fan of sweets, I’m afraid you might be in the wrong place.”

“You think so?”

“It certainly seems that way,” she replied with a smile.

“Well, this tea shop came highly recommended by someone I’m quite fond of.”

“Even so, sir. If you don’t like tea, you’re in the wrong place,” she reiterated.

“All right then. What tea would you recommend for someone who isn’t a fan of tea?”

“I don’t think someone who doesn’t like tea would enjoy any of our brews,” she lied effortlessly, not even blushing. She would never say this to a regular customer, but this man was not a regular customer. He was a pain in the ass.

“I see.” He nodded. “Then I’ll have your favorite, Lillian. I assume since you work here, you must enjoy tea and can recommend a good flavor.” He was definitely a pain in the ass.

“The Green Dragon, then, if you’re so determined to give tea a try.” She offered him a forced smile.

“The Green Dragon it is,” he agreed.

She jotted it down, simply because it was part of her job. “Anything else, sir?”

“Two slices of your favorite cake.”

“Are you sure, sir?”

“Yes, I am. And bring two cups.”

“Are you expecting someone?”

“Indeed, I am.”

“Do you think it’s wise to order for your companion without them being here?”

“Oh, I ordered her favorites.” He shrugged.

“As you wish, sir.”

She turned and walked away, rolling her eyes at Hikaru before stepping into the kitchen to prepare the order. She was ready for his invitation to join him, and she shot it down without hesitation.

“I’m working, sir. You should respect that.”

“Lillian, this isn’t the right kind of…”

“It’s the right kind of job for me,” she interrupted him. “I get paid for it, and my boss is right over there.” She gestured toward the counter, and he followed her pointing finger.

“He seems like a decent guy, but this isn’t what you’re meant for.”

“I’m not sure what I’m meant for right now, but this tea was meant for you. So, you better drink it before it cools,” she said, her tone icy, before she walked away to attend to another customer.

***

“That guy upset you,” Hikaru noted.

“I don’t know what gave you that idea,” she retorted.

“You’ve washed that teapot three times already. If you keep scrubbing it like that, you’ll wear off the design.”

She glanced at the teapot in her hands and sighed. Hikaru was right, as usual. She rinsed it off and set it aside to recover from the abuse.

Then, she dried her hands and turned to look at the kind face of the man next to her. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Teapots are replaceable. I’m more concerned about you. You were happy before that good-looking guy walked in.”

“And now I’m not happy, is that what you’re saying?”

“You’re less happy—which is strange.”

“Strange?”

“Yes. You two seem like a good match.”

“Not when he’s getting on my nerves,” she grumbled.

“I don’t think he means to upset you. He’s quite fond of you.”

“He says so, but how can you be sure?”

“He came in here even though he doesn’t like tea. He drank the whole pot, trying to hide the fact that he was grimacing with every sip.”

“He did that?”

“He did. I don’t have much else to do these days except watch the people who come in here.”

“Is that what Keiko used to do?”

“Oh, Keiko didn’t need to spend much time observing. She just knew. You women always know.”

“Not all of us.”

“Maybe. But that man came here for you.”

“He came to persuade me to quit my job here.”

“That’s not necessarily a bad thing, is it? This job is just temporary for you, right?”

“That’s what I thought, and that’s what he said. But I’m not so sure anymore, Hikaru. I like it here, and I don’t really want to leave.”

“You shouldn’t hide from the world, you know.”

“I’m not hiding.”

“You’re using this tea shop like some people use temples and churches.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Sometimes, people need a break from their problems and reality. Some people find peace in places like temples and churches, or even monasteries. Just a few days away from the world and their troubles.

“But once they experience the tranquility these sanctuaries offer, they’re hesitant to return to their lives.”

She looked at him, her brow furrowed.

“This isn’t a monastery or a temple.”

“It’s a place where you can find peace and quiet.”

“Yes, but I don’t see how that’s a bad thing.”

“You’re putting your life on hold. I don’t mind having you here. In fact, you’re the best waitress I’ve ever had, and since you’re intelligent, I can actually have a conversation with you.

“But if that man told you that you deserve more than this, he’s probably right.”

“Or he just wants me to give in and do all his dirty work for him.”

“It could be that, or it could be that he trusts you more than he trusts himself with his new venture.”

“How do you know about…”

“The travel agency?” Hikaru smiled. “One of the employees there is a friend, and he told me about it.

“And one day when I was passing by, I saw that man. I never forget faces, you see.”

“Oh… You’re full of surprises,” she laughed.

“On the contrary. I’m just a boring old man.”

“I don’t find you boring, and I’m sure Keiko didn’t find you boring while she was alive.”

“She never said so, but I know who I am. Now, let’s call it a day, because I think your boyfriend is waiting for you.”

“How…”

“It’s obvious,” he gently interrupted her. “And I already said you two are a good match.”

“He’s not the type to settle down, and neither am I.”

“Well, there are people who won’t settle down no matter what. And there are people who won’t settle down until they find someone worth settling down for.

“I’m sure you know which category you both fall into.”

Lillian didn’t respond.

“Now, go to him,” Hikaru urged again.