Chapter 22

Ava's Pov

The events of yesterday were rather refreshing. Damien continued to show me around his office building.

It wasn't as awkward after a while. The incident was forgotten, and it was almost as if it never occurred. Afterwards we decided to go for ice cream. I am proud to say I drove on our way to the ice cream parlor.

Maybe practicing every Sunday with Damien isn't entirely a bad idea. He was able to teach me how to turn properly and he was a good at containing his composure unlike my pervious driving instructor.

Who would lose his temper when I didn't do an instruction correctly to his liking. I heard from his other students that he suffered a stroke but thankfully he's still alive and doing well.

I was currently in my office on a Monday afternoon. It was soon to be lunchtime and Susan and I decided to go to the cafe across the street for lunch.

'Knock, knock'

'Come in' I said with my eyes still glued to my computer screen. Someone stood by the door clearing their throat in order to get my attention.

I looked up wanting to know who the person was only to see Mr. Morgan standing by the door.

'Good afternoon sir, I was looking through the emails that were sent to me this afternoon. Didn't realize it was you' I said in a slight haste.

'Is there anything I can do for you' I asked cutting him in the process.

'Sorry sir, I didn't mean to speak over you' I continued starting to feel the blood creep up my neck slowly to my face.

'It's no worry, I came here to formally apologize for what happened the other night. It was completely out of hand and you did not in the slightest bit deserve that type of insult' Mr. Morgan exclaimed genuinely looking concerned.

'Sir, I've already put it behind me. She said what she said, and it truly doesn't bother me anymore' I tried to reassure him.

He certainly did not look as if he was convinced with my answer.

'I must make it up to you, let me make it up to you' he continued.

'That wouldn't be necessary sir, you have given me a job and many more. That is truly enough for me' I spoke genuinely not seeing what more he could truly offer me.

'How about dinner? It would be in one of the best restaurants in the city. It is the least I can do for the inconvenience caused '

'It really isn't necessary; you don't have to do all this. You don't have to amend damage Miranda causes. She's responsible for her own actions, not you' I spoke honestly. I truly wanted him to believe that.

I see the way he tries to fix everything after she's destroyed it. It's as if she has something over him. Why does he see the good in her? What does he see that no one else does? I don't understand.

'You're right, I don't have to clean up her wrong doings, but I want to make this right' he declared looking at me with determination.

'I don't want any of my employees believing they are less than or they are not a valued member in this enterprise' Mr. Morgan spoke as if he was reading the company's mission statement.

'I want to start over with a clean slate, I want to do this by inviting you to dinner'

Not knowing what else to say I agreed. It's only business, nothing more nothing less. I am an employee of his and he is my boss, a boss who has a good heart.

'I will inform you on when and what time' Mr. Morgan spoke then later breaking into a small smile.

He then opened the door and made his way out.

'Bye' I whispered after him before collapsing on to my chair. That was different, I thought.

'I heard something about dinner' I heard as Susan walked through the doors of my office.

Give me a break, please.

'It's a business dinner, he just wants to officially apologize for Miranda's behavior' I explained truthfully. Hoping she would stop there.

'I understand an apology but why go for dinner' she continued to speak as if asking herself.

'I don't know, he thought it would be a great idea since I don't know the place very well and he probably figured out from the other night that I'm a food lover or something' I almost started to raise my voice in frustration, not wanting this conversation to continue. All I truly wanted right now was to fill my stomach.

'Alright, if you say so' she said this as she was texting on her phone.

Not wanting to dwell on the matter any longer I decided to leave early for lunch. Since it was only ten minutes early it shouldn't cause mayhem.

I picked my handbag from the floor where I had left it previously. I got up from my chair and turned to Susan asking.

'Are you coming'

'Huh, oh yes I am' she exclaimed as she stopped texting and proceeded to put her phone in her pocket.

Curious I asked as I walked outside of my office and stood beside my office door' 'Do you have a new man? '

'What, no I don't' she said, quickly dismissing the question.

'You know you don't have to hide. It's perfectly fine if you do. There's no rules in the workplace against it' I exclaimed trying to encourage her to confess.

'Alright, you got me' she admitted while avoiding my gaze.

'It's only new and we are still in the talking stage' she continued.

'Go on' trying to see if she would say more.

'That's about it' she replied finally looking in my direction.

'Oh, come on, there is so much more. How does he look like? What does he do for a living? Most importantly how did you two find each other?' I asked like the hopeless romantic that I am.

'We actually meet... online. I was looking for something, not fully sure what but I came across his profile and enjoyed reading about him. His lifestyle worked perfectly with mine. We matched and we immediately started talking'

'That is so cute, you have to tell me more' I pleaded with her, grabbing her arm in the process.

She pulled away slightly, saying 'that will be all for now'

'That is not fair at all' I cried like a child who her mother refused to give more sweets.

We made our way out of the building, greeting anyone we knew who came in contact with us. As we stepped outside the warm breeze kissed my skin welcoming me.

We crossed the road, making sure to avoid getting hit by one of the vehicles on the busy street.

As we opened the door, the bell rang indicating someone had come into the cafe.

The place was packed which I'm not surprised by. It was usually a busy place especially at lunch time. People from all walks of life come into the beautiful and cozy café, hungry for the delicious food that they served.

As I observed the place, I noticed some of the regulars chatting away with each other while eating. I also noticed some unfamiliar faces who were probably here because someone had recommended this place to them

'Ava, Susan, how are you' Judy one of the waitresses and our good friend greeted.

There is simply no other word to describe Judy as but amazing. She made me feel welcomed the first time I stepped foot in the cafe.

Every time I came here, she would serve my usual then make time for us to catch up. I never felt alone even when I arrive in here alone.

She truly is a ray of sunshine and everyone around her loved her. She knew exactly what the regular customers liked and how they liked it. She was also somewhat of a local therapist.

She would always ensure that you knew she was here for you and if by any chance you needed a listening ear, she would always willingly lend hers.

She was a bright girl who was working to save up money for college. She wasn't able to go to college earlier due to expenses, she had to work tirelessly in order to save money for college.

Her hard work did not go in vain because she told me the last time I was here that she was accepted to her first choice college and is starting this coming fall. Which isn't long from now.

'Your favorite table is free' she said 'the usual right?' She asked already knowing the answer.

'Yes, thank you' Susan and I said before making our way to our usual table. Which was situated by the window.

I placed my bag on the floor and made myself comfortable on the sofa, I had my back to the window but was facing the cafe.

'our food is on its way' I exclaimed excitedly while turning to my side to look at Susan only to see her on the phone again.

This guy must really be special if he's holding all of her attention. I have never seen her this glued to her phone.

Makes me want to know more about the guy, he seems great if she's this invested so quickly.

'Here is your food, I need to give Jack his food then I'll be back later for a chat' she exclaimed excitedly before leaving to serve her next customer.

'Susan, your food is here' I spoke before stuffing my mouth with eggs. Since I usually don't have time for breakfast. I usually order a brunch meal when I come here.

Susan orders a sandwich, ham and chicken sandwich to be exact.

'So, when are you going to introduce him to us' I asked in a flirty manner trying to make light of the situation.

'I really want to take it slow and besides that he's extremely introverted and doesn't enjoy meeting new people' she explained while taking one of her sandwiches and biting into it.

'Who doesn't enjoy meeting new people' Judy spoke as she made her way towards our table

'Susan's new boyfriend' I blurted out

'You have a dude? why don't I know about this sooner' Judy gasped as if she was a fish out of water. She quickly sat down on the chair facing me, not wanting to miss another word of the conversation.

'He's not my man, he's a guy I'm talking to currently. We only started talking a few weeks ago and we are seeing how things go'

'And besides I've only ever met him... eh twice yes twice' she continued frantically searching for words to say to get us to leave the matter alone.

'So, since we can't meet him yet, we can still know some things about him or is that a crime' Judy state's looking at Susan eagerly for an answer.

I really don't know why Susan is even trying hard not to disclose information about this guy. It's as if she doesn't know what Judy is capable of.

Judy will get any type of information from you. She has her ways to get you to speak and to even say more than you're supposed to.

Susan finally realizing that she is not getting away with this anytime soon she decides to speak. ' okay so' Susan started, looking around seemingly not knowing what to say.

'Okay I'll start with his appearance' Judy exclaimed ' he's 6'5'

'Nice, tall enough to climb. Yes' Judy voiced out sounding impressed.

'Chill' I said. She's being extremely thirsty right now.

'He's of Asian descent, Korean and Chinese to be exact. He works in...finance'

'Is that all' Judy frustratedly said. 'I want more tell me more' she continued refusing to hide her disappointment.

'That's all I know for now; you know I would spill everything if I knew more. Like I said before we are on talking basis, nothing too serious yet' Susan explained as she picked up her last sandwich.

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Hello beautiful people. I hope you are all doing well, I hope you areall safe and well. Make sure your mental health is well also. I wanted to postthis chapter yesterday, but my computer was being messy and I wasn't able toedit the chapter. its finally working today. Here is chapter 22, hope you allenjoy it. thank you so very much for all the wonderful support.