It is a new day, Xavier is in his car in the middle of the road, the sound of the cars echoing in the background, his expression is of total exhaustion, he is only at the wheel waiting for the traffic light to give the indication to start his vehicle.
His personality has been affected since a week ago by the past events, his irritability has increased unlike before that was less likely to bother him and show some discomfort, now in his face says everything he can feel.
-Days.....I've been looking for days for that woman.... But I don't know anything about her, damn it! I should have been more attentive on that date.
I don't even know her name -statements made by his head that doesn't stop thinking about that woman.
-How annoying ..... Why I can't stop thinking about her ..... That look - he keeps surfing in his mind searching through the memories of that day, the look of fury and firmness in that woman made him shudder like never before.
Her look.....a look of someone who is not playing.... as if she had nothing to lose, her words were said as if she had been keeping it in her heart for a thousand years...Why did that woman pass by so much? So why was she smiling so much at the beginning of the date?
-He let go of the steering wheel for a moment to rub his fingertips against his temples, a soft, painful, stinging feeling in them from so much thinking.
His thoughts are interrupted, a boy of no more than 13 years old gently taps his hand on the door of the vehicle to get the attention of the man inside, the sound of the constant soft tapping on the body of the vehicle brings the man out of his mental arguments' he turns his gaze a little seeing the boy with an expression of total boredom.
-What do you want, brat? -The man chuckles with his eyebrows slightly furrowed for being disturbed in his moment of "analytical thoughts".
-The boy smiles broadly being friendly for his expression carries a childish sparkle, offers one of the many brochures he has in his hands, which the man doesn't even bother to look at.
-They're promoting a coffee shop nearby, sir! I would like you to take one of the promotional brochures and stop by for a drink or a bite to eat, the owner would be very grateful.
-The owner would be very grateful," encouraged the boy with his squeaky, energetic tone of voice.
-I'm not interested, you can go back to where you came from," replied Xavier with a cold and lustful tone without looking at him or showing at least some attention to what the boy had to offer.
The young boy pouted at the man's dry words and curt way of responding, but sighed before walking away.
-Well, as you wish, sir, have a good day. -Whispered that boy quickly.
Xavier focuses on the traffic light waiting for the signal to show soon to ensure his way, his gaze goes to his rearview mirror with his eyes narrowed to notice something, that child the same child as before was carrying brochures in his hands and immediately recognized that face, the face of the woman posing in the promotional brochure.
-Xavier quickly looks out the window of his vehicle to rectify what he is seeing that is not true.
-H-Hey! Brat come here! -I shout in a demanding and desperate way for the boy not to leave.
The boy sees him from the sidewalk where he was located with confusion written on his face.
-Xavier sees the traffic light is seconds away from changing color so he gets out of the car and walks quickly but without losing the security that defines him.
-Let me see one of those brochures, kid.
-Demands the man stretching out his hand.
The boy sees the man's interest and smiles broadly at his change of heart.
-Sure! Here. -He hands him one of the brochures quickly.
"That's her," Xavier argues in a slight sigh looking at the picture of Rin on the promotional brochure, the boy watches as this mysterious man sees the picture and doesn't shy away from his opinion.
-Hmm? Mrs. Rin, do you know the owner of the cafeteria?
-the boy asks the man.
-Rin is her name," Xavier muses in his head.
Coffee shop? -he asks demanding an answer.
-Yes, yes, Mrs. Rin is the owner of the "Would you like something to go" cafeteria, she is a very hard-working and attentive woman.
The man does not avoid to let out a small smile, he had been looking for her for a whole week and now he knows where she is, where she works and her name.
But he is interrupted when he hears the sound of cars, his Klaxons ringing repeatedly and aggressively from the car whose owner is talking to a child.
-Damn it! -was the last thing Xavier said before running to his car and no longer disturbing the traffic.
The boy sees how the man's expression changes drastically from exhausted and cold to more active and with a look full of hope.
What a stranger! -What a friend of Mrs. Rin's? -He analyzed the situation for a few seconds, but not finding any sense, he simply withdraws to the safe handing out promotional brochures to people passing by the place.
-Xavier had already gotten into his vehicle and drives abruptly while with one of his hands he takes the brochure to find out the information on it.
Rin....Cafeteria "Would you like something to go" I'm on my way...determined woman.
-In the cafeteria, Maggie holding a broom serenely humming the song playing on the radio while cleaning the floor, customers are served by Rin who serves with speed and professionalism and then watch Maggie working.
-Do you think Daniel will be able to deliver all the brochures Maggie? I feel nervous to see him come back with everyone and not having been able to promote the coffee shop after all.... is a child. -Rin says, who seems anxious, she couldn't stop thinking that the business would collapse at any moment because of his debts.
-Maggie sees her sweating and quickly nods energetically.
-Don't overthink it so much, boss! Daniel is a pretty confident little guy and a good salesman, I know he'll be able to offer all the brochures and sell empty-handed.
-He made a gesture with his hand showing his thumb as a sign of a positive feeling.
Rin trusts Maggie's words but has some doubts, leaving a child to do the job for her didn't seem very professional.
She picks up glasses and pours water for some customers heading to the tables to deliver them, when she hears the door open she quickly turns around with a smile to welcome the customer.
-Welcome. Wishes something. .... -Rn is filled with nerves and tenses instinctively stretched his hand where he holds the glass of water throws the liquid to that person so quickly that he did not have time to react or think about what he did.
Maggie was surprised, as were most of the customers who watched the scene, puzzled by the behavior of the usually friendly woman.
-J-Boss Rin? -Maggie questions her boss's abrupt behavior in throwing water on a new customer.
Rin realizes what she has done, sees Xavier and covers her mouth trying to hide her embarrassment in front of the customers watching this scene.
-This man ..... what is he doing here? -a quick thought in his mind questions the situation.
Maggie approaches and offers Xavier a napkin as he is all soaked with water and his perfect hair is ruined.
-Excuse my boss! She doesn't usually do this sort of thing to customers normally.
The man quickly wipes himself off then moves past Maggie and stands in front of Rin.
-I...Hmmh.... -Rin looks at him with growing discomfort at the situation.
-I'm sorry about the date...I know it was my mistake. -He offers a bouquet of yellow flowers, which Rin looks at with surprise and disbelief.
Maggie is more than surprised and confused This Man .... Was that my boss's date? His face is so cold but he has a cute side, It was the only thing that came to her head watching the guy and thinking she was dreaming because of the surrealism of the whole event.
-Rin's thoughts traveled back to the day of the date, that day so awkward and awkward that she felt that this man was playing with her.
-No... -Rin decreed with a slight frown, looking at the man uncomfortably.
Xavier stared at her with surprise and yet at the same time admiring the severity with which she speaks and with which she shows her firmest possible side.
-..... Has she rejected me? -He asks himself in his head as he looks at her with those fierce eyes.
-I don't understand what he wants to play....but he shouldn't apologize there is nothing to apologize' it was just a mistake what happened, it should never have happened....asi if he just came to apologize it would be very gratifying if he can take it back already.
The determination and the severe way in which she spoke left Maggie frozen when she saw that very different facet of the calm and serene woman she has known since she has been working in the place.
The customers are just as surprised, being in that coffee shop had become a constant show.
-The man reluctant to the direct rejection he has received laughs softly and in his mind only one thing is clear (she is the one).
Rin hears the laughter and sees the man's expression with distrust and doubt because of that soft and cold laugh that makes her feel like a mockery.
-This guy....came all the way to my coffee shop....to make fun of me?
Xavier approached the counter and puts the flowers on the flat base while he sees her with an expression of pride and confidence that makes Rin feel more irritated.
-.... I'll go," reports the man, making it clear that he will leave.
But I'll be back, because you have caught my attention and that's enough.
The statements and the high self-esteem of that tall guy' makes Rin frown more and her expression is of indignation.
-Excuse me I'm not interested .... I'll just go on with my life in a quiet way I hope you will do the same.
-She smiled falsely in the hope of already seeing the guy walking through the door.
-So if you're leaving, would you like something to take? -He said dryly, looking at him with a look that only expressed his dissatisfaction.
-Yes.....To you -Was what Xavier answered with confidence and in a direct way, Rin feels how her cheeks heat up as in a matter of seconds her face is red, she frowns a lot and starts to push the man towards the door of the place to get him out.
-You arrogant wretch! You cretin! Asshole," Rin shouted while pushing Xavier out of the parking lot and looking at him with annoyance behind the glass of the glass door, he just smiled proudly and then left.
For a few seconds everything was silent, the clients decided to go back to their business, Maggie who sees her boss does not know what exactly she might be feeling: anger, embarrassment, nervousness, crush? It was hard to decipher her expression but it was clear that this man had unbalanced the mental and emotional state of her boss and friend.
-Maggie approached Rin playfully and gently nudges her.
-Boss would you like a coffee with lots of sugar? O.....maybe you prefer it very bitter and cold (referring to that man's behavior).
Rin looks at her with narrowed eyes and still frowning.
-What are you insinuating? .... Rin interjects firmly.
-Hehe, nothing boss....nothing -He leaves jumping up and down to get Rin something to drink.
Rin is very red and upset her expression is between embarrassment and annoyance, but her thoughts don't stop confusing her.
-This guy....That day he practically humiliated and ignored me.....and now.....Is he being romantic? -Her thoughts waver, not knowing how she should take control of this situation, which makes her frustrated. But she sighs calmly and then stands up straight and determined not to let those thoughts torment her day.
I'd better get back to work, there's too much to do to be thinking about things like that.
She heads to the coffee pots to brew more coffee while mentally praying that she will never see that guy again.