(The day after the last events)
Rin is in her coffee shop not doing much more than serving some casual customers, but without much encouragement today is the last day for her ..... for her coffee, the store will probably close.
Maggie knows her boss is in bad shape and needs support, so she hands her a cup of coffee.
-Why don't you sit down, boss? If today is going to be the last day of work at the café, you shouldn't bother attending so much.
Maggie speaks worriedly, knowing that her boss won't say anything to her, takes her by the hand and drags her to the chair to sit down.
Rin sees her and smiles weakly.
I know Maggie but I really wanted this place, it's something that cost me too much to just lose, it's pretty much the only thing keeping me busy with something and my future.
Now I'll be left with nothing and I'll have to find some way to pay for my personal things and day to day food.
Rin rubbed her temples gently thinking it gave her stress no matter how she looked at it there was no way out.
Maggie knows she can't offer much more than comfort so she puts a hand on her shoulder and gently caresses her.
Don't worry, everything will be fine, the future may be surprising and maybe .... Maybe today Philips and Ghonter won't come.
Rin rolls her eyes and sips from her coffee cup, looking through the large windows to the street.
I doubt it, they always come... What makes you think they won't come?
-I don't know, maybe the voodoo magic I did at home yesterday so we won't see their faces today.
Rin laughs softly at her employee's answer, her jokes were something that even in the worst moments made her relax a little and forget about all the stress she was carrying around.
-Oh my... I'm going to miss seeing you lounging around all day.
Rin said between soft laughs looking at her employee who was embarrassed.
-What? Did you notice .....?
Asked Maggie with embarrassment and covering her mouth with her hand, Rin nods and looks at her with a smile.
-Sure, you think I wouldn't notice how lazy you are, I never said anything because I like to see how you solve things with your.... Occurrences.
-It's not my fault that sometimes dealing with some customers is a pain in the ass. -Maggie pouts and looks embarrassed.
-Yes, I know. .... But that's the thing about a job like this, meeting people and giving them something as simple as a cup of tea but knowing it can turn their day around and give them energy. .... We never know when someone might be tired or stressed.
And customers who are idiots.....
For a moment she was silent thinking about Xavier, the man who had been so rude at first and yesterday had been so much nicer.
Sometimes they learn.....
She stopped talking when she heard the store doors being pushed, she knew who they were, she knew what they were coming for and she was ready to deal with it.
But at the same time she felt she didn't want to hear anything and continue working as usual.
Ms. Rin how nice to see you again.... I hope everything is ready and that you have the money. -Confessed Philips with a cocky smile on his face as he approached with his chubby companion looking for something to eat.
-Good morning gentlemen.... Well I guess I can no longer deny the undeniable.
Rin's words perplexed Philips for him it was to be expected that he didn't have the money, but seeing her accept it without begging or pleading any longer made him feel ungraceful.
Ghonter tried to grab some candy, but Maggie slapped his hand to stop him from taking any, scowling at him as if scolding a child.
-What? .... without further ado. .... -Philips looks at her as if he expects her to beg.
-Yes... Enough is enough I'm not going to keep lying to myself or you, no matter how much time you give me every time I get some money and pay it off the debt increases by the time it takes me to pay it off.... So it's no use for me to keep fighting for something I can't fulfill.
Rin pleaded, sure that she was telling the truth and could not hide the sad reality of the situation she was in.
-Y... Aren't you going to beg me? Beg? Or cry to give you more time?
The words were blurted out by Philips as if he was goading her to kneel down and beg for more time as if she were a beggar.
A vein of fury formed on Rin's forehead, but she kept a feigned smile.
-No... You've trampled on my pride enough if you need to close up shop do it, But I don't intend to hide the contempt I have for you and your companion any longer.... You are very annoying and have made my life very difficult for as long as I can remember.
Rin blurted out her venomous words without any modesty, only resentment towards the two characters.
Philips was smiling but inside he was very upset, he really wanted to see her humiliated and sorry for what she said.
His partner Ghonter looks at the woman with annoyance.
In that tense moment full of annoyance and anger among everyone, Xavier entered the place and approached seeing Rin and the two men and suddenly knelt down in front of them.
-Please, could you give Rin more time? We promise he will pay all the money he owes?
Surprised looks were evident on everyone's faces especially Rin who doesn't understand why this Man is doing this.
-What are you doing! Get up! -Rin shouted ashamed to see someone humiliating himself for her.
-How romantic! The boss's hero is here," Maggie whispered to herself delighted by the man's intervention, she thought she hadn't been heard but her boss's scowl made it clear he had.
Philips laughs and looks at the kneeling man with derision.
-And who is this, a new employee? And how does he intend to keep his word?
Lennox stood up and looked at Philips seriously and firmly.
-If you give us one more month we will give you all the money, including a special bonus for the delay.
Ghonter looked at the stranger in surprise to hear him speak so confidently.
-What? You're crazy! -But Xavier just waited for the man's answer.
-Are you sure? That would be ..... a lot of money. I think the best thing would be for Rin to close this little coffee shop.
-Please! - ..... - Xavier asked with a slight cry wanting it to sound like a plea.
Philips observes Xavier even though he seemed to be pleading he was doing it in such a direct and firm way that it seemed like he was giving them an order.
-So, how about something up front to secure this little business? My partner and I must be sure that it is not a lie.
Ghonter commented mockingly, earning a nod from pihlips.
-.... If my words are false, I will pay every penny of that debt myself if I fail to deliver what I promise, and double it if necessary. ....
Rin is too shocked and can't say anything, those two loan sharks look at each other with mocking laughter.
-All right, good luck with that, Mrs. Rin .... -says Ghonter before leaving with his companion by the same Path they entered by.
Xavier turns to look at Rin's face which looks tense and more stressed.
-I'm sorry, I know it may have put an extra burden on you, but it's just that I....
He doesn't finish speaking as he is slapped by Rin who looks at him with mixed feelings on her face.
Maggie covers her mouth in surprise at this, she was thankful there were no people in the place at the time to see all this.
-What the hell is wrong with you? When I finally decide to show my face and let them close the place.... You come and ..... humiliate yourself for me? Why, are you out of your mind?
Xavier doesn't flinch and doesn't complain about the blow because he understands her discomfort... He then offers her a sheet of paper which she takes without understanding
-Hmm? And what is this? -Rin shouted without even looking at the paper.
-My resume... I know I'm practically forcing this on you so I want to work for you and help you now that I'm guilty of this?"
He said with a smile hoping she would accept.
-I don't know much about coffee.... Or cooking but I'm the head of a company and I know business administration and accounting learning something from scratch won't be new to me.
Rin remained silent looking at the resume of that impeccable guy full of merits and impressive titles.
-You start today, for forcing this. .... And for causing this commotion when I had decided to let them close the place.
Xavier quickly grooms himself and smiles wanting to go start from that very moment. But some words whispered by Rin stop him.
-Thanks ... You didn't have to do that ...
She said very embarrassed and feeling guilty for being hard on him after he possibly just wanted to help her....