A Stupid Good Deed

"Oh, that cake?"

The nervous shop manager said with her eyes on the man behind Natalie as if she was waiting for his approval. It was clear now that he was not only a regular customer here but also one who favored the strange-tasting chestnut cake.

Natalie's mind raced, already planning to fill social media with criticism targeting this coffee shop if she was robbed of her fair choice. "…Is there a problem, lady?" She asked with a sharper tone now.

"It's okay, Helena. The young woman came here first so she has the right to have her pick."

Natalie eyed him suspiciously. Was this some reverse psychology to get her to let go of her cake? Because it was never going to work on her!

The shop manager gave Natalie a sheepish look, "Ma'am, can I interest you in any other cake? Or would you like a discount on our coffee?"

What the hell is wrong with the people in this town? Natalie raised an eyebrow, "Are you refusing to sell me the cake that I want?"

The woman waved a nervous hand at her, "It's not like that at all! That cake was already booked and I will have to scold the chef for putting it here on display."

Even if that was true, it was not Natalie's problem. "I still want the cake."

The shop manager sighed heavily.

"I will sell it to you, Ma'am, but please know that I will be firing my chef for this unforgivable mistake."

What a low blow! It was so disheartening that a frowning Natalie was rendered speechless, her frown deepened when thumping sounds came from next to her accompanied by waves of that delightful perfume.

When she looked up at the source of the thumps, Mr. Moneybags was repeatedly checking his coat and pants pockets in frustration.

"Forget it, Helena. I left my wallet at home so I can't pay for the cake anyway. The young woman here should have it."

He was clearly lying, but was he trying to degrade her by presuming she deserved charity, or was he genuinely a decent human being who recognized that the cake was rightfully hers?

How old is he anyway?

His salt-and-pepper hair seemed like a result of genetics rather than age and it suited him. His look was peculiarly enhanced by two big dreamy eyes that drooped at the sides.

All of Natalie's positive thoughts about him evaporated when he looked down at her and gave her a wink.

… Am I the price of a chestnut cake for a man like you?

"I changed my mind," she blurted out in a fit of pure, ridiculous pride before taking out her only $100 bill and shoving it on the counter, "The gentleman here can have the cake."

Fuming with anger, Natalie turned on her heels and stormed towards the back door feeling like she might burst a vein.

"Thank you!" Mr. Moneybags cheered from behind her when she reached the exit and opened the door.

Shooting one last look at the enemy who won the cake war, she saw him smiling and waving at her.

Is he an alien or something?

Natalie was hit with the cold breeze outside the shop as the door closed on the narcissist's face and her useless protected pride. Not only did she lose her chestnut cake, but she also lost her last $100 bill for the month.

As she rubbed her face to bring warmth to her cheeks, she decided that it didn't matter. What's done is done. This kind of good deed, though stupid, would surely bring her some luck. Right?

When her phone rang from inside her bag at such a strange hour, she hoped that luck had already found its way to her.