Meeting again (5)

Sophie widened her eyes in disbelief. Why would this guy be here? Did he hear everything she just said? Oh my! She totally screwed up. Less than half a day span, she kept losing her face in front of this coworker. Why and why? That was so unlike her. Having these inner thoughts made Sophie laughing at herself. On top of that it sounded funny and like a pig's snorts.

Seeing Sophie turned crazy again, Ava took a mental note of that guy who managed to exceptionally make Sophie looked foolish. Sophie used to date weirdos, man on parole, drug-addict former soldier and even a gang's leader. But this guy who looked younger than both of them, didn't fit in Sophie's type of boyfriends. Maybe working together with this guy this one whole month had changed her preferance. An innocent guy unknowingly swept off all the bad boys Sophie had dated before.

Mostly people who ate lunch here were her regular customers but this was the first time Ava had seen this young and innocent guy so he must have followed her from their workplace. She took the cue and excused herself. As she passed by him, she politely asked Neil, "Drink?"

"Uh uh mild arabica..." stuttered Neil. Ava simply nodded at his order and went to the counter to place the order.

Soon, the refreshing aroma of arabica beans from the brewing machine livened up the cafe. It smelled nice and calming especially during the rainy days or even bad days. Some coffee addicts sought comfort from the flavourful and bitterness of caffeine which would awaken their senses. They became more clear-headed and tiredness gradually disappeared in every sip they took.

But this wasn't the case for everyone. Ava particularly knew this one person who would yawn drowsily if he drank coffee. The caffeine didn't work for him. Coffee was like sleeping pills to him and he would fall asleep within less an hour.

The memories of their first encounter flashed through her mind. It was during one of those days Ava lost the bet and she had to make fuss and create dramatic scene at Sophie's dinner date as the punishment. No choice, she was forced to dress up to get into Pixels Restaurant - a 6 stars fine dining restaurant. Only guests who follow the dress code would be allow to enter the restaurant.

So Ava wore a plain burgundy maxi dress that had pleated pattern on her chest area with beige pointy toe pump. The make up was simple and she didn't wear any accessories. The small purse that could only fit her phone and wallet matched her kitten heel colour and for the final touch, Ava tied up her long brown hair was tied up in a basic high ponytail. She looked exquisitely beautiful albeit her unpretentious style.

With classy and elegance interior, the restaurant was terrificly gorgoeus and mirrored castle-like design. It was undoubtedly spacious and the chandeliers lighted up the restaurant moderately - neither too bright nor too dim. Smooth jazz specially orchestrated by the hired band which made it more lively and grand.

One of the hostess who noticed Ava immediately welcomed her into the restaurant and led her to one of the empty tables. Ava gracefully took the seat and kept her spine straight and chest wide. She held her chin slightly high in a condescending manner as she ordered a warm latte before dimissed the waiter.

Well, she wasn't here to truly enjoy the michellin stars meals and in fact, tonight was her very first time stepped into this kind of grand place. She was like a muggle among the pure-bloods. Despite that, it didn't take away Ava's confidence. Thanked to her expressionless and stoic face, Ava appeared sassy and bold.

Ava chose the spot where she could have a clear view of Sophie's table. It was few tables away from hers and Sophie was facing towards Ava. Once Sophie gave the signal, Ava would play out her role.

Meanwhile, Ava silently observed these elites people. They elegantly cut the steaks and every movement they made were very quiet and delicate. Ocassionally they exchanged words with their partners with faint smiles on their lips.

Honestly the setting here was quite romantic and poetic. It was a perfect spot for dates but only if you have wad of cash in your wallet or bank. We all knew that 6-star fine dining restaurant would cost you a fortune and on top of that being a gentlemen, you have to pay for your partner's meal as well.

Shortly Ava got her coffee. She took few sip of the fresh brewed latte to warm her sore throat. The caffeine excited her nerves and Ava felt more energetic. Then she saw Sophie secretly winked and she took the signal.

She gently put down the porcellain cup and darted towards Sophie's table. But as she moved closer, a figure appeared in front of her and stopped from walking further.

"Oopsie the same trick didn't work twice." said the man. He kept his voice low as to not attract the attention.

Unstirred by the sudden conflict, Ava peered at him and if looks could kill, this man'd be dead by now. The man also viciously gazed at her and the eye staring fight between them was neck to neck.

Few seconds had passed but neither did the man take another advances nor Ava refuse to give in. The man then took out a crumpled piece of paper out of his pocket and he stright-up fired the question, "So what's your first impression of me?"

"Excuse me?" Ava was baffled. They were both still standing and asking this kind of question at this time was undeniably strange and out of place.

"It's the first question on the list. Well....just to kill the time. Okay, next, coffee or tea?" He looked nonchalant and he didn't even bother to pull Ava to any nearby table before unashamedly continued with the list. What was wrong with this man? It seemed like this man had a screw loose in his head.

Ava patiently answered him, "My aunt has coffee shop and I sometimes help her out so I guess...it's coffee."

"Ahh coffee makes me sleepy. 30 minutes I'm down. Teas are much better."

"Both have caffeines."

"Well my body can't handle strong caffeines. Next question...heels or sneakers?"

"Definitely sneakers. So are you going to move or not?" retorted Ava.

Ava chuckled as she recalled their awkward but amusing encounter. It was like those suprise attacks by reporters that you had no choice but to answer however you'd gradually lost patience with their endless questions.

That night Ava was supposed to play the role as the girlfriend who caught their significant other two-timing with another girl. That was the plan but it ended before she even started it. Who knew that Sophie's partner was one step ahead and even sent someone to stop Ava from coming closer to them.

It was an arranged blind date by Sophie's rich parents. Sophie hated going to these dates so she had been cracking ideas as to ruin the dates. Since Ava lost the bet, Sophie dragged Ava into this mess for the punishment.