Mending ✔︎ - BWWM ~ (By @RachJoyy7)

03 ~ Damn you Alessio!

REMINDER: STORY BY ✯RachJoyy7✯

With swift, deliberate movements, she unbuttoned her shirt and strode aggressively towards the counter – the side where I was stationed.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her display as I walked over to her station. "If you wanted to switch places, you could have just asked," I began to say before my mind went blank upon seeing Alessio approaching us.

"Oh nice. He's coming here." I thought to myself with annoyance.

As he approached, Bridget shamelessly flirted with him, which explained her earlier behavior. "What can I do for you, handsome?" she purred.

To my surprise, Alessio ignored Bridget's blatant flirtations, making me smirk slightly with satisfaction. "Hi again, missed me?" he said, addressing me instead.

I was incredulous. He actually ignored Bridget as if she didn't exist. Maybe he didn't hear her. Whatever the case, I couldn't help but feel triumphant.

"I'll take that as a yes," he said.

"Welcome to Oliver's Cafe, may I take your order?" I responded, trying to avoid his mocking tone as I met his gaze, which locked with mine with an intensity that felt like an interrogation.

As our eyes met, I found myself unable to bear the intensity of his striking green gaze, and I quickly broke contact. "I don't have all day, you know. What can I get for you?" I blurted out rudely, not bothering to hide my impatience.

"I'll have one hot chocolate, and..." he trailed off, prompting me with his hesitation.

"And what?" my temper flared, threatening to boil over.

"...and a pack of Oreos to go, please. The classic black and white combination is so satisfying," he explained, reaching into the pastry display fridge and drawing out a fresh pack of cookies. I turned to the dispenser and prepared his hot cocoa.

Lost in my own thoughts, I barely paid attention to his next words. "Bet you can't take all the chocolatey goodness," he quipped.

"I can take it all," I retorted, feeling caught up in his mischievous grin. His gaze lingered on my chest for a very brief moment, but before anything could happen, an angry voice interrupted us.

"Aren't you finished yet, young man? I'd like to order if you don't mind. Kids these days have no shame. Go flirt somewhere else!" barked the grumpy man behind us.

"I'll be seeing you around, Tiny," Alessio said with a wink. He then bowed slightly to the man in apology before exiting the shop, the bell jingling loudly as he left.

As soon as Alessio was gone, Bridget approached me. "Would you move? Some of us actually want to get work done around here!" she snarled.

It was obvious she was jealous.

•••

10:19PM

With the working day over, I flipped the foam board to display the "Sorry, we're closed" sign before switching off the lights. As I locked up with a few rattles, I couldn't help but sigh heavily, feeling completely drained of energy.

"I doubt I'll even be able to catch a cab at this time of night," I muttered to myself, realizing I might have to walk home. Just then, my phone buzzed with a new message, interrupting my thoughts.

Incoming call
Jason

"What?" I asked, irritation lacing my voice as I answered the phone call from my annoying brother.