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Chemelyn sat curled up on the window seat in the living room of her loft. She starred unseeingly at the city lights through the window. Absently, she stroked Wisteria’s soft fur, the copy of “Jane Eyre” left unattended on the seat beside her. Chemelyn’s thoughts could not stray from the handsome stranger in the restaraunt. When she had been taking his order, she could have sworn that she knew him. It was in his eyes, she was sure.
Finally, Chemelyn realized that she would be of no use at the cafe the next day, if she didn’t get some rest. She stood and trudged up the steps to her bedroom, her feet making pitter patter noises on the hard wood floor. Chemelyn crawled into bed, snuggling beneath the down comforter. She had left the french doors to the balcony off of her bedroom open, allowing the cool breeze to waft through the loft. It was a welcome reprieve from the heat of the day.
The noises from the city lulled her to sleep, an occasional car passing down the street. Elsewhere in the city, Howie lay awake, Chemelyn in his mind.
*****
Chemelyn dressed carefully for the next day, holding on to her ridiculous hope that the handsome stranger would once again visit the cafe. She decided upon an ankle length black skirt coupled with a short sleeved, clingy blue shirt. It’s rounded neckline set off her creamy skin, and the color brought out her eyes. Chemelyn placed silver studs in the two holes in each ear lobe, and fastened on a small silver cross necklace. Taking a deep breath, she braced herself for the coming day, and locked the door to her apartment behind herself. *****
“Oh my God.” Malone exhaled.
“Malone, can you hand me the cinnamon?” Chemelyn requested.
“Chem...”
“Malone, the cinnamon?”
“Chem....”
“What?!” she exclaimed irritated. Malone grasped her chin, and forced her head toward the door. “Oh my God.” she breathed. It was him. The man from the day before. She and Malone watched as he made his way to the same table he had seated himself at yesterday.
“Malone.....can you cover the front?”
“You bet I can. Go.” he pushed a tray into her hands, and Chemelyn took a deep breath, making her way toward the stranger.
*****
Howie had no more than sat down, then he was presently surprised by the sight of Chemelyn striding toward him.
“Hi!” she smiled warmly, looking him in the eye. “I’m glad to see you decided to visit our little cafe again.”
“Thanks.” he grinned. “How could I not? The atmosphere here is wonderful. And,” he leaned in across the table as if he was about to share a secret. Chemelyn did her part, and leaned towards him as well, pleased to find him so personable. “I recieved some great advice on the menu yesterday.” he whispered with a wink. Chemelyn laughed, relaxing a bit. “Well then, we’ll see if we can’t have a repeat performance today! Would you like to look at our menu?”
“How about you recommend something again, and we’ll see how that goes?” he invited.
“Alright, let me see.....Do you enjoy salads?” she asked.
“I do.”
“Then I will have to advise you order the Oriental salad. Chase, our chef, hails from India, and has that recipe down to a ‘T’.”
“That sounds wonerful!”
“Yesterday, you mentioned you don’t drink much coffee. We also have a great selection of fruit beverages, based on natural juices. We’re thinking of turning the cafe into a partial juice bar, and we’re trying the new concoctions out. Here’s a list that you can look over while I turn your order in.” she said with a smile that Howie returned wholeheartedly.
“Great! Thanks.” he responded. After she had left, Howie settled back in his chair relieved that their interlude had gone so well. She seemed even friendlier than the day before, and the blouse she wore today, set off her eyes very well. He was drawn to the long lashes which fringed them, and found the memory of her lips curving into a smile tempting.
To Howie’s relief, Chemelyn returned shortly, ready to take his order for a drink. Howie ordered a strawberry mango blend, and asked her about the pictures on the walls. To his surprise, Chemelyn flushed slightly and replied that they were furnished by a local artist. Knowing the truth about the photos, Howie found her modesty endearing. She was called away then, and he sat watching as Chemelyn interacted with other customers, taking orders, delivering drinks, and even making them.
“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” a voice broke into Howie’s thoughts. He looked up to find a tall man with bleach blond hair grinning down at him. The man put off a friendly aura, so Howie answered softly,
“Yes. She’s very beautiful.”
The man nodded his agreement, and placed a colorful dish in front of him. “Your Oriental salad.” he served with a flourish. Howie glanced up surprised.
“I thought she was the waitress.” Howie blurted out. The man smiled.
“We both are, depending on who’s free at the moment. But don’t worry,” he added with a wink, “I’m sure she’ll be back to check up on you.”
*****
The handsome stranger was three-quarters of the way through his salad when Chemelyn decided to return to his table to check up on him. They were in need of a fresh supply of vegetables in the kitchen, so Chemelyn stripped off her apron, planning on walking to the Public Market Place a block away. On her way to the door, she detoured to make sure that the stranger had everything he needed.
“How is everything?” she inquired with an amiable smile.
“Just great, thanks.” the man assured her. “I definately think you should venture into the world of fruit juice concoctions. The drink was delicious.”
“We’ll keep that in mind. I’m glad you enjoyed your meal.” Chemelyn replied, backing slightly away toward the door.
“Forgive me, but are you on your way out?” the man asked.
“As a matter of fact, yes. I’m off to the public market about a block away from here.” she explained.
*****
Howie’s heart began to beat faster at the possibility of him actually gaining time alone and away from the cafe with Chemelyn. He raised a hand to stop her departure.
“Please.....may I walk you?” he asked hopefully. She hesitated a moment, before nodding her consent. Howie stood immediately, and caught the eye of the man who had delivered his salad. He gestured to the door and pointedly slipped several bills beneath the edge of his plate. They waved to the waiter, and before Howie knew it, he was walking along the sidewalk, on his way to the market, Chemelyn quietly by his side.
“So, where are we off to again?”
“The Public Market. The cafe is in need of a few things. Really, you didn’t have to walk me.” she said suddenly. He cast a glance over at her, as they strode along the side of the street, dodging other pedestrians occasionally.
“I wanted to.” he replied.
“Why?”
“Do you really need an explaination?”
She stopped exasperated. People were forced to file around them, but she didn’t seem to care. Chemelyn starred up into his face, as if trying to discern his character. Finally she sighed, her aquiesence showing in the way she held herself. “I don’t even know your name.”
“H - Dwaine. Dwaine Dorough.” he said extending his hand. She hesitantly let him capture her tiny palm in his.
“Chemelyn Clavaro.” she turned away then, after reclaiming her hand, and they began to walk once more. “So Dwaine Dorough, what brings you out here?” she asked.
“How do you know I don’t live just up the street?” he asked, bemused. She gave him a look that said worlds.
“You just aren’t. I can tell. For one, you dress better than most around here!” she laughed. “For another, you said you don’t drink much coffee. Dead giveaway. And for my final deduction.......you are much too polite.” A chuckle escaped her companion.
“Well, Sherlock, it seems as though you have me thoroughly figured out.”
“Of course.”
“Alright, then guess what I’m thinking right now.” he challanged as they came to a halt in front of a produce vendor. Chemelyn began selecting certain vegetables, examining them carefully.
“Hmm......Let me see. I bet you’re thinking about how much you enjoyed your Oriental salad, and how you’re going to tell everyone you meet about our wonderful cafe. Is that right?” her eyes twinkled with humor as she spoke. Howie clasped his hands behind his back.
“I’m afraid you’d better look back into your crystal ball, Madame.” he teased. She tested a tomato for it’s ripeness.
“Hadn’t you better tell me? I think my fortune telling days are numbered.”
“I’m thinking about how much I would like to have dinner with you tonight.” he stated carefully.
Chemelyn dropped the tomato she had been holding. “Umm....I....I....” she gazed up at him with wide and slightly surprised eyes. “....I......”
“Say yes.” he ordered softly. “Please?”
“I hardly know you.”
“What better way to get to know me better?”
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