Meeting Again - 33 Anxious Call

“Woaaahhh” Fred said as soon as he entered my room, “Exquisite sure is rich! Such a large room for an employee! Cool!”

He settled in the couch and looked around like a very excited lab! Twen was still on guard. I don’t know what it was but Twen had a strange fear of Fred stealing me away from him. Like that can ever happen. I shook my head and held his shoulders,

“Twen go and get refreshed. It was a tiring day for you!!” I told him

But he looked at Fred nervously and tugged my shirt, “Mommy, be careful”

I honestly wanted to laugh at his childish worries but his concern for me was so genuine that I thought it would be harsh to laugh. I didn’t want to make him feel bad for being anxious about me. So, I said patting his head,

“Definitely I will”

He looked a little relaxed. He eyed Fred again and then trotted back to his room. I smiled at Fred who looked slightly disappointed,

“Champ doesn’t like me much, does he?” he sighed

“He is just insecure. Don’t worry. He will warm up to you in no time” I consoled, “So, some coffee?”

“You bet” Fred said back to his usual tone.

I quickly got refreshed and hurried to the Kitchen. Fred was speed typing in his cell phone as I prepared coffee. After placing the cup in front of him, which he instantly picked up, putting his cell phone aside,

“So, how did you know where I stay?”

Fred froze while sipping on the coffee and sighed again, “You really have forgotten all about me. I am still in contact with Chef Samuel. Unlike you, he never stopped talking to me”

I looked down guiltily. The only reason I broke contact with him was to make him stop having feelings for me. Now that I think about it, I was really being mean. Hurting someone isn’t the solution. I quickly changed the subject,

“Do you have any new plans for the menu?”

Fred didn’t answer immediately. He sipped for sometime more and then, slowly placed his cup down on the coffee table. He looked at me and instead of answering, asked me,

“Are you continuing to work for Exquisite Hotels?”

The coffee almost got stuck in my throat at the question. Truth was I was searching for a new job but because of the work pressure I hadn’t been able to look for it recently. I couldn’t help thinking that I should start my own business then I don’t have to worry about jobs, but I don’t have the required capital. I said cautiously,

“For now, yeah”

Fred exhaled heavily speaking in a defeated tone, “If you ever look for a new job, you can come to me. I would like to have an experienced chef. Most importantly, I am not a menu planner, so, I could have some help on it too”

“So, it is menu planning that’s behind the invitation” I chuckled

“Yeah! But am not asking for free” Fred winked

“Did you speak with manager? He can help you out!”

“Enough with business talks!! I don’t always get the opportunity to converse with you. How’s your job going?” Fred said waving hand in the air

“Hectic” I sighed, and took a large swig of coffee, “Higher the position, more tougher the duties”

“That’s bound to be! Where are you and Twen coming from? I waited for almost an hour”

I almost spewed out the coffee, “A-an hour? What on Earth were you doing waiting so long? You could have called me!”

“Nah! Then, it wouldn’t have been a surprise” Fred said with a rowdy laugh

“Yeah right” I rolled my eyes, “It was Twen’s sports day. He won three medals in race” I said excitedly

Fred whistled, “Woah. One heck of a racer you got there”

I chuckled along with him. For next few minutes we drank in complete silence. We met after days and people would expect us to have matters to discuss but frankly, we were really at a loss for words. I noticed Fred stealing glances at me continuously. I got a little uncomfortable and asked,

“Say it already”

Fred turned and laughed sheepishly, “Well it is not really my business, but looks like you got yourself a partner”

“Hah?” I asked confused

“Well you have hickey” Fred said looking anywhere but at me

It was the second time I almost spewed out my coffee. “What?” I hissed

I quickly got up, put my mug on the table and thundered down the corridor to my room. I looked in the mirror on my wardrobe. Damn! There really was a hickey on my neck. It looked slightly bluish red on my skin, like a bruise. That stupid fool! What am I to say to Fred now? I hit my head with my palms. I was thinking of an excuse when my cell phone rang loudly. I checked the caller Id it was Tanya. I guess she wants some help with recipe or garnish. I picked it up greeting Tanya,

“Hey Tanya! Wa-”

“Tony!” her urgent voice interrupted me, “Did you change you status of sub gender in your resume?”

The question took me by surprise, “Of course not”

“Then, how come the entire department is buzzing with rumours of you being Omega?”

“Say WHAT?”