Eve..
I sat in the kitchen looking down at the floor as if something interesting was going on there after assisting Ethan’s baker to bake some cake and cookies.
“Eve..” I heard Ethan say my name and I looked up to see him.
“Are you alright?” He asked for the nth time today.
“I’m fine, I swear..” I said desperately. I just need a little me time.
“I know I’ve asked before but Max wants me to check up on you.” He said apologetically and I nodded.
“Oh and here, your phone is ringing.” He said, giving me my phone which was ringing loudly.
Max again? Ugh!
I picked the call waiting for the usual word that he would ask.
In five, four, three, two, one…
“Eve, are you alright?” He asked and I groaned.
Ugh! Really?
“Max, stop calling me every second and stop distracting Ethan from his job, I am fine!” I snapped.
“If you keep calling me, then maybe I won’t be fine anymore.” I said angrily.
“Okay okay, calm down.”
“I’m just worried about you.” He said concerned.
“I know but you’re choking me.” I said and I could tell that he understood from the sigh he gave.
“Fine, let’s meet for lunch, I’ll hear from them in a few minutes.” He said and I groaned again.
Seriously? That’s his best excuse. Lunch?
“Fine, whatever.” I said giving up on convincing him that I’m alright.
“I’ll call you back Eve.” His tone suddenly changed and he hung up.
Wait, is he angry?
I sighed heavily and left the kitchen only to see Ethan standing outside as if waiting for me.
“I..” we said at the same time and then bursted into laughter.
“I’m sorry.” I said the moment I stopped laughing.
“I understand.” He said,
“I would feel suffocated if someone was pampering like this too.” He said and I shook my head.
“No, I’m not feeling suffocated.” I said, still smiling.
“Max can just be a little too much sometimes.” I said leaving the kitchen exit and going to the book section with Ethan following behind me.
It was lunch time so the cafe was filled with people whom Ethan had already attended to. I don’t know how he did it anyways, judging from the crowd.
“You can work here.” Ethan suddenly said, making me stop in my tracks and turn to him.
“Work here?” I asked, confused.
“You said you were looking for a job..” he said and I nodded.
“A baking job.” He continued.
“You already have a baker.” I reminded him.
“She’s quitting.” He said immediately.
” Did you fire her?” I asked quickly.
“No..” he laughed.
“She wants to move to Albuquerque.” He said after laughing.
“I’m not forcing you or anything, I can find a replacement for her and all but I just thought you’ll be more comfortable here given the situation of things.” He said and I smiled.
“Can I think about it?” I asked quietly.
“Yes, of course, and if it makes you feel any better, I already have a queue of customers asking who baked the strawberry shortcake.” Ethan said and my eyes widened.
“Come on.” He said, dragging me to the counter and I was stunned.
“Sold out?” I squealed the moment I saw the small sign on the menu bar.
“That’s amazing.” I said, giving Ethan a hug in excitement.
“I know right.” He said, hugging me back.
“Means alot to me.” I said disengaging from the hug but my beautiful moment was cut off the moment I heard that voice.
“Well well well.” I heard that sly infuriating voice say and I turned to face her with a frown.
“I’m guessing you were waiting for the divorce so you could get together with your newfound lover.” She giggled, making me feel bitter.
“I’m gay.” I heard Ethan say in a pissed voice.
“He’s not my lover.” I said coldly.
“He’s not my lover.” She mocked me and laughed.
“I was in the area and I heard the shortcake here tastes great, I’m guessing it’s you who made it.” She said, pointing her sick fingers at me.
“Don’t push it Alice!” I snapped.
“Oh, is Eve gonna cry?” She laughed, making my stomach churn.
“Get out!” I said with gritted teeth as I stretched out my hands pointing at the door.
“You have no right to push me out, after all, it’s not your shop.” She said, laughing again, making me feel worse than before.
“It’s only been what?, Two days and you’re already getting smoochy smoochy with another man?” She said in a sly voice.
“Does Jason know about this?” I asked angrily.
“Know about what?” She asked innocently.
“That y-you know we’re d-divorced.” I stuttered.
“O-of c-course” she mocked me.
“He’s the one that told me after all.” She said and I felt tears fill my eyes.
“I’m gonna ask you to leave.” Ethan finally spoke up, making me feel a bit relieved.
“I was going to.” Alice said, turning to go.
“Eve, you’re right where you belong, in the kitchen, like a maid.” She smirked and walked towards the door.
“Don’t worry, I’ll invite you both to the wedding.” She giggled loudly before exiting the cafe.
I felt my legs go wobbly the moment she stepped out of the door and I broke into soft sobs.
Okay, maybe I’m not fine.
I thought as I sobbed quietly.
Ethan crouched down to my level and began to rub circles on my back.
“Don’t listen to her, you’ll be fine.” He said soothingly as he continued to run circles on my back.
“Eve..” I heard Max’s voice and I looked up to see him looking at me with sad eyes.
“When did you get here?” I asked in between sobs.
“Long enough to see that bitch driving out.” Max said angrily.
“Are they both stupid?” He said angrily.
“Both?” I said, confused.
“Jason came to see me today.” He said,
“What?” I mumbled.
“W-what did he say?” I asked.
“I didn’t let him say anything.” Max said, making me sigh heavily.
“Why?” I asked.
“He’s not worth it.” Max said, shutting me up as he pulled me into a hug.