Chapter 34: Anxious Call
"Woaaahhh!!" Fred exclaimed the moment he stepped into my apartment, "Exquisite is damn rich! They really take care of their employees."
He gave a broad grin before settling on the couch. I shook my head, seeing him acting like an excited Labrador. He is already 24, but I can still see the 16-year-old high schooler in him. On the other hand, Twen gave Fred a very guarded look but did not say anything. I knew his inner turmoil; however, I also knew that his feelings were from his fear of losing me. But that was a completely irrational fear since I would never leave him. Also, Fred is one of the few people in this world who I trust completely. I know he would never hurt me. Seeing that Twen was not moving an inch from beside me, I shook my head and held his shoulders,
"Twen go and get refreshed. It was a tiring day for you!!" I told him.
After looking at Fred for a second, he tugged on my shirt nervously, "Yes, mommy."
Despite my desire to laugh at his childish worries, I felt that it would be cruel to do so because his concern for me is genuine. I didn't want to make him feel bad so, I just patted his head and urged,
"Wash yourself, change, and then come for lunch."
He nodded stiffly and 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 a child and very attached to me at the moment. So, he is feeling insecure. Don't worry. He will warm up to you in no time," I consoled him. "Some coffee?"
"You bet," Fred said, trying to disguise his discomfort by talking too cheerfully.
I quickly freshened up and hurried to the kitchen. I heard Fred speed typing on his cell phone as I prepared coffee. I grounded the coffee beans and put them in a porter filter before making the espresso. I sighed as I saw the dark brown liquid flow into the cup. I loved coffee, so I always end up spending too much on coffee beans. But recently, the coffee beans have gotten very expensive. I wonder if I have to end up relying on those cheap instant coffees. After I poured sugar and hot milk over the expresso, I walked out to see Fred frowning at his cell phone.
"What happened?" I asked placing the hot steaming coffee in front of him.
Fred instantly picked it up and put his cell phone aside,
"Nothing, I just contacted the manager of Pastaz and informed him of my arriving," he said, nonchalantly.
"I see." I said sipping on my cup, "So, how did you know I stay here?"
Fred froze in the process of sipping on the coffee and sighed heavily,
"You really have forgotten all about me. Chef Samuel and I are still acquaintances. Unlike you, he never stopped talking to me."
I looked down guiltily. I never intended to break contact with him, but the situation was such that I couldn't help it. Now that I think about it, I was being very mean. I might have really hurt Fred. I did not want him to recall those memories and quickly changed the subject,
"So, you said that your dad wishes to expand the menu of Pastaz. Do you have any new ideas?"
Fred didn't answer immediately. He sipped for some time before placing the cup down on the coffee table. He looked at me and, instead of answering the question, asked me,
"Are you continuing to work for Exquisite Hotels?"
The coffee almost got stuck in my throat at the question. I was looking for a new job, but I hadn't been able to look for one recently because of work pressure. I was tempted to start my cafe, and then I wouldn't have to worry about jobs, but I do not have the required capital to do so. As I thought to myself, I said cautiously,
"For now, yeah."
Fred exhaled heavily, speaking in a defeated tone, "If you ever look for a new job, you are always welcome to join me. I would like to have an experienced chef. Most importantly, I am not a menu planner. So, I could get some help for it too."
"So, it is menu planning that's behind the invitation," I chuckled, but I can't help considering it.
"You can say that, but I promise you, I will make it worth it," Fred winked.
"I will think about it," I said, smiling back at him. Fred grinned on seeing that I did not reject him.
"Hah! I wonder what to add to the menu," Fred asked in a slightly concerned tone.
"Did you speak with the manager? He can help you out!" I suggested
"I will have to. I don't have many ideas regarding the dishes to add. Plus, it is an Italian specialty restaurant. So, I have to get down to research before I can suggest anything." Fred said, waving his hand in the air.
"Sounds hectic," I acknowledged and took a large swig of coffee.
"Anyway, enough with my issues. Tell me how is your job going?"
"It's manageable," I said, thoughtfully, before adding, "Higher the position, tougher the duties."
"That's bound to be!" Fred nodded in agreement, "Anyways, where are you and Twen coming from? I waited for an hour."
I almost spit the coffee out, "A-an hour? What on Earth were you doing waiting for so long? You could have called me!"
"Nah! Then, it wouldn't have been a surprise," Fred said with a roguish laugh.
"Yeah right!" I rolled my eyes, "It was Twen's sports day. He won three medals in the race," I said, unable to hide my pride and excitement.
Fred whistled, "One heck of a racer you have got there."
I chuckled. For the 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. It was, in fact, quite awkward since we were not in contact for a long while. I noticed Fred stealing glances at me. I got a little uncomfortable and asked,
"What is it?"
Fred turned and gave a weird awkward laugh, before speaking in an off-handed manner, "Well it is not really my business, but looks like you got yourself a partner."
"Hah?" I asked, confused.
"I noticed that you have a hickey on your neck," Fred said looking everywhere but me.
It was the second time I almost spit my coffee out. "What?" I hissed.
I quickly 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 Robbie! He left a hickey on me, and of all the people in the world, it had to be Fred who saw it. Now, what am I supposed to say to Fred? I hit my head with my palms. At the same time, my cell phone rang loudly. I checked the caller ID. It was Tanya. I guess she wants some help with recipes or garnishes. I picked it up, greeting Tanya,
"Hey, Tanya! Wa-"
"Tony!" her urgent voice interrupted me, "Did you change your sub-gender status in your resume?"
The question took me aback, "Of course not!"
"Then, how come the entire department is buzzing with rumors of you being an Omega?"
"Say WHAT?"
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