Kapitel 30: She Quit

The past days have been strange for Marcel. He kept craving coffee, not exactly the one he made, the one from that store. It was not like the one made at that store was better than his own, but it must be because of a certain redhead.

So after a meeting at the other branches with his brothers - note: brother is used to refer to fellow gang members - he decided to go to the coffee store.

Unlike the other time, Marcel was carrying his dog Redhead in his arms. It was weird but he wanted to introduce the doggy redhead to the human redhead. It would be quite a union, don't you think so?

Thankfully, the store let pets in as far as it was on a lease. But Marcel was a lawbreaker and simply held Redhead in his arms with no lease whatsoever.

"Sir," One of the staff approached him to remind him of the pet rules, "Please, we don't accept pets that....."

Marcel simply fished out his premium card and held it out for him saying, "Subtract the penalty fees from here,"

The staff's hand shook as he received the card from him. He stared down at the card, it was a premium card, a status symbol card only offered to high-earning big spenders. The staff gulped, what was this big shot doing in their humble store?

"I don't have any other problems, do I?" Marcel winked at the staff with a charming smile that spread abroad his cheeks, exposing his dimples.

The staff who stared at Marcel's expression at that moment, stood frozen. What the hell was this? Why the hell was this man trying to turn him gay?

Gosh, how could a man be more beautiful than his girlfriend? No, no, hold yourself, you shouldn't fall for this temptation, you can't handle this kind of man. The male staff mumbled to himself as he went to call his manager because he didn't know how to deal with this situation anymore, while the person who caused the whole confusion was comfortable.

Marcel placed Redhead on the seat next to him and sat down comfortably. The dog was well behaved so he didn't have to worry about him scurrying down from his chair and running around the coffee store as he chased after him.

Perhaps, this was why Peter loved the dog so much to lay down his life for him. It made Marcel wonder, would there come a time as well where he would have to lay down his life for a dog?

No, that would never happen, Marcel was confident of that possibility never occurring. The dog was merely his companion that he would abandon at any time and any day without blinking an eye. Right now, he just wanted to introduce him to that female redhead. Maybe he should just gift the dog to her? He had a feeling she would take good care of her.

So Marcel sat by the same window-side he chose on that day he came. It was far easier to monitor movements from the outside and inside this way in case of danger. The store must be good at delaying their customers because, like that day, he sat down waiting for his... Wait a minute, did he order?

Suddenly, a sly smile tugged his lips to the side, perhaps he could use the excuse of wanting to order coffee to see her. However, his plan was brought to naught because the manager and owner of the store came to see him. Marcel's face changed at once, someone just ruined his mood.

Sycophant.

Marcel profiled the man in just one glance. He loved money too much and would use obsequious compliments to gain self-serving favor from him. Good thing he was used to suckers like this and they irritated him. Or perhaps, he could be of service to him.

"Good day sir....?" The manager tactically inquired of his name.

"Marcel," He said, thrusting his hand out for a handshake which the man took carefully as if his hand was as fragile as an egg and would break if not cautiously taken.

"I'm the Manager of this little Café," He gestured around, "Is there any way you're not satisfied with our services, just tell me and I'll adjust it for your wellbeing," He said politely, treating Marcel like a high figure.

"Why should you change it for my well-being?" Marcel said, earning a confused, "Huh?" from him.

"Everybody should be treated as equals, don't you think so?" Marcel said laughing.

"Of course," the Manager said, laughing as well albeit awkwardly.

What kind of weirdo was this, the manager said in his mind.

"I need two cups of black coffee," Marcel finally ordered.

"Black coffee?'' The manager was surprised. Why would a fine young man like him want something that bitter? So he said to him, "Perhaps you would need whipped cream -"

"I want it as black as it comes," Marcel said with quiet an authority, causing the man to gulp. He glanced up at the manager, "Don't try to change my order the next time,"

"Oh, there will be a next time," the Manager was exhilarated. As far as Marcel would come around once again, he doesn't mind him scolding him.

Since the staff has gone to bring his order, Marcel found the manager's presence quite irritating. He came here to see the redhead, not him.

"What are you still doing here or do you have a habit of hovering around your customers?" he asked him with a raised brow.

"Oh, sorry about that, sir Marcel," He quickly apologized, "I just thought you would need my presence in case of -"

"Well, I don't need your presence. You can leave now and let me enjoy my coffee in peace….." Marcel trailed off when he saw the staff coming along with his order.

"Wait a minute," Marcel said to him with his brows narrowed thoughtfully, "Why is he bringing my order? What happened to the redhead?"

"What redhead?..." The manager said, then it hit him, "You mean Arianna?"

"Arianna?" He tested her name on his tongue and the articulation was lovely. Her name was as exotic as the rest of her. He looked up, "Yes, that Arianna,"

"Well, she quit,"

"What?"