Chapter 8: Relationship advice

Cindy's pov

"He likes you." Mabel said as soon as the handsome customer left. I had no idea she had been listening.

"There's no way. Did you look at him at all? I'm clearly not his type." I objected.

"Uh-huh, and he was clearly not staring at you like you're a goddess. Sometimes, I think you just have a pretty head on your shoulders but yet you're so dense when it comes to men. That man was flirting with you and you made a total fool of yourself. You should have flirted back, but you couldn't utter a word. I don't blame you though, he's really hot."

"What are you talking about? Besides, did you see his tattoo? He's branded by the devil, there's no way someone like him and someone like me can end up together. We're worlds apart."

"Oh please, he did that to himself, not the devil and his tattoo was nice. You're so obsessed with church. If you ask me, I think that men with tattoos are the nicest, they know how to treat their women right. I mean, that's a huge tip and he was a total gentleman, how can you not like him?"

"You say the craziest things, Mabel." I said, avoiding her question because I knew I liked him. He looked like the bad boy rebel type, but I still felt drawn to him, not to mention the thrilling feeling between my legs.

I cleared up his table, walking away before Mabel could say more. But I wasn't so lucky, she followed me to the kitchen.

"Alright, fine. So, church girl Cindy can't date tattooed men, I understand. But our shift will be ending soon and I'll be meeting up with some friends for a few drinks; why don't you come with me, you might meet someone the lord approves off." She said teasingly. I rolled my eyes.

"It's still daytime, and you know I don't drink alcohol. Plus, I've got chores at home to take care of."

"You're so boring. Who said you can't order orange juice or something? And you're not a baby, Cindy. You should be in a relationship already, you're old enough. I'm sure your little sister and your parents can manage for a few hours without you. Just one drink... Aren't you bothered that you might be passing up on an offer of a lifetime? What if you meet your soulmate there?"

"What if I meet my soulmate in church or here at work? If we're fated to be together, we will be together."

"Not when you keep rejecting every man for one silly reason or the other. That customer looked so good, he'll definitely give you pretty babies."

"Mabel!" I rebuked.

"What? He's handsome and you're beautiful, that means pretty babies."

"I'm not marrying someone based on his looks alone."

"What then? His money? That guy looked rich! Hello? A hundred dollar tip! I think he accidentally came here, there's no way someone like that would eat here."

"M&T's is a good spot. We're not a five star restaurant, but we sell really tasty food."

"Tell that to the empty chairs out there."

I rolled my eyes again and left the kitchen, Mabel was on my heels.

"And don't change the subject. You just rejected a really great boyfriend material and you won't go out with me to meet other people. What exactly is your plan? To live in your parents house forever?"

"No. But when I find the right man, I'll know."

"And where will you meet him? In church? You know the church is full of fakes who pretend to be saints but then treat their spouses like garbage."

"You don't know that. You don't even go to church."

"Doesn't mean I don't love the lord. I'm just looking out for you, Cindy. You're pretty and still so young, now's the time."

"Thank you, Mabel. I'll think about it."

"Tch! I know you won't, but I'm not giving up on you just yet. When..." A customer came in, interrupting whatever she wanted to say and I was grateful, stealing the moment to escape from that conversation. When it comes to my love life, Mabel can be relentless. This isn't even the third or fifteenth time she has invited me to hang out with her friends. While I like Mabel, I don't think she hangs out with the right crowd and I'm not looking to try and fail in relationships before meeting the right one.

Moreover, Dad is so overprotective. Just see how he reacted with Sean, if I brought someone like that good-looking customer home, he would have a heart attack on the spot.

Oh, but that couldn't stop me from imagining all sorts of silly stuff about the customer. I just wished I had asked him for his name at least, then I could put a name to his face. 

Hmm, he looked like a Michael, and no, I wasn't just saying that because I'm a church girl. Even though he was polite and kind, he looked like someone who could protect his own; someone who wouldn't stand to see his loved ones suffer. Just like how the angel Michael was the battle angel, destroying the demons while being good and pure.

Maybe I'll call him Michael, it'll be my own secret name for him. I doubt we would meet again; just like Mabel said, he probably ended up in M&T's by accident, but I knew it'd take a while for his memory to leave my mind.

If only... Nah, there's no way.

Our shift ended soon and Mabel tried convincing me to join her, but I insisted on returning home and she let me go. I felt bad for turning her down all the time, but I was sure I would only regret following her, I could feel it, so it was best I stayed away.

Rather than taking the bus home, I decided to walk, it wasn't that far afterall and it felt good to walk around the bustling streets while watching people going about their day, plus it gave me some time with my thoughts. And no, I wasn't thinking about Michael, I had far more important things to think about than my silly crush.

I got home soon enough, letting myself in through the front door.

"I'm home." I said cheerfully as I walked into the living room where my parents sat, but their sad faces told me something was wrong.