Seduced for Revenge: 6 - Breakfast

“Ma’am, I’m sorry to say this, but the madam never paid for the items she ordered.” Regina looked at the untouched cake slices in front of her and the fruit drinks beside them. 

When she hesitated, the server spoke. “You guys looked like you were discussing something important, so I didn’t think it was right to interrupt.”

“Oh, it’s fine. I’m just calculating if I should eat half of this right now and the rest at home later, so you won’t think I’m a pig.” She laughed, and so did he, bringing out the dimple on his cheek.

‘Hmm, he’s kinda cute.’ Regina admired the cute server when she thought of an idea.

“Do you mind if I ask the people in your cafe if they would like some free cakes and drinks? I really can’t consume all of this.” 

He agreed, and when only the chocolate cake and iced tea were left, Regina sat down and pretended she would eat it.

“Oh, here’s my card. Just charge everything on it.” The man’s eyes lit up after reading her information. 

“Miss Albright, my name is Jason, I’m the baker and owner of this cafe, and I am happy to serve you.” He stared at her a bit, wondering if he should ask for an ID. 

This was the first time he’s met Regina, but was very familiar with her brother, Dr. Raphael Albright. He could clearly see the resemblance between them, so he let the verification go.

The Albright family was famous in this part of town because of the hospital nearby. Grace Medical was built and founded by Regina’s father, Dr. Stephen Albright. 

A recommendation from one of them would be beneficial for his business. He might even see an increase in revenue if Regina started ordering cakes and pastries from his bakeshop.

“Would you like me to wrap anything else for you to take home?”

Regina reached for the rich chocolate cake in front of her before answering. Now that the owner recognized her, she owed it to the man to try his food, so she dug in and was glad she did.

“Hmm … this is the creamiest and richest chocolate cake I’ve ever had in this city. You made this yourself?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m glad you like it.”

“Give me two slices in separate boxes. And two of those iced teas as well. But make the drinks when I leave so I can give them to my doormen.”

“Let me get everything sorted out, and I will be back with your card.”

-=-

The next day.

Regina opted to return to the cafe instead of spending time in her beautiful penthouse suite because the cake she had yesterday had been so good that she wanted more. She always had a weakness for desserts, so she scoured the city for new bakeshops to get her fix.

“Ms. Albright! It’s you again. Welcome back!”

“Thanks, call me Regina,” she looked around before speaking again, “and would you mind not calling me Ms. Albright? I’d rather people not know who I am.”

“Sure, your secret is safe with me, Ms. Regina.” Again, with the dimples, it reminded her of someone she knew ten years ago.

“Okay, I want one of those chocolate cakes and another slice of your favorite.”

Jason recommended the strawberry cream cake. “I made it this morning with you in mind, hoping you would come back today,” he said, after pointing out the dreamy concoction to her.

Regina smiled. “You’re so sweet. So what would have happened if I hadn’t come today?”

“I would have made it every few days until you did.” He blushed, and his dimples deepened.

“I better try it then if you made it for me.” Regina flirted back.

“Give us two coffees to go with that order and a ham and cheese croissant with all the good stuff in it.”

“Yes, Dr. Albright, right away.”

“Excuse my brother, I’ll have a croissant too, but just ham and cheese.” She whispered, “I hate vegetables,” and Jason chuckled.

“Good thing I’m still young and haven’t added it anywhere else, except my butt,” she shrugged, and he smiled as a courtesy.

“Don’t you dare check out my ass when I walk to my table,” Jason blushed and looked away, biting his lips to stop smiling. 

Regina’s straightforward attitude made him a little uncomfortable, but he found it refreshing that she was not afraid to speak her mind.

“Were you just flirting with the server?” Raffy had joined Regina that morning since she mentioned passing by the hospital when he knew she would not do it.

Regina thought she was stealthy in hiding her fears and her inability to work at the hospital, but what she did not expect was that her family would pay close attention even when she was living on her own.  

They have been watching her closely all her life and would nag her using different subtle forms.

Her parents would use guilt, one brother would use coercion, and another would use bribery. 

Raffy used the direct approach, as he knew her best of all. Using the other methods only made her retreat and clam up.

“He’s the owner, and I was not flirting with him,” she denied, color tinting her cheeks.

“It’s okay. I think he liked it. He keeps looking here.”

“Shush, no he’s not.” She looked back at the counter and smiled.

“I like this. It’s the first time you’ve done this in a while.” Raffy pinched her cheek with his right hand. 

“Welcome back, weirdo.” Regina squealed in surprise. 

“You’re such a looney!” She swatted his hand away. It was their nickname when they wanted to annoy each other.

They enjoyed their breakfast while bickering and teasing each other until it was time for Raffy to leave for his shift. He did not talk about anything serious, since he knew Regina was in a good mood.

“Take care of yourself. I’ll see you in the hospital soon.” Raffy stood and kissed the top of her head. “Take a shower. You stink!”

Regina laughed, unmindful of other people. 

Her brother was right. She hadn’t felt like herself lately, always scared of any type of unusual sound, and she avoided people altogether.

Taking a break, being outdoors, and flirting with cute guys was refreshing. Instead of thinking about the shooting the whole time and what she could have done differently, this setting made her feel free. It was like she was a brand new person, ready to take on life.

She was not ready to return to the hospital, but she felt eager to take on another job.

Being with Mrs. Bennet made her realize she could work in hospice care, after all. 

‘Maybe the slower pace would be better for me. What’s the worst thing that could happen to older people?’ She knew she did nothing to impress the interviewers, but hoped she got the job, anyway, because she liked Mrs. Bennet and her quirkiness.

That morning as she sat in the cafe, she went online searching for hospices around the area and applied for the open positions, just in case the Bennet family rejected her. 

It was time to take control of her life and stop the shooter from invading her dreams.