Chapter 3 Stunned

v When Sid left, I cleaned the whole house and dressed myself up with my usual clothes. Demin shorts and a faux wrap sweater with a brown round leather shoulder bag. I just wore a white sneaker and tied my long wavy brown hair in half-up, letting some strands escape to frame both sides of my face.

I blew a deep breath as I leered on my own reflection. My people need me at this frigid time.

Grabbing the car keys on the side table, I walked out of my house and was about to enter my car when my eyes caught something. Slowly, I turned around to face the house beside me. The cloud was too clear despite the windy weather but the light on their porch was still on. I could see the dancing curtain through their glass window.

I tilted my head. As far as I remember, the light was off yesterday. So, it means that Alex and her family...

"Gosh, I'm not interested..." I said nonchalantly. I went inside my car and drove off to the nearby cafe.

"Good morning! How's everyone doing?" I clapped my hands once to catch their attention.

They stopped their business for a while and smiled at me cheerfully. Everyone was wearing a sweater and jacket under their uniform. I don't mind though as the weather's too cold that my fingers feel numb because of it.

"Good morning, Ms. Aya!" One of my staff, Lin greeted cheerfully. "Coffee?"

"Thanks, Lin. But I had a coffee at home," I politely declined. "I think we won't have that many customers today due to the weather. Are there any deliveries?"

"Yes, Ms. Aya but unfortunately, Mr. Bernard won't make it today because his wife's in labor. He brought the motorcycle with him but don't worry, we already contacted someone. He must be here in less than ten minutes."

"That won't do. Customers would be enraged if they receive a cold decaf. Give me their orders and address."

"But..." Lin was hesitant but I didn't bother.

"Pack them safely. We don't want to receive bad reviews online, do we?"

"Noted, Ms. Aya!"

"And if the guy you contacted comes in less than ten minutes, give the orders." Lin nodded and proceeded to her tasks. I went to the storage room and fixed my hair. We only have a few customers, it's expected because of the bad weather.

Even though I wanted to stay at home, I was informed by our delivery man that he won't make it today because of his wife, so I had no choice but to replace him for the time being. It was fine though. It's not like I have a lot of people to do the deliveries. My shop isn't that big enough which means I couldn't afford to hire a lot of employees.

"Take care, Ms. Aya!" Lin and others said in unison.

Under the clear sky, I delivered the customers' orders from door-to-door. Some recognized me as the owner of Cafe Time, some didn't. They were also kind enough to give me tips and say thanks for my service.

"Thank you, gorgeous..."

"You're welcome," I said and left their house.

I went inside my car and stared at the last package resting on the passenger seat. I reached for it, feeling its temperature. Fortunately, all my customers' houses were just around the corners. They weren't far from each other so the coffee was still hot unlike this last one.

I let my eyes rest for a moment before grabbing the small piece of paper on my dashboard.

"Lexin Santos, 1170..." My face lit up. "Oh goodness, I could go home!"

I turned on the engine and started driving again towards my street to deliver the coffee to my neighbor, Lexin Santos. Gosh... I would have the chance to see her? My heart thumped a bit at the thought. Sid forgot to mention her features, so I don't have any idea what she looks like.

She must be Alex's mother. The kid was pretty... Good genes, I guess...

It took me less than five minutes to arrive. I looked at their house through my car window. The porch light was off now. I checked my face in the mirror and stared at my lips.

"I think I need to put some colors on my lips..." I shook my head.

Why the fuck would I? I shrugged the thoughts and went out of my car holding the package.

Sighing, I climbed up the three-steps stair. Eyeing the door, I reached to press the bell three times.

My eyes were fixed on my shoes as I waited for the door to open. I was biting my lips, feeling my heart pound for unknown reasons. I couldn't understand why my heart's reacting this way. I was normal earlier... I never felt so nervous 'till this day. Was it because my customer is my neighbor? I don't even know her!

"Alex! Stay right there!" My eyes wide open when I heard a voice.

That was too loud...

"Mommy! The girl next door is here!"

My head snapped at the door when it suddenly opened, revealing Alex, who was smiling brightly at me. She was still in her pajamas.

"Good morning, our beautiful neighbor!"

I smiled but it vanished when I saw a woman behind her. I stilled on my spot when her eyes caught mine. It lasted for a second but, I can't seem to withdraw my eyes from her!

Her blonde short wavy hair was messy but it looked so damn sexy on her! She was wearing a thin sling ribbon chest nightgown that hugs her petite body.

My eyes traveled down to her neck. Her skin looks so inviting... I blinked numerous times when she coughed. I mentally palm my forehead due to my reaction.

Damn... Compose yourself, Aya! I gulped and handed her the coffee cup holder, staring at her face.

Her eyes were deep brown, she has thick black eyebrows and lashes. Small freckles were scattered around her nose which I found cute. Her lips were kinda chapped, too.

I gulped again when she wet her lips with her tongue, then bit her lower lip.

"Thanks for the service," she whispered after getting the coffee from my hand. Without further ado, she closed the door, hard that I almost jumped.

"Oh gosh, Aya! What the fuck..." I pulled my hair in frustration. I can't believe that I got stunned by her morning fresh beauty!