Chapter 8 Goodnight

Present

Noah

"Hi", Tatum greets unenthusiastically. She knows how to hold a grudge. I give my attention to her and she looks away immediately. Dorothy doesn't notice though, she turns back to me to ask what I'd like to order.

"What would you recommend?", I ask, turning in Tatums direction. It's obvious she's been paying attention to my conversation with Dorothy because she instantly knows I was referring to her.

"Me?", she asks, turning to face me with a stunned expression

"You're the chef, what would you recommended?". Dorothy turns to face her with a smile, probably also anticipating her recommendations

"For breakfast? Uhm, you'd feel better if you consume a light meal so I'd recommend croissant sandwich with mushrooms and Brie. That way, you eat light enough to keep you active for the day but filling enough to keep hunger at bay. Coffee which would be served with the meal would soothe your body and make you alert", she ends with a smile that seems genuine even if it's me she's talking to. I realize now that she really enjoys cooking because it brings a happy, satisfied smile to her face.

"I'd have it then. Your recommendation sounds great"

Dorothy almost squeals with delight from my acquiescence while my eyes are trained on Tatum, enjoying the fact that I was able to draw a genuine smile from her.

"Well Tatum, I'd like you to personally prepare the meal. You can leave to the kitchen now, I'd take over from here"

"Yes Dotty", Tatum agrees, taking off her apron and moving to the back doors. I watch her every step of the way.

"Have a seat Noah. She's quick so your order would be ready in no time"

There's a row of tables at the back of the room and a particular table I usually seat at. It gives me the privacy I need when I get here especially when I want to work. I make my way over to the table and take a seat, pulling my phone out immediately to reply emails. I usually do that from my laptop but I'm trying to get as much work done now so I'd have less on my plate once I'm stated at the hospital as head manager.

True to Dorothy's words, Tatum doesn't take time to arrive with a tray of food in her hand. The smell calls to me and I realize that I might be getting addicted to the food I eat here. I'm hesitant to admit that's it's probably Tatums recipes that I find addictive. Dorothy is a great chef, but Tatum takes the term "mouth watering dishes" to another level. She stops in front of the table and drops the tray on the table with a visible gulp.

"Your food, as ordered. Bon Appetite ". My eyes raise to meet hers but lower immediately as I lean down to taste the food and God are these the best croissants I've ever eaten, my family doesn't lack money, I don't either which affords me the opportunity to travel, explore and visit the most expensive places. I've eaten in enough restaurants to proudly say that Tatums food honestly beats them all. It has the entire homemade feeling packed in a single package with "five star" and "professional cuisine".

"This is a very wonderful meal Tatum"

She raises an eyebrow and tilts her head

"Of course it is", she says confidently and then walks out, leaving me all kinds of speechless. I want to laugh but I'm too stunned to do so. She's spectacular.

I find myself eating and ordering food from Dotty's more frequently. I love my mom's cooking but eating Tatums food doesn't make me miss it as much. Seeing Tatum at nights when she comes to deliver dinner to me is a plus but she still doesn't talk to me. That night seemed to have made her dislike me strongly and it doesn't sit right with me.

It's the weekend and I'm working when I hear the bell ring but when I open the door, I see Tatum, a plastic bag in her hand which is weird because I don't remember ordering any food.

"Uhm, hi Noah"

"How are you Tatum", I ask, stepping away from the door so she can come in. She hesitates for a few seconds and I'm almost sure she'd decline but she steps in, shoving one hand in her pocket. I close the door behind her while she turns towards me.

"Okay, I know you didn't make any orders tonight and I'm sorry for the impromptu visit but I had to do this and I was scared that I'd talk myself out of it if I wasted any more time"

I nod, gesturing for her to go on. She sighs, then hands the bag over to me.

"This is for you", she says as I take the bag from her "an apology for the first time"

"Oh, No Tatum. You shouldn't be apologizing. I understand you and I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable that night"

"No, no it's okay. Looking back now, it wasn't your fault. I wasn't wearing a vest that night or anything to indicate I was delivering. And I might have been a bit rude to you since then, ignoring you at the restaurant and all. I'm sorry for all of it. To you, I might have overacted that night but it's different for me. I'm sorry either way"

I gaze at her for a few seconds before nodding

"The food smells nice", I say, breaking the silence. She smiles tremulously

"My specialty. Some empanadas, enjoy". I smile at her

"Well, I should be leaving now"

My brows furrow but I don't hold her back as she makes her way back to the door

"Thanks a lot for the food. I didn't order dinner simply because it skipped my mind. I'm glad I have something to eat tonight"

She smiles

"Goodnight Noah"

"Goodnight Tatum"