Chapter 3 Chaos

TENOR

"Daddy!" Lyn called out, running towards me for a big bear hug as soon as I opened the door.

"My little princess," I lifted and spun her with one hand as I managed to drop my coat and bag on the couch.

"I'll take that," Rosie whispered, as she took my things to my chambers.

Rosemary had worked with my family for years and had been the one taking care of Lyn. She was practically family to us.

As I sank into the plush sofa, carrying Lyn on my lap, I managed to push aside the bugging series of events that had unfolded these past few days at work, and then the issue with Grandpa's will, I had been avoiding for a few months now, that kept trickling into my thoughts.

"Should I make you a cup of coffee Daddy?" I giggled.

"Do you know how to make coffee?" I asked, laughing at her little but mature thoughts.

"Yes Daddy, Rosie taught me."

"Really? That's nice of her."

"Okay, so how about we leave coffee for later and talk about all the things that happened at school, how about that?"

"Same things dad," She slurred, her head on my chest. After a few seconds, she called out. "Daddy?"

"Yes, my love?"

"It's a holiday tomorrow, right,"

"Yeah, why?"

"Can we go for Ice cream tomorrow?" I smirked.

"Of course we can, anything for my princess."

"Yay..."

"Tomorrow, I'll take you to the biggest Ice cream shop."

"No. I want to go to Darling's ice cream shop," I paused for a bit, trying to grasp what she meant by 'Darling's ice cream shop'.

"Darling's Ice cream shop?" I repeated.

"Yes Daddy, she's my best friend."

"Oh, your best friend is Darling?" she nodded. "Okay then, Darling's ice cream shop tomorrow."

"Yay..."

I wasn't sure where that was, but I knew I could get all the information I needed from Rosie.

"Time to get some sleep little lady."

She held tightly around my neck, and placed her face by my Adam's apple waiting to be carried.

DARLENE

"I hope you enjoyed your snack?" I asked as I cleared the table, flashing a smile at the customers just by the side.

As I retreated, I passed the empty dishes to Greg, "Thank you."

I reached for my pad to take more orders. It was mid-Saturday morning and we had quite a number, which was usual for a weekend. As soon as I picked up my writing pad, I heard my chirpy favorite voice.

"Darling!" she called out. With a wide smile I turned quickly, but nothing prepared me for the chaos that followed.

In an attempt to run to me, she bumped into a lady, causing her to drop her take-outs.

"Are you blind? You clumsy child." She thundered, as Lyn shrank at her loud voice.

"I'm so sorry ma'am, I didn't see you coming," Lyn apologized looking down. Her eyes were teary and she was afraid.

"How would you see? Didn't your parents teach you not to run in public? What the hell is wrong with you, now you ruined my take outs." She kept yelling.

I found it rather annoying that she kept yelling at a child, and at this point I wished I was a customer as well, I really needed to set that woman straight, but I had to be wise because I still needed this job.

However, I lost it when she raised her hand. Lyn closed her eyes in fear, anticipating the lady's pounce, but I stepped in just in time. Not my Lyn.

"How dare you try to raise your hand on a child?" I caught her hand in the air and pushed Lyn behind me.

"Didn't you see what this insolent child did to me?" She narrowed her eyes at me.

"But she apologized, or do you have some hearing impediment, madam?"

"Don't you know how to talk to customers? If you missed it, I'm a customer here."

"Does she look like a child actor to you? She is a customer too, and you are scaring the child," I cut in sharply.

"What did you say again? 'Her parents didn't teach her not to run in public?' Maybe yours didn't teach you how to treat other people nicely. Or maybe, you are just a bitter person."

"You'd lose your job for that stupid little brat? Are you her mother?"

"So what if I'm not? If I lose this job, I'll find another one. But at least you don't get to hurt the child."

"You'll regret this. I'll make..."

"Mmm-mmm," a masculine voice interrupted, clearing his throat behind me, a kind that drew everyone's attention, causing an unusual silence.

I turned to take a look and froze at the sight with my mouth slightly open. It felt as though I was star struck. I had met many good-looking men, but this one, who would surpass them in one breath.

Man was fine. Whoosh!

He was tall and well built, fitted in a chocolate brown short-sleeved shirt that hugged tightly on his muscular biceps. He had a chiseled jaw and well-groomed hairline, that framed his facial features.

"That's enough," he said in a smooth, deep voice, adjusting his stance. "Go to the counter and have a replacement. Take as much as you can, I'll cover for your loss."

That voice..."Damn!" It was sharp and commanding, yet low and husky.

Although intimidated, the lady was amazed by the sight. I could tell by her stutter and how she smiled like a clown, not sure what to say after what. What woman won't, I chuckled.

"Oh of course not, you don't have to pay for the mistakes of this untamed child. I only wanted to teach her a lesson, but this woman interfered. She should be fired."

"Oh please," I rolled my eyes.

"Well, I failed to tame this 'untamed child,' I should pay for your loss.

"Yo – you're her father?"

"Mmhmm," he gestured.

She wasn't sure whether to apologize or take the walk of shame. I merely watched as he gave her a cold, mean look.

"I'll just leave," she took the walk, her cheeks flushed in shame.

A few steps in, he interrupted. "No, the counter is that way. You should get your items replaced before I change my mind and make you pay for intimidating my child."

I watched her turn to the counter, pick a few items, and walk away like a zombie.

"I'm sorry Darling," Lyn broke the silence as another tear rolled down her cheek.

"No sweetheart, don't say sorry." I lowered myself to her height. "That mean woman should say sorry, not you."

"She raised her voice at you because of me. Will she hurt you now?"

"No my love, she won't hurt me."

I was about to ask if Lyn wanted a hug, before her father interrupted.

"Are you okay, Baby?" she nodded, and I stood up.

"Come here," he lifted her. "She can't hurt Darling; I won't let her?"

I giggled. Hearing him call me Darling was funny.

"What?" he said with furrowed brows.

"Darlene. I'm Darlene, not darling." I responded.

He was quiet for a long second and I wondered if I was also getting the cold, intimidating stare. But I caught his eyes trail down on me and then it came back up, to hold my gaze with a raised brow.

Although I couldn't place my finger on it, something was different. It wasn't mean and cold like he stared at the other lady a few minutes ago, and I stood there staring back as though I hadn't seen a man before.

"Tenor. Tenor Stark." He stretched forth his hands for a handshake. I hesitated for a bit, and then extended mine to meet his. As soon as our hands touched, I felt a little shiver.

His grip was firm and warm, but I couldn't afford to make a fool of myself, so I released it quickly, flashing a courteous smile.

"I'll get you some chocolate ice cream, would you like that?" I turned to Lyn in an attempt to break the awkward eye contact.