Chapter 4

Dan turned her around to face him, and she was speechless. She knew that she had to face him one day. But never had she ever thought that the day would come so soon if anyone can call six years soon.

Ella looked at him in his eyes hesitantly, and there were tons of emotions flashing. It stunned her. Her thoughts blocked her mind. It was as if time had stopped, and it was just him and her.

“Dan,” she whispered again. She wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t hear her.

He looks the same as before. Just matured a bit.

Dan still could not believe that his Shortcake was standing in front of him. It’s been six years since he last saw her. He has so many questions to ask her, which only she can respond to. When he looked at her in her eyes, he saw guilt. Even today, he could read her with ease. But what is she guilty of?

“I see you have met the manager of this cafe, Mr. Daniel Martin.” He heard Mr. Dena Thompson’s voice.

“Manager?” He asked again as he couldn’t believe what he heard.

“Yes, Mr. Martin. She is the manager of ‘The Brunch,’” he replied.

Before Daniel could wrap his mind around this new-found knowledge, his best friend showed up.

“Ella?” Tim said. Dan could see that even his best friend didn’t expect to see Ella here.

“Uh hey, Tim.” She tried to smile and waved a little.

He immediately went ahead and hugged her tightly.

“Well, I see you guys know each other.” Mr. Thompson stated.

“Now that would be an understatement, Mr. Thompson. We were really good friends in our school days. In fact, best friends.” Tim replied.

“Well, then I won’t hesitate twice to sign these deals if they appeal to me. And please, call me Dean,” he said.

“Of course,” Tim said.

“Oh shoot! I am late. I hope I didn’t miss much,” a girl with red hair said.

“Of course not, kid. Well, this is my daughter Rosey.” Dean explained.

“Dad,” she whined. “I am also a co-worker here and assist my best friend Ella with her work. So, don’t associate me as your daughter in the cafe.” She stuck her tongue out. But Dean ruffled her hair playfully.

Finally, Dan saw a beautiful smile forming on the face of Ella and some mixed emotions in her eyes. He really wanted to hug her, talk to her, demand an explanation from her, and a lot more. But he refrained from doing so.