Burning Passion

CHAPTER 39: LIGHTEN MY MOOD

I guess I lose my mind. I can't forget Theo, and most especially, I can't forget the food he made last night. Remembering at those savoring dishes, my mouth wants to ooze so early in the morning.

For the first time, after Papa died years ago, this house brightened in the presence of Theo from the usual quieter one.

I was glad. Mama asked nothing yet of Theo's place in my life because I don't have an answer for her.

"Good morning, ma… morning Jasmine." I greeted the two ladies at the dining table.

"Good morning, Nikki."

"Good morning, sister Nikki."

"What's for breakfast?" I asked, then glanced at the table.

"Jasmine prepared some eggs and pickled ham with cheese."

Pickled ham and cheese. My stomach would like to flip hearing the names.

"Um, I'll make honey tea," I said lazily.

I guess, mama, watch me playing the egg and bread on my plate. "Do we have some peanut butter?" I asked out of the blue.

"About that sister Nikki, we used up all the other day when we made a red stew."

"Oh…"

"Nikki, are you alright?" Lucy asked her daughter.

"Hm? Of course, Mama." I quickly responded and tried to sip some tea, but I'm not too fond of the taste. I just tried to swallow the hot liquid.

"Do you like something else for breakfast?"

Mama asked me afterward. Hmm, I keep playing on the eggs but never put them into my mouth, which made her worried, I guess. So I smiled at her then replied.

"I will go to the store to buy some peanut butter. Anything you guys needed?" I asked. But my main reason is to avoid mama's worried gaze at me.

"I am good, Nikki."

"How about you, Jasmine?"

"I'm good too, sister Nikki. We have more food out here."

"Hmm. Okay, peanut butter, then. I will be right back!" I tried to be sound enthusiastic. I hurried to get my wallet and left.

I don't have any appetite for breakfast, but I crave some peanut butter right now. Also, one thing why I'd like to go to the store is to check out anything I would like from their ready-to-go food.

"Hey, lady!"

Someone spoke behind me when I pause, and my body slams into him. I looked up and was surprised to see him this morning. "Oh, Theo?"

"Good morning, Nik."

His smiles made my heart thumping crazily too early in the morning. I'm not like some kind of teenager. 'So enough have a grip in yourself, Nikki Lindsey.' I told myself.

"Hey, good morning! What are you doing here?" Quickly I responded over my crazy thoughts. Is he following me? I quickly step away after I inhale his morning scent, freshly showered. Hmm, this seems familiar to me.

"Well, I passed to this street to get to my morning meeting soon, but then I noticed you coming out of your apartment building."

"Ah… Where's your car, by the way?" I'm worried. Might he park it just on a random street.

"Don't worry. I saw your neighbor's vacant parking space, so I borrowed for a while," he pointed to the parking area, and I saw his car.

I can't believe it! I laugh. Sometimes I want to think Theo was living nearby to my apartment. But maybe just a pure coincidence. Anyone could take this road for shortcuts. I've seen many cars doing that, and now, they were familiar to me.

"Where are you headed?" He asked me.

"Um, I am going to the store, buying some breakfast."

"Wow. Perfect timing, I have had none yet."

"Oh, you shouldn't go to work without breakfast," I commented.

"Yeah. I leave the house earlier, hoping to have my breakfast while I am waiting for the client."

"Well, you can choose some good, ready-to-go meals in the store."

"Hm, lazy to make breakfast?"

He sounded like teasing me, so I giggled. "Nah. I just don't like any food from home. I want something else today."

"Then, you should have texted me, and I will make you something else. Are you okay with veggies? Some salad?"

I stare at him with astonishment. Do I hear correctly? Theo offering to make my morning meals?

"You're kidding, right? I can't afford to pay your service!" I joke to hide my overwhelming thoughts.

"I did not. Besides, that's a free meal for me."

Shot! My heart flips. Ah, I got excited just to imagine it, but damn, I shouldn't act too obviously. But I imagine some coleslaw or a potato salad and even a Cobb salad with those avocados. Ugh. My mouth is drooling right now.

"No way. I will only take your time. I could see that you are busy with work." I said. Honestly, I don't want to bother him when I want to distance myself from him.

"I usually wake up before the sun rises in the east. It will be easy for me to drive here where traffic is lighter."

"Don't spoil me."

I heard Theo laugh sexily. How can I distance myself when he keeps appearing in my life? How can I push him away from my heart—

"Careful, Nik!"

Gosh! I ignored where I am walking. I almost bumped into someone who just came out of the store. I was contemplating about Theo and did not notice the store wherein now.

I showed Theo where the ready-to-go food was displayed. We scanned the food stand to see what was good to eat or whether my stomach would accept it.

There are buns and hot dogs—also, some flavored buns with meat inside.

I choose some salted mackerel in a bun with pepper powder and spices, also fresh vegetable cuts as a side dish.

Theo got himself some ham and cheese sandwich, bacon, and a macaroni chicken salad with celery. It looks more greenish to me. Then, I had hot chocolate and brewed coffee for himself.

I never imagine this would be like a feast breakfast haven for me. Or maybe because I wasn't alone eating in the corner of this store?

In these passing months, when I came home from staying overnight in the hospital, here where I run to get my breakfast before I head to work. And it feels different this time, because a handsome man is sitting next to me, and everyone is looking in our direction. Curious and mesmerized by Theo's presence.

He is not just a typical handsome. His entire appearance is beyond ordinary, which could quickly determine he belongs to the High Society. I was sure Theo could feel the attention given to him, but as he acts like it is nothing, I did not comment about it.

We finished our breakfast and before I forgot; I bought three bottles of peanut butter and some stuff to look like; I went shopping. I was paying the cash register when my eyes caught some boxes behind the cashier. I didn't know this store also sold some pregnancies test kits. I want to buy one or two with different brands, but they never heard I had a boyfriend or I got married. The worst, they would think Theo and I are sleeping together. I shook my head. It was ludicrous to imagine.

Since Theo's car parked in the apartment's parking area, he walked with me to the main door.

"Thanks for a walk."

"Sure. Besides, I parked my car over there."

"Ah, right." I laughed. "Then, you have to go to work now."

"Sadly, yeah."

There is a sadness I could see in his eyes, but I did not put too much meaning into it. Who am I to assume?

"Then, I will head inside now."

"Sure. Bye, Nik!"

I wave before I turn around and step inside the building.. I must be crazy, but he could lighten my mood every time he appeared.