Not In The Mood


    Zoe’s POV


    Monday morning, I was awakened by the noise of my rm and greeted by the rising sun, which


    lights beamed past through the window.


    My eyes widened when I realized that I had work to do. And I amte!


    I dashed inside the bathroom to take a quick shower, and afterward, I wore a simple white shirt and


    jeans. Since it’s summer, the weather is fine, and it suits my clothing… er, I guess?


    I don’t want to wear any sexy stuff like sleeveless or summer dresses. There’s no way. I am more


    comfortable with shirts and jeans.


    When I got out of my room, I smelled freshly baked cookies. I know that Aunt Millie’s cookies smell


    like that, and we’ve been here in Cali for almost a week now.


    Mr. Reynolds, the baker, has excellent baking skills so as cooking and I can sense that he likes


    Aunt Millie. So as my aunt. It’s just that they’re like teenagers who still feel shy with tints of


    cowardice.


    Even though mom always teased Aunt Millie, thetter still didn’t ept it. And she reminds me of


    myself.


    I shook my head as I went down and smiled at my mom when I saw her in the living room… with


    Aunt Millie.


    “You’re upte this day, sweetheart. Hmm? What happened?” Aunt Millie asked.


    I smiled and shook my head as I walked toward the door. “Nothing, Aunt.”


    Aunt Millie arches her brow. “Is that so? Anyway, have some breakfast and continue—”


    I waved my hand, stopping her. “I’m good, Aunt. Besides, Cindy and I decided to have some coffee


    and bread, which is fresh from the oven,” I said.


    Aunt Millie let out a soft chuckle. “If you say so. Anyway, we have work today, so please do take


    care of the café, alright?”


    I smiled and nodded. “Yes, Aunt. And do take care,” I said and went out of the apartment.


    Downstairs I saw Cindy pass through the ss walls, and she was busy talking and getting her


    customer’s orders. Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    I pushed the ss door, and the chimes rang. Cindy lifted her head and met my eyes.


    “Good morning, Zoe,” she greeted me while I walked toward her.


    I smiled and greeted her back.


    “I’m sorry. I’mte,” I said as I walked towards the small locker, grabbed my apron, and tied my hair


    up.


    Afterward, I stood beside her and smiled at the customer.


    I heard Cindy talk. “It’s fine. Besides, we don’t have many customers today. But…” she nced at


    me, “Aunt Millie’s boss has a bulk order,” she added.


    I frowned as curiosity struck me. Cindy’s n was ruined from day one. We didn’t get the


    opportunity to look after him.


    Mom and Aunt Millie… so Mr. Reynolds warned us not to do stupid things, and since conscience


    attacked us, we didn’t pursue to find it out for the second time.


    Like, what’s the big deal?


    At first, we followed them but waited for nothing.


    “Care to share your thought?” she asked and smirked, making me shake my head.


    We keep busy preparing and giving orders to customers. For a few moments, we take a rest and


    drink a cold caramel float with cookies.


    Monday is another tiring day, but we’re delighted that we made all the orders. Since the café has no


    delivery boy, the clients send someone to pick up their orders.


    “A drink for tonight?” Suddenly, Cindy asked me while I was currently wiping the tables, and she


    was mopping the floor.


    I nced at the wall clock, it was still seven in the evening, and I still got time to grab a drink.


    However, I am feelingzy to get out.


    I shook my head. “Maybe, next time.”


    I saw how Cindy pouted her lips. “Come on, Zoe. My treat.”


    I stopped and sighed as I met her eyes. “I’m sorry, Cindy, but I’m not in the mood to grab a drink. If


    you want, we can go on Friday,” I suggested to ease her tantrum.


    She arched her brow. “Please? Just one bottle. Besides, we will not go to that high-end bar. I don’t


    want to bump with DiMarco,” she said and was pertaining to Calyx.


    I let out a soft chuckle. “I know you like the guy. But I swear, I am not in the mood to drink, Cindy.”


    “What’s wrong with you on this day? You camete, and it seems you lost your appetite. Then, now,


    you’re declining me,” she said, making meugh.


    “We can go out some other time, but not today. If you want to, you can go out alone.”


    Cindy red at me. “Hmph. If I know you just don’t want to—”


    “Cindy, please. Don’t be stubborn. I swear I am not in the mood to go out,” I said and continued


    wiping the table.


    Before Cindy moved away from me, I heard her deep sigh.


    I shook my head.


    I am just telling the truth, and I am already sleepy at this moment.


    When we were done cleaning the café, Cindy went out by herself, and Iughed when she threw a


    tantrum at me. But I told her that I would treat her over dinner tomorrow.


    When I climbed upstairs, mom and Aunt Millie were not yet home. Maybe the two decided to take


    their OT. I am happy because I see that mom loves her new work.


    The atmosphere of her work is new to her since she used to be an escort and always worked in


    clubs. And amidst that, we’ve been through. I am proud of her.


    She’s a strong woman, and I admire her for that, making me wish that I’m like her.


    As the days go by, still, my feelings haven’t changed. It’s my fault anyway. But I only did the thing


    that was right.


    Don Lincoln is a dangerous man, and Helios is already fated to marry his childhood friend. Chloe is


    a sweet girl, and I know she will take good care of Helios more than I can.