April 6 2025

The restaurant opened up, Anne was at the kitchen, fixing her apron. Her friends weren't here yet and Maria was busy with something else, Winters stretched her arms out, looking around for a moment as she began having flashes of last night, Where she spent a night with her manager.

Anne couldn't deny that she enjoyed what happened between them, She didn't even care about anything else, But there was a part of her that felt bad, Maybe it was because of the way it all happened, so sudden, so intense and she was scared, Maybe Steve regretted it. . . Even though she didn't.

Anne sighed, shaking her head. She tried not to think about it too much, She didn't understand why she was getting scared for no reason, Winters heard a notification on her phone and it was one of her friends as she texted them back. She closed the phone, groaning in annoyance.

Anne: Get it together, Anne. . .

Suddenly she heard the kitchen door opening, Anne smiled, knowing it was either Maria or the others, However when she turned around, It was her manager.

Steve: Good morning, Anne.

Winters stared at him, He looked calm and casual, Anne's eyes roamed all over him before clearing her throat, trying to shake off her thoughts.

Anne: Good morning, Boss.

(Oh my God, I said "Boss" in the weirdest timing, Good job, Anne)

Steve gave a strange look to her. Usually, Anne would never call him "Boss" and call him by his name, but today, She was being a bit formal.

Steve: Boss? That's new.

Anne bit her tongue as she quickly turned away, checking on something while trying to act as normal as possible. She didn't want to make it awkward, Steve continued staring at her while leaning on the counter.

Anne: Uh yeah, Maria suggested I should be more formal.

Steve just nodded, staring at her. Anne wondered if he was gonna pull out what happened last night, but so far, He hasn't said anything.

Steve: *Mutters* But I remember how formal you were last night.

Anne felt like she wanted to facepalm by what he said, Her cheeks were slightly warm and didn't even say a word, Steve then stood straight while looking around.

Steve: Let me know if you need anything.

Anne: Yeah. . . Sure.

She just gave an awkward smile, He stood, staring at her for a moment before walking away as Winters took a deep breath, She really wondered if he was gonna say something about last night.

Later on, the rest of the chefs, waiters, and employees arrived and it was another start of a regular day, Maria and Caleb were talking to each other, Alex was preparing a salad while Anne was talking to Benjamin and Anna at the dessert station.

Anna: Sooooo, what did your charming manager say about the cookies?

Benjamin: Did he really believe you baked it?

They both smiled as Anne was feeling a bit awkward, No one knew the events of last night.

Anne: Uhhh, yeah, He liked it.

Anna: *Raises an eyebrow* What happened to you?

Anne: Nothing?

Benjamin: Are you sure? I wasn't expecting that kind of response?

Anne: I'm serious, He said he loved it, and Steve even thanked me.

(Even though he gave me another kind of "Thank you" last night)

Benjamin and Anna looked at each other, as if they weren't convinced by what Anne said, They noticed how awkward she seemed, almost like she didn't want to tell them something.

Benjamin: *Smiles* You're not telling us something.

Anna: *Gasps* Did he give you a thank you kiss?

Anne: Benji!!!

Benjamin: Benji??? She said it, not me!

Anne: Tell your woman to stop!

Anna: Why? You said way bizzare about him!

Anne: *Sighs* Because-

Steve: Anne, can I speak to you for a moment?

Anne jumped when she heard his voice as she turned around and saw him, Benjamin and Anna looked at each other with cheeky smiles on their faces as Winters cleared her throat.

Anne: Uhh, sure.

Steve: In the backroom, please.

Anne just nodded and followed him as Benjamin and Anna looked at each other in confusion.

Anna: In the backroom?

Benjamin: Alone?

Meanwhile, Anne and Steve were in the backroom, There was a moment of silence as Miller looked at Winters before clearing his throat, Anne could already tell this was going to be the moment.

Steve: Uh, so uh. It's nothing related to work, actually.

Anne: Uh yeah, I know. It's about last night.

He just looked at her, taking a few steps closer as both of them stared at each other.

Steve: It's. . . complicated, right? What happened last night. I don't want things to be weird between us, but I can't pretend it didn't happen.

Anne was silent for a moment before nodding.

Anne: I don't want things to be weird either, Steve. But I think. . . we both know it changed things.

He sighed heavily, knowing that was the truth, Anne stared at him, and Steve took another step closer to her as Winters could already feel her cheeks warm up by how close he was. Maybe there was a mixture of confusion and satisfaction.

Steve: I know. . . I don't know what's next, but I know we can't go back.

There was another moment of silence until something clicked on her mind.

Anne: Is everything okay with you, though? You were really mad last night. Never thought i would see you like that.

Steve: *Frowns* It was something with Kelly. . .

Anne: I'm sorry but. . . Did you two break up?

There was awkward silence between them, Anne felt like she shouldn't have said that as Steve just shaked his head.

Steve: No, We didn't. . . I'm suspecting her, but I don't know if I'm right or wrong.

Anne: . . . . That's it?

Steve: And then we got into a bad argument, She said terrible stuff to me which is why i came home mad, But now I don't know what I should feel, considering what you and I did.

Anne bit her tongue, looking away for a moment as Steve sighed again.

Steve: I'm sorry, Anne. Don't think i was taking advantage of you, I just didn't think what I was-

Anne: Hey, It's okay. I get it. . . Even i wasn't thinking straight.

Deep down, She felt bad, He clearly seemed like he regretted what happened and now that was going to change things between them, It wasn't going to be the same, Anne knew she can't destroy Steve and Kelly's relationship, But it's always her feelings that was coming in the way. . . And it's still happening.

Another side felt angry at Kelly mostly, She really wanted to know what Kelly said to him Kelly could have said something, anything, it made Anne's blood boil knowinh Kelly had no idea how much she was hurting Steve, Now Anne's suspicion on her grew stronger, She really felt like something was wrong with her, And Steve almost saw it but he's conflicted, Of course, It was a five-year relationship but some things could go wrong.

Steve: Anyways, you should be working right now, I can't keep bothering you. . . Again, sorry.

Anne: *Smiles a little* Don't apologise, I don't like it, Besides, aside from what happened, I love it when you bother me.

Steve: Really? Are you trying to tell me something?

He had a genuine small smile on his face, and finally, the tension was fading away as Anne felt her heart skip a beat, Despite everything that happened. . . Anne couldn't stop giving him signs.

Anne: What, you want me to spell it out for you, Steve?

She teased, smiling at him. She took a step closer, His eyes lit up for a moment, surprised that she got closer.

Steve: What is it?

Anne: It's. . .

She leaned closer to his face, He stared at her in silence before Winters smiled, leaning back.

Anne: It's. . . something that's better left unsaid. . . for now.

Steve: . . Okay then?

Steve laughed a little as Winters smiled back. However, the tension in the room was far different than how it was earlier.

Anne: Alright, I'll see you later, Boss.

Steve: *Laughs a little* See ya.

She walked away as Steve stood there, staring at her as Anne left the room, He sighed heavily, feeling a little different after that talk, For some reason he was wondering what she meant, What did she feel about him? Miller had been noticing that Anne always gets too close to him, and now it made him wonder, "Did she actually like what happened last night?"

He was curious and confused, Steve almost talked about his relationship problems with Kelly, and he was still mad at her. And now he was conflicted again, but the new problem was. . .

He couldn't stop thinking about Anne.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alex: Hey Caleb, Since your cooking dinner tonight, make sure you cook a nice steak and it has to be medium-rare.

Caleb: Hey, I'm only cooking for the ladies, not for you!

Alex: Nope! You lost the bet, You gotta cook for me as well.

Sydney: *Laughs* You guys

Lois: See Caleb? Everyone loves your cooking.

Caleb: I know, dear. But there's no way I'm making a steak for Alex, I'm surprised he didn't tell me to make a pizza.

Alex: That reminds me-

Caleb: No.

Everyone shared a laugh while making their way out of the restaurant since work was over, Benjamin and Anna went to hangout somewhere while Anne was still at the restaurant, telling that she'll join the others later.

Maria: Still can't forget how Alex was screaming at another chef about missing the lamb sauce.

Alex: *Laughs* Hey, why are we talking about this now?

Lois: You literally turned into Gordon Ramsey for a moment.

Caleb: Sure you're not secretly related to him?

Alex: That would be cool, though.

Sydney: Ooooh, I mean, just imagine he actually visits our restaurant?

Maria: That's a dream. Hopefully, that comes true.

Lois: *Smiles* Maybe one day.

They continued walking until Maria noticed a rolls royce car that was parked, Her eyes lit up as she had a huge smile on her face.

Maria: Is that a rolls royce? I love those cars!

Sydney: *Cheeky smile* Wanna steal it?

Maria: Sydney!

They laughed as Maria rolled her eyes and laughed a little, She continued staring at the car and touched the trunk of it, She always wanted to own a car like that.

Lois: *Laughs* Maria, We should get going.

Maria: Sorry, this looks beautiful, and the best part is, Blue is my favourite colour.

???: And blue is starting to become my favourite colour.

Maria immediately turned around and saw Anthony, who was smiling at her, The group smiled and stepped away as Maria looked at the car before looking back at him.

Maria: Anthony? This is your car?

Anthony: Yes, sweetheart. It's brand new as well.

Maria: Thought you had a Mercedes before?

Anthony: I do, but I own more than one car.

He smiled, leaning against the car, The group just smiled at both of them and watched.

Anthomy: You know, this beauty's got a bit more horsepower, a little more style, thought I'd show you what I can really pull up with.

Maria: *Laughs* You're a businessman, Of course, you're setting the standard

Anthony: And I think you'd look pretty amazing in the passenger seat, What do you say?

Maria had a huge smile on her face before looking at her friends, They smirked and slowly walked away as Marshall looked at Anthony and said "Yes" Soon, They both got in the car as Anthony started and began driving the car, Maria leaned back against the plush leather seat, running her fingers along the interior.

Maria: This is pretty impressive.

Anthony: *Grins* Only the best for the best.

Maria: I'm pretty shocked, though, a luxurious car and a handsome gentleman. I didn't expect this.

Anthony: Did you just call me a handsome gentleman?

Maria realised what she said as Anthony stared at her with a small smirk on his face as Maria began laughing, but she was blushing at the same time.

Maria: Uhh, yes, I did.

Anthony: Seems like you just hit the jackpot, Maria.

He winked and continued driving around as Maria covered her face, smiling to herself, She continued looking at the window, enjoying the experience so far.

Sometime has passed, and Anthony continued driving her around the city, He glanced at Maria for a moment, smiling again.

Anthony: So, you're enjoying yourself?

Maria: Definitely, It's amazing.

Anthony smiled as Maria looked at him, fixing her hair while smiling.

Maria: So, is blue actually your favourite colour? You mentioned it earlier.

Anthony: Well, recently it has become my favourite, Do you know the reason why?

Maria: Why?

Anthony: *Smiles* I said it a few times, You could guess it yourself.

Maria looked confused and was silent for a moment, Anthony chuckled and waited for a response, but it really seemed like she was clueless.

Anthony: It's because of you, sweetheart, Those beautiful blue eyes, They might just be my new favourite shade.

Maria's eyes lit up and felt her heart skip a beat, His compliments really touched her heart, He was charmastic but honest as well.

Maria: *Smiles* Aww you always say that.

Anthony: *Chuckles* I don't think I'll ever stop

Maria: Why do you always flirt with me?

Anthony: Because it's impossible not to.

He smirked, looking back at the road as Maria giggled and continued watching the road with him, Eventually, Anthony stopped his car by a nearby cafe.

Maria: *Smiles* I'll just walk back home from here.

Anthony: Why don't you let me drop you there?

Maria: No, It's okay. I can take a short walk.

Anthony: You sure? I don't mind driving you.

Maria: I'm sure. It's a nice night, and a little walk sounds good.

Anthony: Come on, sweetheart, let me be a gentleman.

Maria: *Blushes and laughs* If you insist.

She couldn't refuse anymore, He was really kind to her. Anthony had a smile on his face and started the car and began driving, While he was watching the road, Maria took a moment to look at him.

Eventually he arrived at her house, He quickly got out of the car and went to open the car door for her, Maria chuckled and slowly got out of the car as both of them were looking at each other.

Maria: Thanks, Anthony. I really enjoyed this.

Anthony: No problem, See you soon again.

Maria smiled, nodding before asking him a question.

Maria: Umm. . . When can we hang out again?

Anthony: *Smiles* Anytime, Give me a call and I'll clear my schedule just for you. You can pick the time, and I'll be there

Maria: Sounds great!

Her heart fluttered by his words as both of them said goodbye to each other before Maria went back to her house, Anthony got in the car, smiling to himself.

(She's adorable)

A/N: Thank you so much for reading and stay strong!!! :)