Chapter 2 - Job

"Yes mom?" I murmur when I hear my mom's voice on the other line.

"Rachel wants you to cook for them—be there at 6pm. She's my friend and I said that you're an amazing cook"

I groan "Really mom? I'm not that good and I'm tired"

"Stop being lazy Riley and do your job it's a good thing for you"

I'm not lazy. I'm just tired. It's different.

"Okay mom I'll be there" I yawn

"Okay I will text you the address, it's only a few steps away"

She hang up and I cuddle my bunny bear tighter.

Oh I think this is a nice day really.

Well, it's weekend so I have time for that. I also need to earn money not depending with my mom. But I don't know— I only know how to cook fajitas, hotdog, egg and spaghetti. What if they don't like it? Oh crap! What if I screwed up.

I only cooked fajitas for the 5th time and its been a couple of months that I haven't cook any other recipes.

I get up and clean myself getting a pair of jeans and a hoodie. I just got a text from mom and it's not that far though so I'll better walk to get an exercise too. After a few steps away, I found a house. I think its Rachel's home already. I press the doorbell then for a second, someone opens the door. Her hair is blonde, wavy and she has an amazing short hair. She's mid 30's but still stunning.

"Hi, you must be Riley, come in" She says gracefully and I cheerfully nod. She opens the door wider for letting me in.

"Thank you" I said shyly, looking at the living room which attract my eyes. It looks so tidy. I let my eyes roam on the large frame on the wall. Its a painting—abstract art. On the other side is a family picture. I saw Rachel with a boy on her lap and a man on the right side. They look so wonderful in one picture.

"It's nice to see you Riley" She said while smiling. She's so nice.

"Me too"

"So, your mom said you're an amazing cook" Oh mom really embarrassed me. Rachel expects me to be a good cook but am literally not. I also haven't been in a competition. I don't know. I don't have a confidence to do that in front of many people. I just sometimes cook for me and my mom.

"Oh not really" I giggle

"So what's your best recipe?"

"Fajitas"

"Oh really!? My son loves it"  she beams

"It's a good news!" I grin and she lead me toward the kitchen. It is so amazing. Their kitchen is like what I've seen in the movie. It's very aesthetic.

"Your kitchen is so nice" I commented. The wall is white combined with sage green.

She chuckles getting the ingredients from the fridge. I open the cabinet to find a pan.

"What ingredients do you need?" She asks.

"Uhm 1 kg. chicken, onions, cumin, and red pepper"

"The chicken is out of stock, I'll ask my son to buy it" She went upstairs and I get a knife to chop the onions.

"Just go!" I tilt my head as I saw a shirtless guy walking downstairs. His messy hair still looks good on him. I think he just woke up. I look at his six-packed abs. Oh! I think my cheeks are red already. I turn away quickly when he narrow his eyes over me. Wait. I think I knew this guy.

He's frowning looking at his mom. I can't be wrong. He's the guy who embarrassed me in front of many people. Malcolm Fox. The jerk.

My anger issues arises when I remember what happened to me lately. I can't forgive him. I didn't even realize I will be the cook for their family. Oh nice. I need to go. I'll leave as soon as possible.

"U-uhm Rachel?" I interrupted their conversation and Malcolm walks away. Maybe he's convinced to buy some chicken.

"Yes, what's the problem honey?" She come near me and willing to know what I needed to say.

"U-uhm nothing, I forgot the lime juice" I can't tell her. I want to leave but I can't tell her. I can't even think clearly. How could I say to her, she's just too nice for me. It will be disrespectful if I'll leave without even saying the reason.

"Okay, I'll text Malcolm to buy lime juice too"

"Oh and by the way Riley" I look back "I will introduce you to my son later once he's back—I apologize he's a little bit grumpy" She chuckle.

"No problem" I fake a smile.

If you only knew your son embarrassed me in front of  the people and tell anyone that I stole his key!

A few minutes later, Malcolm is back. He gave me the raw chicken in a plastic bag. He smirk and turn away before looking at my.

Wait what? Why is he looking at my chest?

===

"Oh my god! it's so good! Your mom is right you're an amazing cook" Rachel commented.

"Uhm thanks" I sheepishly smiled.

"Come on Riley join us" Rachel said and I instantly refuse. It might be awkward for the two of them. Oh wait. I didn't notice his dad I wonder where he is.

Malcolm quickly eats his meal. Well, that's good because it's obvious that he likes it. He didn't even say a word.

"Please Riley don't be shy" she beg

"Thanks but I'm not hungry"

"Just sit down"

My eyes widened when he suddenly speak. Malcolm wants me to join them?  He acts so normal—no guilt.

"Yes Riley just sit down" Rachel said and I don't even have a choice so I joined them. 

===

"So tell me everything!" She blurted. We're in the cafeteria with Zia and as usual she wants every tiniest detail.

"Later"

"Now! Riley"

Ugh this girl's can't wait for life.

"I cooked for Malcolm and his mom"

"What?!" She gasps in disbelief.

"You cooked for them? What was your recipe?"

"Fajita"

"Did he like it?"

"Yeah"

"Oh! I know you are a good cook and I even tasted—it's amazing! Good job!" She grins and I smile. I didn't remember that she tasted my fajitas but good thing she likes it too.

I really love to cook but I get tired doing it. Now I'm doing it again, in Malcolm's house. I don't like the feeling because I just feel the anger when I hear his name.

Zia screams and I quickly look back seeing the badass boys again. They are all looking good and unfortunately, they are walking in our direction.

"Hi!" Zia waves to Shawn Hool whose wearing a tight shirt while fixing his blonde hair. His shirt reveals his abs. Shawn smirk at Zia and she blushed childishly.

Rem Walker the third guy who wears a polo, looks so decent on what he's wearing.

Malcolm Fox wear a cap this time and a black shirt. He looks so simple yet so good.

"My mom said cook for us tomorrow " Malcolm said and he walks away smirking.

He didn't even let me answer. I don't want to go there again. I don't want to see his face again.

Not anymore.