We need to talk

There is no way he would agree, right? I’m sure he would refuse it. "I believe he has somewhere to go. Right, Eion?" I spoke up, joining in their conversation.

He paused for a moment before smirking. "I think not. I’m free today." He said this as he got out of his car. With my eyes, I threw daggers at him. Why is he not cooperating? Gosh, I was even helping me to get out of this situation.

Mom smiled at that and motioned him inside. "Welcome to our humble abode; please feel free to make yourself at home."

Nathan jumped and grabbed Eion's hands after remaining silent the entire time. I exclaimed, looking at Eion's expression, who was staring at Nathan without a smile.

Nathan smiled at him "Can me and Eionny play, Mom? I've always wished for an older sibling!"

Nathan caught my eye, checking to see if it was alright with me. Wait, why is my family becoming so close to that robot?

"No, honey, you can play with him next time. Snow and Eion are going to have a conversation about something." Mom responded, refusing Nathan’s request that made his lips turn into a sad pout.

I glanced at mom and gave him a look. What is she saying? I didn’t remember having to talk to Eion.

I saw Nathan dragging Eion and made him sit on our sofa in the living room, and I was about to leave when mom pulled me from behind. "What are you planning, mom?"I asked her.

"What? I was just being hospitable. And it's your own boss. You should keep him entertained." Mom smiled at me or rather threatened me.

I sighed in annoyance, regretting everything. What else could I do? Tsk.

Sitting on the sofa on the other end and away from Eion, I overheard Nathan speaking to him.

"Let's play next time," Eion the robot said as he patted my brother's hair.

Nathan was overjoyed. "Is that true? Yehey! I'm going to get my Legos ready!"

Accordingly, I saw mom coming over to get Nathan. "Let us leave them alone, Nate-nate." She waved as she carried Nathan in her arms and walked away from us.

I locked my gaze on Eion once we were left alone in our living room. "You could have turned down my mother, robot." I started.

"Your mother asked, and I think it's polite to say yes," he answered. "Also, your mom is right. I believe we have something to talk about."

Mom reappeared, gave me a look, handed us drinks, and smiled strangely at us before leaving again.

I let out a sigh. I know what she's up to...matching she's us up.

"I’m talking about the shop. Return the following day." Eion raised his voice at me and that made me snort at him.

"Did I not make it clear? I stated that I do not wish to do so. And why would I go back when you're the boss? I’m sorry but, no thanks." I stated.

Hearing that, he let out a sigh. "Do you really despise me that much?"

"Despise? It was you who hated me first," I pointed out, recalling how he treated me when we first met. "I believe it is proper to return the favor."

He was silent, knowing I had won the argument, and I was about to stand up when he also did the same, approaching me until he was directly in front of me, and leaned in since he was too tall for my 5’4 height.

As the tension in the air rose, I looked at him, perplexed. What the heck is going on?

"You don't want me to tell your mother that you quit your job, right?" he said, his breath fanning on my face. I caught a whiff of his strong masculine perfume and it actually smells...nice...

I shook my head, pulling myself away from my thoughts. Behave yourself, Snow.

"No, don't tell my mom," I exclaimed quickly, glancing at the door and checking if mom heard it. I sighed in relief when I saw she wasn't there now.

Then I realized it... So he knows I kept it hidden, and he’s using it as a threat to me. I cursed under my breath.

Knowing that he had the upper hand in this, he ruffled my hair and said, "Then I'll see you in the store tomorrow.'' He then exited the room, and I heard him speaking to my mom outside. "Thank you very much, Aunt Eve. I'm leaving right now."

I followed him and overheard Mom saying something to him that I couldn't understand. Eion nodded as she spoke, Mom laughed and patted his back, and Eion stood there awkwardly.

What exactly is she saying to him? Whatever it is, I’m hoping it’s not about me because mom had a tendency to tell people unusual things about me. That would be embarrassing. Glancing at me one last time, Eion then walked over to his car and drove away.

I turned to my mother once Eion was away, "Mom, what was that?" I inquired.

She shrugged and smiled. "Oh, nothing." Humming a tune, she winked at me. "Snow, he's a good kid."

Good kid? What is this nonsense my mom is talking about? I just shook my head and quietly returned inside.

**

"Please enjoy your Vanilla ice cream with fudge-covered waffle cone pieces and a caramel swirl, ma'am!"

I exclaimed happily to my customer, as she paid and left the shop. My smile faltered from tiredness, despite the fact that I had been smiling the entire time (as I always do) when customers approached. I gently massaged the nape of my neck with my hands.

After yesterday happened, Aunt Maggie was true to her words and fixed and drove our car home. She’s such an angel and savior, and I really thank her for helping us. She had taken a quick stop at our house and mom and her had a nice little chat.

And for me, I swallowed all the pride I had left and gone back to work in the shop that afternoon. I didn't have a choice because my mother is gradually becoming aware of my abrupt change in routine. I guess I'll just have to put up with my new boss’s attitude. Since I haven't found a new job yet, I suppose it's my fate to be stuck here working in the store.

I cast a glance at a certain robot's sitting form. Eion. He's been here since Emma's morning shift and was busy calculating the store’s expenses and doing who knows what. About Emma, she was worried and kept on apologizing for not telling me about it earlier. She was still working at the shop of course.

And earlier, she complained to me how she had to manage the store all on her own when I was away. But she was really thankful that I was back now.

I was avoiding Eion, making sure not to make eye contact with him in order to avoid becoming irritated. So far, nothing bad has happened, aside from him occasionally giving me orders.

His reaction was just plain neutral when he learned I was back earlier, and he started to give me orders right away.

When I gave him his usual strawberry ice cream order, he said, "I'll be renovating this shop beginning next month," without taking his gaze away from his laptop screen.

I gave a nod.

"Don't forget about our agreement by the way." He started before I could even return to the counter.

"Agreement? What do you mean?" I asked, furrowing my eyebrows at him.