22. Calipso d'Cafe

Calipso d'Cafe. The lights flickered. Rissa saw the handsome man behind the cafe window. He was sitting alone, holding a glass. His sharp nose is visible from a distance. Rissa pushed the cafe door and then went inside.

"Good evening, Ma'am," the waiter said in greeting. "Do you have any reservation for tonight?"

"Uhm … uhm …."

"How many people, Ma'am?" asked the waiter patiently.

Rissa walked in a hurry without paying attention to the waiter's gaze. She pulled up a chair and sat across from Charlos.

"Hi!" said Rissa while panting. "I'm working late today. There are no vehicles that directly pass here. So, I'm a little late. Have you waited long?" Rissa grabbed three pieces of tissue that were on the table. She wiped her wet and dirty face.

Charlos looked at her in annoyance and was not answering her question. The man leaned against the back of the chair, folding his arms across his chest. So far, Rissa is still not used to having Charlos around her. Anyway, Charlos is a good-looking man.

Sometimes, he looks mature, like a very busy, important person. Sometimes, he also looks young and casual like now; a collared jeans jacket with an abstract red t-shirt inside, paired with jeans and sneakers. Her brown hair looks cool with hair gel.

"Professionalism," blurted Charlos. "If I'm not mistaken, this afternoon someone said something about professionalism. Tsk tsk tsk ..." Charlos shook his head. "A little late, huh? What time do you think it is now?"

He watched Rissa as if he was appraising. Rissa is pretty sure that the score must be bad. So, she looked down, frowning.

"Listen. I'm really sorry, Charlos." Rissa pulled back the tissue and rubbed her shoulder, splashed with water until she destroyed the tissue.

"Actually, do you intend to have dinner with me or not? It's useless that I have your cell phone number. I've been calling you so many times, but you were not picking up." Charlos flipped through Rissa's business card in his hand and put it in his wallet. He leaned forward.

"Wow! Did you call me earlier?" Rissa took out her cellphone from her bag and saw that there were eighteen missed calls. "I'm really soproferry, Charlos. I was working late. I have a lot of work to do. You know that this morning I had to accompany you around the factory. Actually, I replaced Esther. It should be her job. By the way, can I have a drink or not?"

Rissa took Charlos's glass of warm lemon tea, then drank it. Instantly her throat felt comfortable.

Charlos looked at her in disbelief. "Hey!" He snatched the glass from Rissa's hand. "What's wrong with you?"

"I am thirsty!" Rissa whined, then she pouted again. "Who agreed to have dinner with you anyway? I didn't say yes."

"I thought you wanted to collect an explanation debt from me."

Rissa was about to answer Charlos again, but then Charlos raised his hand to call the waiter. Not long after, the main menu came. The chef was laid out the chicken steaks on a leaf-shaped plate. The brownish sauce surrounds the sides of the chicken steaks, made like large drops that line up getting smaller and smaller.

There are fine green granules on it. Rissa only guessed that it was a sprinkling of basil. The generous portion of the fried potato wedges was on the side. Boiled vegetables like corn, carrots and chickpeas are side by side next to it.

"Wow!" Rissa gawked at the menu in front of her. The savoury aroma of chicken wafted up, tickling Rissa's tiny nose. She poked the potatoes with a fork and ate them. The potatoes were crunchy and soft inside. Well, she has fallen in love with the potatoes, even though she hasn't tried the chicken yet.

Charlos looked at Rissa's behaviour which seemed unsophisticated and uncouth. So, Rissa straightened her back and tried to be as elegant as possible. The handsome man in front of him took a fork and knife, sliced ​​the chicken on his plate in a very respectful manner. Rissa grabbed her glass and took a sip of her hot lemon tea delivered by the waiter. Her hands were shaking a little.

She decided to look around. Anyway, Rissa had never come to this place. The atmosphere is so warm. The smell of cheese wafted through the air. The walls are brick painted red, covered by a series of frames containing photos of the artists who have visited this place, complete with their signatures. The wooden chairs and tables are light brown. A little glass filled with small yellow flowers beautifies the minimalist dining table.

Musicians began to take the stage, testing musical instruments such as piano, bass, trumpet, drums, and guitar. Then jazz music filled the room, breaking the tension still going on in front of them. The music makes Rissa wants to sway.

Several times, Charlos looked at Rissa suspiciously. Music makes Rissa forget her graceful attitude. She cut the steak and ate it ravenously. Rissa never imagined a better chicken than the one on her plate.

Rissa muttered a sign of favour, and her head bobbed slightly to the rhythm of the music. Suddenly, Charlos laughed scornfully.

"What?" asked Rissa with her mouth full of food.

"You better look at the mirror. Your hair is messy, your clothes wet, and you eat like crazy. Are you really hungry?"

Rissa choked. While still coughing, she took a comb from her bag and tried to fix her hair. Her mouth was still chewing. Charlos laughed while shaking his head. His teeth looked neat and white. His dimples perched cheerfully.

Like it or not, Rissa has to admit, no matter what pose, Charlos always looks handsome. Although for now, Charlos is a bit annoying.