What?
I like this.
What do you mean you like this? The Irish coffee? Hanging out at Yeats? Or
Or what?
She just stands there smiling timidly. I guess is better this way because I myself dont have an answer.
I should go now. Ill see you next week.
Yeah, Ill see you around.

—————————————————————–

Few days after getting back from LA, Im kind of feeling ill. First is just headache and sore throat, but the next day, running a high fever.

Taking the day off and lying in my bed, I remember is Thursday and suppose to attend the meeting at UCLA. But right now, is impossible for me to drag myself up from the bed.

I sleep the whole day.

After a week, Im now standing in front of the caf and looking at the sign that hanging outside the front door. CLOSE.

Guess my heart stop pumping for a few second because my brain kind of went blank for a while, well, is like auto shut down for about 10 minute or so.

Pacing back and forth from the front door to the end of the street for about an hour, I see a silhouette appear at the corner.

What take you so long? Tina is walking toward the caf.

You been waiting for an hour, but I waited for a week. She doesnt turn around and look at me.

Gosh, she sounds angry. Better stay at the back. I watch her open the door, switch on the light, walks straight to the bar area and start washing. She doesnt make a sound.

I I was sick last week. High fever. And I didnt make it to LA.

Really? She finally turns around and asks with concern in her voice.

Uh huh.

How are you feeling now? Better? She wipes her hand and lightly touches my forehead.

Yeah, Im ok now. My eyes close for a moment at that gentle touch; Tina’s fingers feel so soft against my skin. Snap out of it! Ok, I need to focus, say something.

Why didnt you say something just now? And what with the CLOSE sign hanging out there? Guess this the best I can come up with.

Im angry. Theres no written law prohibit caf owner to feel angry, right?