Cupidity (Sequel to Cupid's Daughter)

Chapter 19~ 200 Cupcakes and 1000 More Tears

Mr Manolis gave me an unreadable look.

I glanced over at Ethan, who was covering his mouth with one hand in an attempt not to laugh. I felt my face grow hotter as everyone continued to stare at me.

"I'll just... uh... leave these here." I mumbled embarrassedly, popping half of the cupcakes on the table and practically throwing myself out of the door.

I spun to my left and ran, making it about ten steps before I collapsed against the wall. I curled my knees into my chest and buried my face in my hands, not even caring that my skirt had shifted and I was probably flashing everyone.

Why couldn't I go a single day without embarrassing myself or messing something up?

I felt movement beside me, and someone landed on the floor beside me.

"Please... not now... Ethan." I said in between sobs, not in the mood for someone to try and cheer me up.

"Whilst we are both shockingly handsome, it's not Ethan, my dear."

I looked up and gasped, wiping my nose and eyes on my sleeve. "Mr. Manolis?"

Mr. Manolis smiled warmly and squeezed my shoulder gently. He stared out of the window for a moment, his eyes wandering. "Am I correct in assuming that these tears aren't about the cupcakes?"

I tried to laugh, but it just came out as a pathetic, croaky sound. "That would be correct, yes. But I am sorry, I shouldn't have barged in like that."

Mr. Manolis' mouth twitched, as if fighting a smile. "I've been interrupted for lesser reason than someone being kind to my son. And besides, they're all in there enjoying your cakes right now."

I crossed my legs out in front of me and sighed, not sure what to say.

"Ethan told me that you moved in with him." Mr. Manolis said conversationally, continuing to stare out of the window.

Once again, I was reminded of how much I owed this man-- of everything he'd done for me. "I did, a few days ago. Thank you, by the way, for allowing me to live in your home for such a good price."

"What?" Mr. Manolis looked genuinely surprised at my sentiment, finally turning away from the window to look at me.

"Your apartment that Ethan lives in? Thank you for allowing me to stay with him." I repeated, hoping I'd clarified a little better.

Mr. Manolis shook his head in amusement. "Oh no dear, the apartment belongs to Ethan alone. His mother and I have done everything in our power to ensure that nothing is handed to him on a silver platter. Everything he owns he has bought himself, and everything he has become he has built by himself. He was in your shoes not that long ago, you know."

"How do you mean?"

"I gave him only an internship with my company, much as I have given you. He worked his way up to becoming managing editor from the bottom. Had there been anyone better than him for the job, they would have been hired. I do not care much for celebrity status, Isabelle. People must earn their title here."

I blinked, and my admiration of both Mr. Manolis and Ethan grew by 100% in an instant.

"I did, however," Mr. Manolis continued, "give him that internship as a leg up. The people we love are important, and the ones who return that love are even more important."

Mr. Manolis gave me a sly wink, and suddenly I knew that we weren't talking so much about him and Ethan anymore.

"Ethan told you about Noah and I." I stated glumly, feeling my cheeks heat up in embarrassment.

Mr. Manolis shook his head. "I overheard him telling Tina to go easy on you as you were going through a tough time at the moment. I wasn't aware that it regarded you and Noah."

I didn't reply for a moment, not sure how to. It wasn't everyday you talked about relationship drama with your boss and roommate's father.

"Perhaps you should make a trip home this weekend." Mr. Manolis suggested. "Being with your family often tends to make things clearer."

I considered this for a moment. Could I really go back to Connecticut for the weekend? I had just enough saved to pay for the flights, and seeing my dad and Sam again sounded like a dream come true.

"You know what, Mr. Manolis? I think a couple of days back in Connecticut is exactly what I need."