No Strings Attached

Chapter Three

Jennie hated to admit it but Lisa was right. The sponge was light and fluffy, soft enough to melt in her mouth while the cream was not overly sweet. The strawberries were sweet and that helped to enhance the taste of the cake. She nodded at Lisa’s remark.

“A Japanese-styled strawberry shortcake is a layered sponge cake with a strawberry and whipped cream filling, and whipped cream frosting. It takes a lot of skill to be able to whip the egg whites till the right texture and the way to fold the flour into the mixture after that,” Lisa elaborated, pointing at the different parts of the cake.

“You sound like an expert on baking indeed,” Jennie said in admiration. She couldn’t cook to save her life, much less bake. Rosé was usually the one who used her kitchen whenever she was in a creative mood.

“Nah, this is nothing. If you have an interest in baking, you’ll probably be motivated to find out more and learn the best techniques to use.”

Lisa picked up her fork and scrapped off half the cake. She placed it on the plate and started digging in. The dessert was finished very quickly since the portion wasn’t big.

“Thank you for the dinner and dessert,” Jennie said politely as she folded the napkin neatly on the table.

“It’s my pleasure, Jennie. Thank you for coming.” Lisa grinned as both of them rose from their seats.

As they walked along the narrow aisle of the restaurant towards the lift lobby, their arms brushed against each other. Lisa felt a tingle going from her arm to her stomach. Jennie had her hooked the moment she walked into the restaurant. Lisa couldn’t take her eyes off Jennie for the whole night during dinner. The wheels in her mind were constantly turning, trying to cook up an excuse to see Jennie again.

They stopped at the lift lobby and Lisa reached forward to press the down arrow button.

“When are you going back to Seoul?” Lisa asked as she stood next to Jennie.

“In three days’ time. What about you?”

The lift came and both of them walked in simultaneously, accidentally bumping against each other, causing Jennie to trip. Lisa instinctively reached out to hold Jennie’s arm to prevent her from falling. Lisa could smell the citrus fragrance of the perfume Jennie was using when the latter leaned towards Lisa for support.

“You first,” Lisa smiled and extended her free arm, motioning for Jennie to enter the lift.

Both of them stood side by side in the lift but they avoided looking straight ahead at their reflections in the shiny lift door. Lisa was looking at the lift buttons while Jennie was looking down as she smoothen the crease in her pants.

“To answer your question, I’ll be leaving in two days’ time.”

“I see. Well, have fun with your friends.”

“Pardon my bluntness but would you like to meet for dinner tomorrow if you’re free? I could tell you more about the mysteries of baking if you like,” Lisa blurted out.

Jennie was taken aback by Lisa’s straightforwardness.

“Unfortunately I would be having dinner with my clients tomorrow night,” Jennie said plainly.

However, Lisa caught a flash of disappointment in Jennie’s face.

Ding. Twenty second floor.

Lisa let out a short sigh and extended her hand for a handshake. “It’s ok then. It was nice chatting with you, Jennie. Good night and sweet dreams.”

“Lisa, how about meeting up for a drink after my dinner tomorrow? I’ll see you at the hotel lobby at 10pm,” Jennie called out hurriedly, while pressing the ‘Door Open’ sign.

Lisa’s heart skipped a beat. She nodded happily. “Yes, I’ll be there! See you tomorrow night. Good night, Jennie,” beamed Lisa. She waved to the girl until the doors of the lift closed completely, before skipping merrily to her room.

Lisa stepped into the bathroom and stood under the shower. It was relaxing and helped to ease her tired muscles. She had been on her feet for most of the day, running around meeting suppliers and getting quotes for new equipment. As she recalled the conversation she had with Jennie over dinner earlier, she saw her own reflection in the bathroom mirror. She realised she had been smiling to herself while thinking about Jennie.

That ninety minute wait was worth every minute of it.

The lift arrived at Jennie’s floor. She was staying two floors below Lisa. She enjoyed the conversation with Lisa and didn’t mind meeting her again since she came here alone for this business trip. She took out her mobile phone from her clutch bag and keyed the appointment into her phone. It was then she realised that she didn’t have Lisa’s number.

Hopefully nothing crops up at the last minute, else I wouldn’t be able to inform her.

Jennie heard the phone ringing from her room as she was standing outside the door. She dug the room card out of her clutch bag and hurriedly unlocked the door but the call was cut off. She walked towards the phone and saw a red light blinking on her room’s phone, indicating there was a message for her. She pressed the button on the phone to retrieve the message.

“Good evening Miss Kim. Miss Manoban wanted us to inform you of her mobile number. She said it might come into good use. Would you like to take down her number?” the receptionist said.

Jennie picked up the pen and paper next to the phone and jotted down Lisa’s Japanese mobile number.

“Thank you.” Jennie ended the call.

She took out her mobile phone and entered the phone number into her contacts list.

“Lisa Manoban. An interesting character.”