No Strings Attached

Chapter Five

“Beside me is my former student, Lisa-san from South Korea. She is still one of my best students I ever had and I’m thankful she’s here in Tokyo to help me with the opening of my new store in Shibuya,” Suzuki-san added, patting Lisa on her back.

Jennie’s eyes opened wide in amazement. She couldn’t believe her eyes. That girl in the baker’s uniform was Lisa. The Lisa Manoban that took her bag by accident. The Lisa who was drunk, who leaned on her body for support when she was drunk, who almost took off her blouse in front of her... …

Lisa’s shoulder length hair was tied up in a neat bun and tucked beneath the white baker’s hat. She was standing upright, with her arms by her side, as if she was part of an army contingent and looked a little nervous.

“Good afternoon everyone, I’m Lisa-chan, from Seoul, South Korea. I’m privileged to be here with my mentor Suzuki-san. Our brain needs glucose in order to function well. If we’re low on glucose, we tend to feel more lethargic. A little sugar rush would do the trick, so I hope everyone will enjoy the desserts we’ve prepared,” Lisa said before bowing to the audience in front of her.

Two waiters helped the bakers remove the silver food covers and clear plastic wrappers. Everyone queued in an orderly manner to take their food. Suzuki and Lisa stood behind the long table and helped to serve the desserts to the staff.

Jennie wondered if Lisa had spotted her among the crowd. As her turn got nearer, she took a deep breath to compose herself and walked confidently towards Lisa. She hoped to chat with Lisa but the opportunity was slim as there were other people who were standing behind her in the queue.

“Here’s a strawberry cupcake for you. I know you’ll like it,” Lisa teased. Jennie felt Lisa’s fingers meeting hers under the plate. It sent small tingles down her hand and to her heart. The latter slipped a piece of paper under plate as she handed Jennie the cupcake. Jennie smiled back and hurriedly picked up a vanilla swiss roll before joining her colleagues at the corner of the room.

While chatting with her colleagues, Jennie stole glances at Lisa. Each time Lisa caught Jennie looking at her, she would flash a quick smile before looking back at the person she was serving.

Jennie headed for the washroom to wash her hands after enjoying the delightful desserts. As soon as she entered the washroom, she heard a familiar voice calling her name. She turned around and saw Lisa, dressed in a light blue striped Oxford shirt with dark blue jeans, standing by the sink.

The long sleeves were rolled up until her elbows, she was holding onto a paper bag, containing her baker’s uniform. There was a wide grin plastered across her face.

“Hello Jennie. It’s nice to meet you again,” Lisa greeted merrily. She extended her hand for a handshake, wanting to feel those soft hands again.

“Hi Lisa, how have you been?” Jennie asked in a somewhat awkward manner, shaking Lisa’s hand. She didn’t expect to bump into Lisa in the washroom.

“I’ve gotten a little busy but I’ll survive. You look like you lost some weight. Remember to take care of your health,” Lisa replied with a look of concern on her face.

Jennie was surprised at Lisa’s observation. “Probably due to stress. This is a rather major project and there’re a lot of areas to manage.”

“I see. Don’t work too hard. You need to take a break at times. Regarding my question?” Lisa flashed a cheeky grin with her hands tucked inside her jeans pockets.

Jennie had forgotten the main purpose of coming to the washroom; to read Lisa’s note. She took a quick glance at it.

“Free for dinner? I’m sure you still have my number right? - Lisa”