No Strings Attached

Chapter Thirteen

“Miss Lee…”

“Told you to call me Minjung unnie. Don’t have to be so formal with me when it’s only the two of us around,” Minjung cooed, patting Lisa’s arm.

“Sorry, I’m not used to calling my customers using the informal language. Your boxes are in the boot. Do remember to drive carefully. Thanks for your patronage,” Lisa said politely as she bowed a little.

“You mean we’re only customers? I thought we would have been close friends by now!” Minjung exclaimed, throwing her arms into the air. She let out a long sigh.

Lisa gulped. “Of course we’re friends. I’m friends with ALL of my customers. That’s why the café is designed to be cosy and nice, just like a home.”

Minjung raised an eyebrow, totally unconvinced that what Lisa just said.

“You better get going, otherwise the cream might melt. Good night and drive safe!” Lisa urged, opening the driver’s door for Minjung.

Once Minjung drove off, Lisa heaved a sigh of relief.

I better get going too. She has been waiting for too long.

~*~*~*~

“Hey Jennie, I’m at the lift lobby. Could you activate the access to your floor?” Lisa asked. As Jennie stayed in one of the more luxurious apartments, security was tight and access had to be granted by the home owner in order for visitors to access the particular floor they were staying.

“I’m busy preparing a proposal right now. See you another day.”

“Hold on, don’t put down the phone! I’m already at the lift lobby. I could go up to keep you company like I always do.”

“Not today, I’m not in the mood for company.”

“But you were at the café earlier on. I thought you were waiting for me? When I got back to the café, Yeri said you already left.”

“I happened to be there to buy some cupcakes but someone got ahead of me and bought your whole store,” Jennie said bitterly.

Lisa let out a sigh. “You know I couldn’t stop her from buying anything that’s on display. That’s why I hid half a dozen of Bailey’s cupcakes in the kitchen away from her eyes. I’ve saved them just for you.”

Jennie bit her lips. Lisa’s Baileys cupcakes were out of this world. She couldn’t resist eating them.

A wide smile appeared on Lisa’s face when she saw the lift doors open and the green button for the penthouse lit up.

Standing outside the door, Lisa smoothed out the wrinkles in her pants before pressing the doorbell. A rather grumpy-looking brunette opened the door and snatched the paper carrier from Lisa.

“Ok, you can go now.” Jennie waved her hand, asking Lisa to leave.

“What?” Lisa said in surprise.

“Thanks for your cupcakes. I’m busy right now, so yea, you can’t stay over.”

“I’ll leave you to do your work then. Don’t stay up too late,” Lisa said, sounding rather dejected. It was a rare night that she had a bit more spare time. She had been looking forward to spending the night cuddling with Jennie in bed but it looked like she would be disappointed.

“Yea.” Jennie was about to close the door when she noticed Lisa still standing at the same spot instead of heading for the lift.

Lisa looked at the floor, shifting the weight between her legs.

“Would you be free for dinner next Friday?” Lisa said hesitantly, her hands tucked inside her jeans pockets.

“What’s the occasion?”

She looks nervous. Wonder what’s up.

“To celebrate the successful opening and good business at the café.”

“Who’s going?” Jennie asked, sounding rather unconvinced by Lisa’s reply.

“Erm…a few people…” Lisa paused. The celebration was just a lousy excuse cooked up by Minjung in order to get closer to Lisa. She had been asking Lisa out for meals but each time she got rejected. Lisa, afraid to offend her customer, decided to relent and meet Minjung for dinner with one condition; Lisa was allowed to call her friends along. Minjung reluctantly agreed.

“A few? Two? Four?” Jennie questioned.

Lisa hesitated for a while, not knowing how she should reply Jennie.

“Five, if you agree to go.”

Silence fell as the both of them looked at each other.

I hope she agrees to go. Should I tell her that Minjung is there?

“Pick me up from home. I’m too lazy to drive.”

I’ll give her the benefit of doubt though I have a feeling something’s not right.

“Sure sure! I’ll come at around 7.00pm!” Lisa said, heaving a sigh of relief.

“Goodbye,” Jennie said flatly as she closed her door.

“Wait!” Lisa stuck her foot at the door, preventing it from closing.

“What is it?” Jennie asked, somewhat irritated. Since coming home from the café, she had been feeling frustrated. It seemed her jealously got the better of her and she didn’t want to see Lisa anymore, at least not tonight.

Lisa held onto Jennie’s arm and pulled her closer. She planted a light peck on Jennie's lips and whispered, “I miss you.”

Lisa smiled and headed for the lift. Jennie closed the door and headed for the living room. She threw herself onto the couch and stared blankly at the television. Her hand grazed across her lips, the sensation of Lisa’s warm lips was still present.

Deep in her heart, she longed for Lisa to stay overnight. They hadn’t been able to spend much time together due to their busy work schedules.

Lisa, what have you done to me? You make me want and resent you at the same time. How can that be possible?

It was a long lonely night for Jennie.