14 The coffee shop next door is not Starbucks (1/2)
An Ning's new office which was located in a quiet street corner in the heart of M City's business district was renovated in less than a month. During this time, she had also been in constant contact with her dad's gaming design staff, even driving to his office building to meet them face to face.
The six people that met her were all young men barely out of college. The designated leader of the group was called Sam, a 21-year old tech genius who was dressed in beach attire and sporting a purple tomahawk. He gawked at An Ning when she introduced herself then gazed down at her stomach red-faced.
”I'm pregnant. And I'm a woman. Oh yah, I'm not married,” An Ning said, looking squarely at him. ”Got a problem with that?”
The young man flushed a deeper red, mumbled something incoherent then motioned to the rest of the group, who stepped forward one by one and introduced themselves to An Ning.
They were even shyer and more tongue-tied than Sam. An Ning looked at them, at their clean, bright faces and suddenly felt something maternal blossom inside her. She was wise enough not to show her self-mockery at the discovery. Instead, she gathered them inside a conference room and told them her plans in measured tones.
They listened in silence, their eyes sharp and inquisitive. Sam was frowning, hesitated then finally raised a hand.
”Are we going to remain a department or a separate unit?”
”Eventually we might have to,” An Ning answered.
Sam nodded as if satisfied.
”We also have to hire more people. The equipment I already have. We'll be sharing the same marketing department with the main unit but I'm also going to hire someone from outside to represent our group.”
An Ning waited for a reaction but none were forthcoming.
”I'd like to end this meeting by saying that I think I have an idea of what everybody here is thinking. Daughter of the owner. Probably bored with her life. She's enthusiastic and determined for now but she'll soon lost interest and this group will probably dissolve in a year,” An Ning took a deep breath.
”I'll take a leave, true, but that's only because I need to for the baby. Then I'll be back to work because I feel passionate about what I'm doing. I don't know about you but I want to go head to head with anybody out there and just compete. I am fired up and committed. That's all I want to say.”
The men were silent, looking uneasily at each other. Then a young man who had previously introduced himself as Meynard asked: ”Will we be required to wear formal attire in the office? HR has been really hard on Sam for wearing inappropriate clothing. They also ordered him to tone down his hair color. He's actually thinking of quitting because they wanted to fine him for insubordination.”
An Ning didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Sam blushed a darker shade of red when he met An Ning's amused gaze.
”No, no formal attire. But no pajamas either or other forms of sleepwear. Let's not be too informal with each other, okay?” An Ning said, chuckling.
The men heaved a sigh of relief, with Sam and Meynard hi-fiving each other.
The move to the new location happened the following Monday.Richard drove An Ning to work. Although he had been loudly furious at her decision, Richard eventually quieted down after talking to her father.
The two men had come to a tentative agreement about An Ning.She was not a child, she was pregnant, and everything else, including their animosity towards each other, came second only to An Ning's health and comfort. So, An Ma invited Richard back into the house. Richard still occupied the back courtyard but he was now allowed to spend more time with An Ning.
Richard stopped at a curve and looked at An Ning.
”Don't tire yourself out too much.”
”I won't.”
”I'll pick you up at five.”
”I'll be here.”
Richard leaned forward and gave her a peck on the mouth, waited until she got off the car and into the building safely then drove off.
An Ning was about to push open the glass door when a sign next door suddenly caught her eye. It was a sign announcing the grand opening of a coffee shop named Cofi-Ko.An Ning hesitated then walked over to check it out.
A plump young woman wearing a colorful apron stood behind the counter. She looked up when the door bell sounded then beamed a huge welcome at An Ning.
”You're my very first customer!” she greeted excitedly. ”Should I give you a discount or something? What do you think?”
An Ning blinked in surprise.
”You don't need to. I'm happy to pay the full price.”
”How about an extra slice of cake then? My cakes are pretty awesome. I'm Moira by the way.”
”My name is An Ning. What flavor would you suggest?”
”The rum chocolate and the mousse. I baked those yesterday.”
”You make your own cake?” An Ning was surprised.
”Of course. They're not that difficult to make, you know. Do you work around here?”
”Next door. Your cafe looks really nice. I love the bay windows, by the way. Very chic-y French.”
”My mom suggested it,” Moira shrugged. ”All I wanted was a little shop but she went overboard with excitement as usual.”
”She has very good tastes. It feels very warm and welcoming in here. I am 100% sure your little shop will be the talk-of-the-town pretty soon,” An Ning predicted.
”I just want people to like my coffee and cakes. I can't wish for anything more,” Moira said, blushing a little. ”What will you have for today?”
An Ning ordered six large coffee, slices of cakes and a tall glass of flavored ice tea for herself. Moira sliced an extra piece of rum chocolate to go along with it.
An Ning was reaching for her wallet when the door bell again rang. She didn't look around and was about to hand Moira her card when a voice spoke beside her. Stunned, An Ning looked up and met Richard's amused eyes.