47 When's It Due?

Soon, the after work rush began.

Jade managed alright. Fortunately, most orders were takeouts, so she did not have to carry orders over to people, meaning her leg could rest.

However, as the rush began to slow and Liam still had not returned, Jade became oddly distracted by the weight in her front pouch.

'I hope he realises it's here. I imagine he's worrying about where he's lost it or if it was stolen.

'Oh no! What if he cancels his cards because he thinks it's been stolen? That will create a lot of unnecessary work for him.'

Subconsciously, she placed her palm on the wallet in the apron. To those watching, it was a familiar pose.

When an older woman walked up to the counter, she commented, "I was like that once."

Jade, pulled from her thoughts, responded, "Huh?"

Realizing it was a customer whom she was speaking to, she quickly corrected herself. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. Can I get you anything?"

The woman looked down at her hand on her apron and said with a smile, "How far along are you? You're still in excellent shape, so you must be quite early on. I remember my first. It is your first, right? Do you know the gender?"

Faced with the barrage of questions, Jade just started at the woman blankly.

'What is she…'

Then it clicked.

"No, no, no…" Jade hurriedly explained and removed her hand. "It's not like that. Ha ha. I'm just holding onto something for a friend."

"Oh, I apologize for misunderstanding. I hope I didn't upset you."

Following that, the woman quickly made her order and left, obviously embarrassed by the situation.

Watching the woman's back exit the cafe, Jade could not help but chuckle. 'Me, pregnant? Ha ha! Now that is amusing. One day, maybe. But first I need to find someone who's not crazy or taken, and then I need to pick someone from those whom I actually get on with.

'Well, what a funny misunderstanding. I can't wait to tell Harry about it tomorrow.'

After serving a few more customers, Jade dashed into the kitchen to tell Bernie.

"Ha ha ha! That's very good! You, pregnant? Maybe if you could find a man first."

"That's exactly what I thought…"

"Then he'd need to be able to put up with you."

"Hey!"

Ting ding!

The two joked around for a while before Jade heard the cafe's door opening, so she went out to check if any customers were waiting.

There were none waiting; someone had left. Jade collected the cup and utensils, wiped down the table, and then returned to the kitchen to discard the cup with the rest of the washing up.

"Jade," Bernie said, "I've been thinking. I know you normally do promotion events and marketing, but I have an idea to boost sales."

Jade turned to look at Bernie with a shocked expression. He was a partner, yes, but he never normally contributed like this. He normally cooked and went home.

"Please, go on."