Chapter 5

There were already four people waiting outside the Cafe. As the clock hit 9:00 AM, Sandra, the other waitress turned the board with Closed written in the front into Open.

Sandra was a 22-year-old Black British girl. She had beautiful glowing skin with dark curly hair and deep black eyes. She was around 5'2” with a slim body. She lived with her mother, a younger sister, and a stepfather in Avebury.

People started walking in. Iris and others took the orders. Eggnog was a hit. The aroma of coffee started to linger in the cafe as they started the coffee machine and served hot espressos.

It was still morning and the tables were full. Iris kept up with the orders and roamed around with the black tray in her hand, serving the happy faces and the smiling kids. They gave complimentary cakes to kids for Christmas. A voice called her while she served a walnut brownie to Mr. Adam's kid.

"Iris?"

She turned to look. "Yeah?"

There stood Hugh in the black funnel neck overcoat, with the diagonal buttons and the coat ending up above his knees. His hair covered under the black woolen round cap and the cold climate had given his cheekbones the lighter shade of blush. Both his hands under the pockets of his overcoat.

He wore his usual crooked smile. Iris's name was called a couple of times by the customers, but she was distracted.

"Hugh!" She exclaimed in excitement.

"Can we speak for a minute please?" He said. 

Someone called Iris again. She looked behind and waved her right hand to the customer and mouthed "Coming."

She looked at Hugh, blushing. "Do you mind giving me a minute? I am sorry there's no place to sit."

Hugh shook his head, still holding up his smile.

"No problem. I will wait in the corner."

Iris nodded and left. She had to take the orders from three tables. She hurried to the pantry and gave the notes to the other staff. She couldn't wait to go back to Hugh and talk.

'What does he want to talk about? Why suddenly did he decide to show up in my workplace? Jesus, I can’t wait to finish this stupid work and go to Hugh.”

Half of her concentration was on Hugh. She noticed him standing near the door, looking at her. He was caught staring so he passed an awkward smile. Iris smiled back and got the orders from the pantry. She asked Sandra to give table number 03's order as soon as the pantry rings the bell.

Hugh had now settled down in one of the tables. Iris walked up to him nervously and took out her mini notebook and pencil from the pocket and pretended to take his order.

"Hello!" She said.

"Hi! I am sorry to disturb you. But I don't have your number." He said.

"It's okay! I don't have a cell phone anyway."

"You don't have a cell phone?"

"Yes. What is it you want to talk about?" She pretended to write and keep her expressions calm.

"Well, I wanted to invite you over for Christmas dinner." He said.

"What?" Iris could not believe her ears. Over so many years no one had ever called her for Christmas dinner in the entire village. Not that she would have gone for it anyway. She liked keeping it to herself. But Hugh's invitation made her feel a little dizzy.

"Are you sure?" She whispered, still puzzled.

"Of course. I would like you to come over. I am alone and you are alone. I haven't celebrated Christmas in three years. What could be better than to celebrate this day with a new friend in a new village?" He said.

"Sounds good to me." Iris agreed. "How about you come to my house?"

"Sure. Only if you share your turkey with me." He winked at her.

Iris chuckled and then pressed her lips together to hide her smile. "Of course I would. I make a delicious Christmas dinner. Come by around ten."

Hugh nodded. "Sure. I will bring a beef roast. You will love the beef roast made by me."

Iris chuckled again. "It's a deal then?"

The corner of his lip curved into a beautiful half-smile. "Deal." He said.

"You wait right here. I'll get you an Eggnog on the house." Iris said.

"That is really kind of you. But don't bother. I have to rush for some work."

"I'll give it to you in a takeaway cup.”

Iris walked away before Hugh could make another excuse. She was in a happier mood now. The smile never left her face while serving the customers. When Hugh's Eggnog was ready, she walked towards him with the tray in her hand.

"Merry Christmas." She said as she placed the cup of eggnog on his table.

"Merry Christmas," Hugh whispered, never taking his eyes off Iris's face.

Every time he looked at her with those intense eyes, Iris got butterflies in her stomach. Till yesterday morning, she was prepared to spend her Christmas alone like every year. She had accepted the fact that no one would want to spend Christmas with her. But miracles happen.

Iris looked down at her tray. "I must get back to work. It's still crowded."

"Okay! I can’t wait to see you in the evening." He said.

Iris looked at him and nodded. "Have a good day sir." She said mockingly and walked away.