Chapter 34 He is gorgeous
By dawn, Lucas woke before his alarm. His heart was already racing, the weight of excitement pressing against his ribs. For a moment he lay still, staring at the ceiling, then it hit him again—he had a job. Not just any job, but as an assistant chef at Benson’s.
His lips curved into a smile before he could stop it. He sprang out of bed. The small room buzzed with purpose as he moved quickly, almost nervously. He showered longer than usual, scrubbing away the exhaustion of the past weeks, as if washing off the fear of uncertainty with it. He rehearsed the day in his head—arrive early, listen carefully, speak respectfully, follow instructions, and work hard. Make no mistakes and impress everyone.
He stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his shirt, smoothing imaginary creases, studying his reflection as if it belonged to a different man. This wasn't Lucas who had been counting his last coins or wondering how long Nathan’s kindness would last. This was a young man with a future again. He smiled at his reflection and muttered happily, “Yeah Luc, you’re good to go.”
He checked the time. Still early—but not too early.
Grabbing his documents and tucking them carefully into his bag, Lucas stepped outside.
The morning air was crisp like sweet cookies and full of promise. The city was just waking up, and so was he. Walking to the bus stop, he chuckled, if his father didn't take his car, he wouldn't be walking to board a bus, he thought.
The past few days haven't been easy. Adjusting to a life without the luxuries and privileges that came with being a Westman had been a harsh reality check. Yet, he had managed to stay afloat, and he was on the cusp of starting a new job as an assistant chef at Benson's popular eateries. It was a humble beginning, but it was his, and he was determined to make the most of it. At least it's better than getting entangled with a fake life.
Every step toward Benson felt lighter, charged with hope and determination. Today mattered to him and he would prove he deserved this chance.
Standing before Benson's eatery's huge building and about to step in felt like a miracle. He was ecstatic, and his spirits soared. His father thought he would crawl back to him but he had crossed his heart to never do that. Luckily, faith had done it, so he pushed the entrance door and stepped in.
The cleaners were still busy fixing the huge sitting areas. Lucas headed majestically to the first person he met. A young girl in a waitress uniform.
“Good morning,” Lucas greeted.
The girl responded with a sweet smile. “Oh, good morning. May I help you?”
“I'm a new staff member, could you please direct me to the kitchen?” He responded politely.
Instantly, they started hearing murmuring voices. Even the girl she was talking to turned to the entrance. His eyes followed, then he saw him and understood the commotion.
“Isn't he the fairest of them all?” The girl said with a wide smile.
Lucas heard himself responding, “Yeah he is indeed.” He watched him walk towards an elderly man seated at a corner and they started talking. He stared a bit longer, wondering who the guy was, before the girl tapped him, jerking him back to his spot.
“Oh, I…I'm sorry,” he stuttered as he faced the girl.
“No worries, I understand, you're also as handsome as him and some people are admiring you too.” The girl said, winking at him. Lucas smiled lightly.
“Come let me show you the easy way.” She told Lucas, who followed her after throwing another glance at the man, with the thought that he looked a bit familiar.
The girl pointed him to a receptionist at a desk close by. As Lucas walked towards the desk, he found himself contemplating the guy. Then, he suddenly pinched himself and cautioned, “Guy, this is your first day, avoid any distractions and focus. Remember, first impressions matter.”
With that, he braced himself as he reached the receptionist.
He handed her his employment letter, and she directed him to the kitchen department. As Lucas followed her instructions, he couldn't shake off the feeling that his life was about to take a dramatic turn. Little did he know, that chance encounter would be just the beginning.
Still following the receptionist's directions, he stepped into the elevator, and unexpectedly, the handsome stranger from outside followed close behind. "Hold on, please," he said, his voice smooth and courteous. As he turned to face him, their eyes met, and Lucas felt an unexpected spark in his chest.
As Alex stepped in, the elevator seemed a bit crowded even though it was only the two of them.
"Damn, he is more gorgeous than I thought," Lucas whispered to himself, taking a step back to make room for him.
"Good morning," he said with a warm smile, and Lucas returned the greeting, his voice barely above a whisper. As the elevator ascended, it stopped on the next floor, and two people entered, addressing the gorgeous man with a respectful "Good morning, sir." Despite appearing to be just a bit older than him. Lucas guessed that he must hold a high-ranking position within the company or perhaps he was one of the owner's sons.
At the next stop, one person exited while two more entered, and the stranger shifted his position, his neck now inches from Lucas’ face. He found himself captivated by the sweet scent of his cologne and the sheen of his hair. Without realizing it, he inhaled deeply, his eyes fluttering closed as he savored the fragrance.
The sudden stifled laugh from the lady next to him brought him back to reality. His eyes snapped open, and he caught her gaze. Instantly, he felt a flush rise to his cheeks. Discreetly, he pinched himself, trying to shake off the unexpected reaction. She smiled knowingly, and he smiled back, grateful for the brief moment of shared understanding in the elevator.
Then his voice came unexpectedly. “Margaret, did he inhale some air”?
The lady chuckled, “Yes sir,” as the elevator stopped. Everyone stepped out except two of them.
Lucas' cheek burned as he understood what he meant, yet he couldn't do anything but feel shy.
Meanwhile, when Alex stepped into the elevator, his heart had been thudding violently. He could tell that Lucas didn't recognize him. He wanted to embrace and remind him but then people stepped into the elevator. He decided to calm himself and give Lucas time to recall him.
He didn't change that much; he only put on some weight and shaved off his beard. He was battling with the thought when he felt some air on his neck. It was from Lucas's nose. That's when he asked Margaret if he inhaled some air knowing that most people did it.
The moment she responded that he did, he knew for a fact that Lucas had taken an interest in him. His heart pounded happily and the moment everyone exited, he needed to look at those deep blue eyes again.
Gradually, Alex turned and stared at Lucas. Their eyes locked for a while. His light green eyes were so beautiful. The intensity of his stare took Lucas' breath away, and he found himself drowning.
Then, Alex managed and controlled himself and smiled, breaking the spell “You are the new guy resuming today”? His voice was smooth and enticing. Lucas stared down, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Yes, sir."
Addressing him as "sir" felt awkward, but it was best to follow his instinct, especially since he didn't know his position or role. He was there to start a new job, and he needed to fit in.
Alex raised his hand to his chin and tilted his face. A smile lingered on his face as his eyes met his. It was Lucas's eyes, and he is his mystery guy, his good luck charm. Alex’s heart bubbled with joy.
“Lucas,” his voice came out soft and endearing as Lucas melted in his gaze. “You’ve grown so pretty. I've missed you so much.”
“Hmm,” Lucas muttered almost in a whisper.
“You don't remember me, right?”