"I think I can't hide this anymore.  'La Casa' is going through a major loss. First I thought of firing some people and reducing the staff." People in the room collectively gasped. "But I couldn't do that to you all. You guys are like my family."

Greta raised her hand to ask a question. Vincent nodded signaling her to proceed. "Then are  your plans for La Casa? Or will it go out of business?"

Everyone at this meeting looked tense now. You can tell people really didn't want La Casa to close. Even I was worried about this restaurant's future.

"That's where I need you. Instead of firing employees I want to listen to your suggestions. I will be at my office most of the time so don't hesitate to visit me and share your useful ideas with me. It can be anything. You can even email me too."

That seemed like a great idea actually. I appreciated how Vincent was handling the situation. He really did love his employees and wasn't ready to let go of them easily.

Next day I came to work early as usual as I didn't want to go to work with Vincent. I left my purse on the cash counter and went to the washroom to freshen up. Today it was windy outside so my eyes were full of dust. After washing my face I came back to a bouquet of roses beside my purse.

At first I thought someone left it here by mistake but I picked it up to see there is a small card attached to it. It was addressed to me. I open the card to see the following words written.

I am sorry.

I was confused now. Who can that be from? My first thought immediately went to Vincent but then I ditched. He doesn't do stuff like these. He is a very closed of person. He will never do such ostentatious gestures.

"So.. do you like the flowers?" I turn around to see John smiling at me. I was a little disappointed to find out that it wasn't Vincent who got me flowers instead it was John. I was lowkey hoping it was Vincent but I knew very well he wouldn't do that. I don't know what was wrong with me- like why do I even want Vincent to get me flowers? I was being unreasonable.

"Ah yeah," I said. Although I couldn't help but think how plants shouldn't be hurt to extract flowers from them. I would rather have a potted plant instead.

"So do you forgive me now?" He asked looking kind of hopeful.

"Uh... I will think about it," I said.

"Okay. At least it isn't a no."

"But I will give it a thought. So my answer might just turn into a no later."

"Uh oh." He looked disappointed.

I laughed. Right then Vincent passed by looking grim. He didn't say anything to us but I knew it was our queue to go to our respective work places.

After John left Vincent called me out. "Eleanora?"

"Yes?" 

"You've been slacking off these days a lot. Why don't you submit those ideas to me by the time your shift is over since you have a lot of free time on your hands?"

I just nodded. Since I didn't want to argue with him. He was being a prick as usual. I don't know what happens to him sometimes but he will just end up handing me extra work if he sees me talking to someone. The staff here talk among each other all the time. Vincent never scolds them.

After my shift was done i went to Vincent's cabin to submit my suggestions to him.

"First of all you need to modify your menu. I am sorry the dishes are good and all but i think it needs a revamp. In that way you will attract more customers and you can charge more. Also advertise on social media. I have stalked La Casa's Instagram and facebook page-  its so bland. You need to put some amazing and tempting pictures of food on Instagram. Also maybe you can even advertise on Instagram and facebook its very cheap. I heard John does photography in his free time. He can help."

Vincent jotted down all my suggestions in a notepad, "Uh thank you for your advice. I'll look into it."

...

Blair wanted Lisa and I to be at her baby shower early. She asked for our help since she is pregnant and not to mention she already has a four year old and a seven year old, hosting a baby shower must be arduous for them.

Unfortunately Lisa can't come early as she will be at her part time job. But she will stop by at the baby shower though. So I decided to get out extra early since we will have more to do now.

"Wait." Vincent said before I was about to lock the front door behind me.

"What?" This is the most I have talked to in weeks with Vincent.

"Since Lisa couldn't make it Blair called me to help you guys. So I will be going with you. Let me put on a coat."

I heaved out an annoying sigh because I really didn't want him to be there. I wanted to talk to Blair about Vincent and how things were so complicated between us. Having Vincent there means I will not be able to do that.

Vincent offered to drive me there so I got in his car. "Are you annoyed that I am tagging along with you?"

"Yeah."

...