My heart was racing the entire morning. It was busier than usual but I wasn't tired. Anita let Rie handle most of the orders and so far, everything was going well.

"What time do you take your break?" Anita asked.

"In a few minutes, why?"

"Could you make some makanai for Rie? You'll be on a break with her," she replied.

"What? I thought we always take a break together?" I replied, nervously.

"Not today," she replied, then winked. "Hey Rie, what would you like for lunch today? Haruto is preparing his makanai since you are taking your breaks together."

"Oh, can I have anything on the menu?" Rie asked.

"Today, you can have the whole damn menu!" Anita replied, nudged me on my side, and walked away to serve the other customers.

"Is there anything you'd suggest?" Rie asked looking up at me.

"I—uh— you could try the side dishes for today, they are quite filling," I replied.

"Do you need help with the food?" Rie asked.

"Uh—it's okay. Clear the tables in the meantime. I punch out in fifteen minutes and will be in the staff lounge."

"Okay."

"Dude! You were so smooth!" Tony loud whispered.

"Huh?"

"Your eyes were twinkling and all!"

"Tony, what the hell man. Keep it together. My eyes were not twinkling," I replied.

"Oh, they were and your voice was so low. Lower than usual."

"Okay, could I have all the toppings prepared for her makanai?"

"Absolutely! With a whole lot of love."

What was he on about? Twinkling? My eyes were twinkling?

"Oh, let me help you with that!" Rie said, standing up to help me set the plates on the table. "Wow, it looks delicious and quite a lot."

"We don't have to finish it. Tony loves the side dishes more than anyone I've met. Shall we?"

"Yeah."

"I think you'll need these," Anita said, popping in and handing me bottles of green tea.

"Thanks."

"Enjoy your date!" She said and disappeared.

Did Rie hear that?

I turned slowly and my heart rose to my mouth.