Page 3 of Love Among the Ruins
She forced another small laugh. “It can’t have been hours.” He raised an eyebrow which, given that she found herself reflected in two shiny black lenses, didn’t help her to gauge his expression. “Lunchtime is a busy time for us.”
“Then get more staff.”
She blinked. “I’ll be sure to pass your advice on to our manager. What can I get you?”
“An espresso.”
“Will that be all or would—”
“That’s all.” His attention returned to his cell phone again.
Rude.
And no ‘please’ or ‘thank you’, either. Another one of those rich, ill-mannered, arrogant ones. Eleni walked away, sliding her pencil into the front pocket of her apron, and gave the order to the barista.
Stefanos stopped to share his observations. “Have you seen the size of his hands?” he whispered. “He must be hung like –”
“Don’t,” she hissed.
“I wish I hadn’t given him to you.”
“It’s not too late. You take his espresso,” she offered. But Stefanos had already rushed off.
“Espresso.” The barista slid the small cup across the counter to her. She placed it on a small tray with a napkin and walked back to the rude American. “Your espresso.” She placed the cup on the table.
The man grunted. At least, she thought he did. He didn’t look up but seemed vexed by something on his cell phone and jabbed his finger, texting away.
She was about to walk away when he asked, “Do you have freshly squeezed orange juice?”
“Yes, would you like some?”
Still not looking at her, he nodded, making a noise in his throat. Something on this phone had grabbed his attention.
“Was that a ‘Yes?’” she queried with a smile—hoping for a good tip—it was always for the tips.
He put the cell phone to his ear. “A large glass,” he said, absentmindedly.
She had visions of throwing it at him. “Only the one glass, then?” She was about to turn away when his tone stopped her. “The Acropolis? Linus, are you fucking kidding me?” he barked. “It’s a wasteland of ruins. What is wrong with the man?”
She frowned as she listened, unable to move.
“Tell him to go to hell,” he snapped. Then, “Don’t. Wait for me to get back.” He slammed the phone on the table, before sitting back and resting his arms on the armrest. “Jesus.” He raked his hand through his sandy brown hair. Eleni fought the urge to give it a good yank.
She couldn’t help herself. “It’s not a wasteland, and they are not ruins.”
Dark shades stared back at her. “Were you listening to my conversation?”
“Does an elephant have ears?” It wasn’t quite what she intended to say, but her anger had reached boiling point and rage simmered under her skin.
“You refer to yourself as an elephant. Interesting.”
She was about to shoot back a response about his sunglasses, about him being visually impaired, but didn’t want to stoop so low. Grounding down on her molars, she lifted her chin. “The Acropolis has ancient buildings which bear great historical and architectural significance.”
She walked away, her heart in her chest, knowing she’d done it again. Being rude wasn’t a part of who she was, but some people, like Mr. Arrogant and Rude, brought out the worst in her. She could not hear this man talking trash about the Acropolis and say nothing.
“Are you walking away?” He raised his voice, and she was sure people heard him two tables away. Customers turned to stare. She raced to the kitchen and poured out a glass of orange juice.
Maybe she had taken it too far this time.
