Ayisha burped quietly and patted her belly, completely satisfied
"Enjoying the food?
She flinched.
Simon stood behind her, a wicked grin plastered on his face.
"Shit, you startled me," she snapped, clutching her chest.
Simon lifted his hands in apology, chuckling. "Sorry, kid."
She narrowed her eyes at him. "What's with that ugly grin?" Then she added suspiciously, "Did you add something to the food?"
He raised his hands in surrender, clearly holding back laughter. "I didn't put anything in there. And how would I have time when I was talking to you earlier?"
Ayisha turned back toward the table. "Good. Because if you did anything to the food, I'd shut this restaurant down."
Simon smirked and dropped his hands. "Cocky kid," he muttered, glancing at her friends before looking back at her.
"Let's talk privately," he said, his tone suddenly serious.
She stood up. "Okay. I'll be right back, girls."
Ayisha followed him outside and crossed her arms. "So, what do you want to talk about?"
Simon hesitated for a second before stepping closer. "Can I have your number or your social media?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Got interested in me?"
He let out a low laugh. "No embarrassing reaction?"
"Yeah, yeah." She extended her hand. "Give me your phone."
Simon smiled and handed it to her.
She quickly typed in her number and social media accounts. "If I don't message you, don't get mad. I'm usually busy watching stuff or chatting with an A.I."
She handed the phone back, smiling.
His fingers brushed against her palm.
"I won't, kid," he said softly.
"By the way," Ayisha added casually, "nice business. I like how it looks calm and easy on the eyes."
"Thanks," Simon replied. "I chose the decor myself."
She smirked. "Makes sense. Old guys like you prefer peaceful places."
She tilted her head. "Old people don't like noise."
Simon scoffed. "Say whatever you want, but I'm not that old."
She chuckled. "It actually feels more like an art gallery than a restaurant but I like it."
With that, she turned toward the entrance. "I'll head inside now."
She walked away before he could reply again.
Simon watched her leave and chuckled to himself.
Inside, Ayisha was immediately met with mischievous grins.
"So… what did he ask?"
"Did he ask you on a date?"
"Are you guys together now?"
"No! Jesus Christ," Ayisha snapped. "He just asked for my number and social media."
"Oooh…" her friends chorused, their eyes glinting with interest.
Ayisha suddenly frowned. "So… who's paying?"
One by one, her friends pulled out their phones, suddenly very busy.
She clenched her jaw. "Wow. Ang galing mang-invite, tapos hindi pala magbabayad."
She turned to Nica. "You're paying. You invited us here."
Nica laughed nervously. "Fine…"
After paying, they headed out of the restaurant.
"Come again," Simon said, smiling at Ayisha as she passed by.
She only gave him a thumbs-up in response.