Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

"They had reservations, that's why they could get in."

Ruby inquired, with a hint of skepticism, "But aren't there two tables open inside?"

"The tables are reserved for other guests who will be arriving shortly."

Ruby, clinging to Xavier's arm, frowned with displeasure. "Xavier, I bet Josefina is behind this. She must have seen us coming to dine and deliberately kept us out." Xavier scoffed, "Does she think she owns the place or what? She can just do as she pleases?"

He addressed the waiter firmly, "I want to speak to your manager, now."

The waiter replied, "The manager is busy taking care of the owner's table and doesn't have a moment to spare."

Xavier and Ruby both felt the undertone of intentional provocation in the waiter's tone. "What do you mean by that? What kind of service is this?" Xavier demanded.

The waiter, standing his ground, said, "Sir, I'm just telling it like it is. If the manager doesn't attend to the owner properly, we're all out of a job. If I'm out of work, are you going to hire me and the rest of the staff?"

Ruby's frown deepened. "The owner? The man and the woman who just went in-are they the owners? Which one is it, the man or the woman?"

"That's not something I can disclose to you. Revealing the owner's identity would be a breach of privacy, and I'm not about to get sued over it. Ma'am, we really are fully booked. Maybe you can try coming back another time."

Another time, and it would still be fully booked. The waiter muttered silently.

Xavier was about to lose his temper when Ruby stopped him. "Let's drop it, Xavier. We can eat across the street. The restaurant over there is bound to be better than this one."

Xavier, persuaded, left with a furrowed brow.

Ruby had her arm through Xavier's,

and spoke to him in a soothing voice, "Why get upset over people who don't matter, Xavier? Dining with you even at a street food stall, would make me the happiest. I've got a design competition coming up in a few days. Remember to bring your mom along to cheer for me, okay? If she sees me win first place, maybe she'll agree to us being together."

The thought eased Xavier's expression. "Don't worry, Ruby. Once my mom sees you shine, she'll definitely warm up to the idea of us being together."

Ruby's smile gleamed with joy. "That would be wonderful. For you, Xavier, I'll keep pushing on."

"And I'll work on persuading my mom to accept you sooner," Xavier assured her.

They exchanged a knowing smile, each with their own calculations.

Josefina ordered five dishes and a soup, along with some rice.

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The home-style cooking at this place had a comforting, familiar taste. Oliver took a bite and found it delightful too. "The food here is really good," he commented.

Josefina's brows arched with pride. "Of course, it's my recommendation. If you like it, we'll come here more often." It would be good for her restaurant's business.

Oliver, smiling affectionately, agreed, "Sure, we'll dine here frequently. I really like this place. Food tastes even better when I'm with you."

Josefina smiled softly, her head lowered as she continued to eat.

After a satisfying meal, Josefina glanced at the time-half-past eight. Her phone rang at that moment. It was Hattie calling. "Josie, are you coming back? Lena brought a an home, you should come and see." Hattie's voice was hushed, as if afraid of being overheard.

11

"Alright, I'll be right there," Josefina assured her. Josefina too was curious to see the man Lena had brought home.