Chapter Two: …Like a Sip of Morning Coffee…
It had been a couple of days since Tomaru started working at Chiroru. She was very pleasant to the customers, proving to be a good example for Chii.
…The day was warm, spring proved it's presence at the sight of floating Sakura blossoms. Tomaru pulled up the blinds, revealing the comfortable rays of the morning sun. The bakery was already filled with the delicious scent of coffee and sweets, giving Tomaru a cozy, serene feeling.
"Miss Tomaru?" Ueda called calmly, "You're here early."
She turned to him, slightly surprised, "I thought you might need some help since Chii doesn't come in until nine-thirty."
Ueda watched as she picked up a rag and started to clean off tables, "Wow… thanks! You're a big help."
She just glanced at him, then went back to cleaning. He went to the kitchen to check up on some cakes that were baking.
About twenty minutes passed and Tomaru peeked into the kitchen, "Manager Ueda? I finished cleaning, is there anything you need me to help you with in here?"
"Everything's fine. I just finished the third batch of chocolate truffles," Ueda said, wiping the perspiration off of his forehead.
"Okay. Can I see how you decorated the cakes you made earlier?"
"Yeah! I was just about to box them up."
Tomaru looked at the beautiful cakes. Each one was very colorful and uniquely made; and each was decorated just right.
She was amazed at how fast he completed them, "How long have you been here? These are sooo beautiful!"
Ueda blushed at her compliments, but before being able to answer, he heard the bells jingle again.
"Hello? Is someone here?" It was Hideki.
Tomaru was closer to the kitchen's exit, "Good morning, sir! How may I help you?"
Hideki paused, looking at the attractive girl, "Hi. I'm…uh…looking for Manager Ueda. Is he here?"
Ueda came out behind Tomaru, "Hideki! I see you brought Chii to work today."
Chii flashed her usual grin and bowed, "Good morning, Manager!"
Hideki peeked out of the corner of his eye at Tomaru. She was in a cute uniform--it was a mostly red stylized dress with yellow details and white lace. She had on light yellow knee socks and black shoes; her reddish-brown hair was pulled into small pigtails with little yellow ribbons.
Tomaru noticed him and smiled sweetly, "Your name is Hideki? I'm Tomaru Endoso. I work with Chii!"
He blushed a little, "Yeah, Chii told me about you. She said you were really nice, and helped out a lot."
She giggled, then turned to the ivory-haired persocom, "Chii, come on! I want you to see Manager's cakes before he puts them away!"
Both girls went into the kitchen, giving Ueda and Hideki a chance to talk.
"So, you finally found someone to work for ya?" Hideki said, leaning on the counter.
"Yeah. Tomaru's great--real hardworking. She even came in early today to clean up! She likes to hang around and watch me bake too!" Ueda exclaimed with excitement.
Hideki was grinning while watching Ueda's face brighten. It was a new side of him.
"What?" Ueda asked when he noticed Hideki.
Hideki shook his head, "Nah, it's nothing…just that I haven't seen you this way in a long time, that's all."
Ueda was confused, "What are you talking about? I'm not acting any different."
"Gimme a break," Hideki chuckled, "Manager, can't you see it? She's only been here a few days and you're already so much happier!"
He was silent, directing his eyes to the nicely-polished floor. Ueda wasn't sure if he should say anything about that, because it just might turn out to be another big mistake.
Hideki sighed, "C'mon, man! It's kinda like me and my coffee: every morning I wake up and head straight for that steamy cup of caffeine. It's what keeps me going all day! …well, that and a little something else…but putting that aside! Don't you think that Miss Tomaru is like that first cup of coffee to you?"
Ueda paused, then smiled at his realization, "Hideki…maybe you're right. I do really like her company, and she's kinda cute too…"
"There ya go!" Hideki cheered, giving him a playful 'thumbs up'.
Suddenly the telephone rang. It stopped after a couple rings--Ueda figured that Tomaru or Chii had gotten it. Sure enough, Tomaru stuck her head out of the kitchen door.
"Manager Ueda? I'm sorry to interrupt, but Mrs. Furusawa is on the phone."
Ueda turned and grinned, "Tell her I'll be just a second."
Tomaru nodded and went back into the kitchen. Hideki pat Ueda on the back encouragingly, "Go get 'er! What do ya have to lose?"
Ueda smiled understandingly, "Thanks, Hideki. I'm not sure if I'm gunna do anything yet. I mean, Tomaru's pretty young too, so I'm sure she's got a line of guys her own age waiting to get a chance with her."
Hideki shrugged and headed for Chiroru's entrance, "I dunno! If I were you, I wouldn't put myself down like that! But, it's your choice! See ya later, Manager Ueda!"
Tomaru peeked out once more, with Chii doing the same. Tomaru said, "Manager, Mrs. Furusawa said she's in a hurry! Maybe you should talk to her, okay?"
"I will. Thank you, Tomaru."
Ueda stepped behind the counter and picked up the cream-colored phone. He listened to the busy-toned woman's request while thinking to himself, Tomaru…could she really be that 'sip of morning coffee?'