Francis and Antonio had the café to themselves as they settled down to eat their lunches. Francis chewed on his sandwich thoughtfully; he couldn't get the current dilemma out of his mind.

Antonio on the other hand couldn't even look at the Frenchman in front of him. He was so angry at him for insulting Ivy that morning. Antonio had known Ivy since kindergarten and while he and Francis were good friends, he had known Ivy longer.

"What the hell was that this morning?" spat Antonio, green eyes flashing.

Francis was shocked at his friend's open display of aggression. Tony was usually so nice.

"Why did you say those things to Ivy?" Antonio repeated, clipping every word.

"I didn't mean it the way it came out, I swear" Francis said.

"Then how? What other way could you possibly mean?"

"I just," Francis stuttered, "I just don't want her wearing those kinds of clothes because of all the men staring at her" he mumbled, getting quieter with each word.

Antonio sat shell shocked, eyes wide.

"You notice it too! Doesn't it bother you?" Francis burst.

"No amigo, it doesn't. In fact, I would like it if Ivy had a love of her own. I wouldn't want her to be lonely forever" replied Antonio.

"None of those guys are good enough for her. She only deserves the best. Someone handsome, smart, knows what she likes, can sweep her into his arms and never let go, and love her unconditionally until the day she parts from this world. There is not one man who can do that for her!" Francis cried, lost in his own world.

"And you think that man is you? Antonio laughed, "Francis you don't know the first thing about her."

"I never said it was me" Francis grumbled.

"I've seen the way you look at her. You've looked at her the same way ever since I introduced you when you needed this job."

"I- But- No, it's just"

"It's okay, everyone knows, except her. It's obvious." Antonio said.

"Fine," Francis huffed, "and for the record, I know plenty about her.

"Okay, what's her favorite color?"

Francis smirked, "Green"

Antonio made a buzzer sound, "EHH, it's pink."

"Well, maybe I don't know that-"

"What's Ivy's favorite food?"

Francis swallowed, a bit nervous, "blueberry muffins?"

Antonio shook his head.

"Chocolate chip muffins?"

"Nope, red velvet cake with whipped cream frosting, not cream cheese."

"One more, I'll get this one" Francis pleaded.

"Alright, what does Ivy hate more than anything in this world?"

Francis thought long and hard on this question, "I don't know" he answered. He had to admit defeat.

Antonio looked at him with sad eyes, "tardiness, Francis. She hates when people are late. You of all people should know that."

Francis was disheartened. Did he really know that little about Ivy?

"Cheer up amigo. I'll help you. Right now, she's not your biggest fan. You hold up lines, you show up late and, from what she tells me, you annoy her all around. Tomorrow, I'll give you a list of what she likes and dislikes and you can work from there." Antonio said hopefully.

"Thank you, mon ami" Francis said gratefully.

Both were silent as they heard the door jingle. Ivy strolled in looking very content, a happy smile on her face.

"Hello Tony, did you have a nice lunch?"

"It was interesting" he chuckled in response.

Ivy saw Francis sitting with him. "Francis" she greeted curtly. "You're actually here for lunch? I can't believe it. You're not actually going to be on time today? She mocked sarcastically, rolling her eyes as she tightened her ponytail.

"I just thought I needed to make up for what I said earlier this morning. Which, by the way, you look beautiful today, as usual" Francis said half smiling, hoping she would accept his apology.

Ivy looked at him dead in the eye but before she could speak the door jingled. Ludwig and Feli were back.

"Alright everyone, open your stations back up and prepare yourselves for the evening rush." Ivy announced.

They all scrambled to their stations, and Francis brushed by Ivy as he did.

"I mean it," he whispered, "you look beautiful."

Ivy couldn't help the blush threatening to rise to her face.

Francis smiled as he saw how red she was, "take that Matthew."