Naila and Luke sat at the table. It smelled so good inside the Flann Cafe. Luke had some calls with his team while Naila just remained quiet, staring outside. The other side of the road had clear mountain views. It looked breathtaking. "It's so cold," she said, running both her hands and inserting them into her coat's pocket. She had worn the black boots that protected her feet from cold.
Luke was still on the call, but his attention kept drifting toward her. He stole brief glances at Naila as she sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the world outside the window. She seemed lost in her thoughts, completely unaware that he was watching her.
"I am off this coming week," Naila heard him say. "Maybe I will go through the contract but I cannot say anything till I come back," he said. "I answered because it's you. I need rest. So please tell them to not call me again," he sounded serious. "I am familiar with the work, I don't have issues with it but definitely not this week," he appeared to be rejecting something. After a long pause he bid farewell. "Bye, take care", he ended the call. "Sorry about that," Luke placed his phone back into his pocket. "Work," he smirked.
"Do you have shoots everyday?" Naila asked.
"Most days yes," he replied. "Either shoot or preps for it. Or a meeting for it. Then a success party after it. Or visit the locations, attend events for those brands, it's a cycle, it keeps happening," he explained.
"Sounds hard," Naila sat looking at him.
"Agency keeps me busy throughout the year," he admitted.
"Well, money matters. They pick the work and you do the work," she said. "You're in demand. As long as you're in demand, it's good."
"Why does it sound easy when you say it?" He chuckled.
"I'm not saying it's easy. I'm just saying they are trying to make more money out of you. Do they pay you well? I mean I have heard that agencies steal and don't pay their artists fairly," she corrected.
"Some do. But here it is fair. They do give me decent amount after taking their share. But definitely not all," he answered back.
The sun's rays slowly filtered into the café, bright yet gentle, spilling through the windows and casting a warm, elegant glow across their table. A sliver of sunlight fell perfectly across Naila's face, giving her skin a soft, sun-kissed glow.
They waited quietly for their orders.
Luke glanced at her.
For a moment, he simply watched. Then, unable to resist, he suddenly pushed his chair back and stood.
"It looks good," he murmured.
Naila looked at him, confused, as he pulled out his phone.
"Stay like that," he said, lifting the camera. "Look outside. Don't look at me."
She turned towards the window, just as he asked.
The camera clicked.
Once.
Then again.
And again.
Naila didn't have to pose or ask him to take a picture. Luke simply kept clicking, capturing her exactly as she was—the soft morning light on her face, her gaze lost beyond the glass, completely unaware of how beautiful she looked from where he stood.
"Here's your food."
The waitress's voice interrupted their little photoshoot.
She placed the plates on the table and paused when she noticed them properly. Her eyes moved between Luke and Naila, taking in their almost perfectly coordinated outfits. A small, knowing smile appeared on her face.
Luke and Naila exchanged a glance.
Naila immediately understood what she was thinking and quickly looked away, pretending to be interested in the table.
"I can take a picture of you both together," the waitress offered.
"Thank you," Luke said, handing her his phone.
"That's," Naila began, but stopped herself.
There was no point arguing.
The two of them moved into position, sitting side by side with the café's warm interior and sunlit windows creating the perfect backdrop. Naila felt a little conscious at first, but she had always been comfortable in front of a camera.
"Okay, just relax," the waitress said, raising the phone. "Maybe try a few different poses."
Naila shifted slightly towards the table and rested one hand on it, supporting her chin with the other. She looked effortless.
Then, almost instinctively, she glanced at Luke.
At the exact same moment, he looked at her.
Their eyes met.
Naila froze.
Oh no.
Her heart gave an unexpected little flutter. She immediately looked away, trying to hide the sudden smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
The camera clicked.
And the waitress captured the moment before either of them could look away.
"Thank you," Naila thanked the waitress.
"It looks good, and both of you," Waitress complimented.
Luke looked at Naila who was panicking and hid his smile.
The plates looked yummy. The set had bread, butter, cheese, pancake, maple syrup, blueberry extract with a scoop of fresh cream, two sausages, scrambled egss, baked beans, sautéed mushrooms and a cup of coffee.
"This is a lot," Naila said. Luke's plate had waffle instead of pancake.
"But so good," he said happily.
"I thought you're supposed to stick to your diet," she looked at him holding the butter knife.
"Let me forget about it for a week," he took a deep breath inhaling all the good smell from his plate. Naila laughed. It looked like he loves eating but controls too much for the body.
The two enjoyed their breakfast and chatted a lot about his work. Naila forgot about her worries for some time. There were people coming in for brunch.
"I like this café," Naila admitted. "It's so cozy and warm. Food is good. The view is good," she went on. The café looked beautiful with Christmas decorations. "Do you know what my biggest dream is?" She suddenly opened up. Luke smiled and looked at her.
"What is it?" He wanted to know too.
"Own a café or a tiny restaurant," she said. "I always knew this. I always wish for it, but I'm afraid like what if people don't come," Luke felt delighted to have heard her talk about something she likes.
At that same time, someone just walked into the café. "Naila," she was called. Luke and Naila turned around to look at who it is.
Naila immediately stood up. "Dalia," Luke looked confused.