A tinge of jealousy and aloneness swelling within her. She wished she'd met him earlier. She felt being left out.

Beauty was born who couldn't hide her emotions from showing on her face. Her face was like a book that viewers can read openly. Clarence was heartbroken watching her, yet apparently satisfied with what he saw.

"She's Bernard's older sister. Her full name is Sheila Jane Hernandez. She is two years older than me. We've met with the same circle of friends in the Culinary Organization. Four years ago I was a frequent customer here. I asked their father to teach me how to make fresh handmade noodles but still not good at it till now." He tried to explain in a manner Beauty could see that the other lady was just a friend and nothing more. Somehow, the details should have remained hidden as well.

"Where is she now?" Beauty seemed to be interested to know more.

"I definitely have no idea. We've all heard what Bernard said. She left a long time ago. No need to dwell on such topics. We have three targets to investigate. The first is Mother's Deli restaurant." He wanted to divert her attention and forget it. She momentarily stopped asking, but her mind couldn't easily get over it.

Clarence described the overall situation of the said restaurant. It was one of the oldest they had. The income was not as good as it was in the past. It was only kept in memory of the founder of the company, his great-grandfather, Leroy Peres. This was his first restaurant. From here he explored in other places and expanded. The rest was history.

As they went in, the place was plainly old but neat and clean. Walls were made of redwood while floors made of white tiles. There were few rattan chairs and tables arranged with s.p.a.ce enough for people to pa.s.s. The restaurant attendants, who were few, were wearing a white s.h.i.+rt, a pair of black pants, and a red ap.r.o.n. People from all walks of life were eating.

"Where are we going to sit? There's no s.p.a.ce for three," said Beauty.

"Let's go back to the car. We'll come back after hectic hours pa.s.sed."

Two hours after, Ronald went in alone. As he came in, a girl attendant guided him to a front table but he refused and chose the one at a corner. She handed her the menu whilst polite and accommodating. As Ronald read the menu, he asked her about Chicken Relleno. She called someone instead to help her describe the dish and explained that she was just newly hired. The next one was the same story, another new worker. Later, they called the oldest among them to help.

"Okay, they said you are the oldest here. Can you please describe what's this Chicken Relleno?" asked Ronald.

"Sir, that is a whole boneless chicken with fillings. But I suggest you order something else. That is a preorder dish and need time to prepare. I suggest these other dishes here." He explained as he pointed dish after dish on the menu.

"Why all of you didn't tell me earlier? It seems 15 minutes of my time was taken just trying to get someone to describe this dish to me." Interjected Ronald with a harsh face.

"Sorry, Sir, they were just hired two days ago and we are still training them. I'll take charge of your orders, Sir. . . all the rest of you go find something to do." The old man explained while reminding the other attendants.

In the end, Ronald ordered three dishes which were served to him after 15 minutes. They were newly cooked and neatly served but nothing more.

He left after paying then went back to the car. The two were waiting inside and they saw what took place on the laptop monitor.

"Why are there a lot of new servers? It seems out of the five three was new. Ronald, write a detailed report of your evaluation with the staff, food, and the whole place." Clarence was bothered with what he saw. "Beauty, what do you think?"

"I'm not sure but these workers are very young. Are they part-time workers, like self-supporting students?"

"I think so. I'll leave that problem to Mom to handle. What about the food presented?"

"Hmm, the presentation was very simple, nothing special or to make it more appetizing to look. A person can just go in, eat, and leave. Maybe, the people eating here are frequent customers from other surrounding offices." She gave her guesses base on her observations.

"If that so then why is their revenue low? This street is one of the busiest and oldest. The patrons would have been numerous if that's the case." Clarence was baffled.

"Clarence, the place is small, only 10 tables with four to six chairs each. Food is freshly cooked but takes time. Others might prefer fast foods to accommodate the lunchtime given to them." Ronald voiced out a part of his evaluation.

"Probably you're right. Write that in your report as well."

Suddenly, Beauty's message tone was heard, the featured song of the movie 'Beauty and the Beast'. She checked the message. It was from John.

"Clarence, what were Leonard and Doc John's surname?"

"Is that his message?"

"Yup, what's his family name?"

"What did he say?"

"Clarence, why are you not answering my question?"

"Ask him yourself." Jealous Clarence was irritated knowing it was from John.

"What did he say?" Pro-Clarence Ronald echoed back the question to Beauty.

"Pfft, Are you curious, too?" Beauty giggled while asking.

"Beauty, if the message is too personal then fine, save it for your privacy. Just asking." Ronald sighed for his Boss' sake.

"He only asked if I'm free tomorrow night. That's all."

"We're not free tomorrow the whole day and the rest of the weekend as well. We're going to a beach resort distant from the city. We have one restaurant there to investigate but since it's very far then we'll take the opportunity to stay and enjoy until Sunday." Clarence instantaneously made a detour of their operation to thwart John's advancements.

Ronald was trying his best to hold his laughter after hearing the instant plan.

Beauty was really amused. They already had an itinerary for the coming days. Somehow, the schedule was changed in a flash. She wanted to tease this guy.

"Why the change? What happened to our itinerary this time?" asked Beauty.

"The resort owner will be away next week so we need to be there tomorrow to meet him," said Clarence.

"Ha ha ha," Ronald burst out laughing. He couldn't hold it in anymore.

Beauty just shook her head with a smile.

Clarence maintained his poker face but pleased inside. 'John, sorry, I won't give you a chance at all.'

Beauty thought of teasing more, "I'll tell him I'll be free next week then." She acted as if writing a message.

"Tell him you're not available until the regional trial ends. I can't tell if more changes will present itself."

Clarence almost burst out laughing while saying those alibis of his but held in by coughing. The other guy was already teary-eyed while holding his stomach in laughter. Beauty smiled looking at the man driving. She replied to John to keep the man from waiting.

Beauty: full schedule, travel far tomorrow don't know when coming back

John: Okay, when you're back we'll go out for dinner. I'll call later.

At the nurse's station in the hospital, John sighed exasperatedly while reading her reply. "Clarence you're really challenging me. Don't think you've already won."