Thickened

Arabella's Pov

"Bella, please take this to table eleven." Mel handed me a tray filled with orders while she picked up another tray.

Unlike usual, today the cafe was not too crowded so there was no queue outside. Still, all the staff maintained their speed of service as the tables were fully occupied. I just followed along as I was used to working like this. The only difference was that the service staff could have more extended conversations with the customers, though it was rare that anyone would want to do that.

"Here's the order, sir." I put down some plates and glasses, preparing my notes before looking at the customer I was serving with a smile. "Is there any order missing? I'll inform the staff in our kitchen."

The customer looked at me for a long time, so I repeated my question, but the man didn't answer immediately. He looked sad. "Nothing, but... do I look different looking like this, Bella?"

I paused, staring again at my customers intently. The man's arrival had caught the a