Chapter 43

Backstage, Henry approached Sienna again with a beaming smile. He'd initially been disappointed Josiah hadn't appeared that night. To his surprise, Josiah, though absent, had sent late-night snacks.

“Mr. White, what’s up?” Sienna smiled, rising to her feet.

“Wait a moment.” Henry waved, smiling, and instructed the staff to open all the lounge doors. He called to people by the entrance, “Come on; bring it in!”

Eight people entered, each carrying something. Henry cheerfully directed, “Put it on the large table in the middle.”

The large table, usually used for meals, drinks, and Henry's occasional talks, was soon laden with food. The eight individuals, all in delivery uniforms, clearly constituted a catering team.

Sienna’s colleagues gathered around, whispering, “Sienna, what’s Mr. White up to?”

Sienna shook her head. “I have no idea,” she admitted honestly.

Once unpacked, the food revealed the Tasty Bites logo.

“It’s dessert from Tasty Bites!”

“Indeed! Is Mr. White that generous?”

Once the delivery people left, Henry clapped his hands. “Ladies, there’s Tasty Bites dessert for everyone!”

“Wow!” The room erupted in applause. “Thank you, Mr. White!” “Mr. White, you’re so generous!”

“No, it’s not me,” Henry said, smiling and giving Sienna a meaningful look. “It wasn’t my money. If you’re thanking anyone, thank Sienna. Mr. Flynn is treating everyone on her behalf.”

“Wow, Sienna, you’re amazing!”

“Yeah, we’re lucky to know you, Sienna.”

“Well then, let’s enjoy it!” “Thanks, Sienna!”

Faced with their teasing, Sienna managed a strained smile.

Henry approached her, still smiling. “Mr. Flynn couldn’t come himself, but he didn’t forget to show his kindness. Just keep that in mind.”

Sienna pressed her lips together. “Got it.”

Henry, sensing the ongoing activity outside, kept his comments brief. “You should eat too. Mr. Flynn bought it especially for you. Don’t let them have all the fun.”

“Okay.” As soon as Henry left, Sienna’s smile vanished. She pondered, “What’s Josiah up to? Could he really be interested in a dancer? Does Yvette know about this? Isn’t he worried she’ll be jealous? Will he feel deceived if he discovers it’s me?”

Annoyed, she barely glanced at the desserts. Sienna stood and headed out.

Though this was Maze’s staff passageway, it was unlocked. As she stepped out, she saw a familiar face. Cedric had snuck in.

He wasn't sure why he'd come, only that his cousin had used Josiah’s name to send Silver Fox late-night snacks. He wondered how Silver Fox felt, if she was happy Josiah valued her so much.

“You.” Sienna blinked. “Can’t find the restroom again?”

“No, not at all.” Cedric hadn’t expected to see her.

He glanced into the lounge, where everyone was enjoying the desserts. Awkwardly, he asked, “You’re… not having any?”

“What?” Sienna paused, then realized. “Oh, the snacks. There’s nothing I particularly like, so I’m not eating them.”

“Really?” Cedric’s eyes lit up, a smile playing on his lips. She didn’t like it. This could mean two things: she genuinely disliked the desserts, or she disliked their sender. Either way, it was good news for him.

Cedric steeled himself. “So, what do you…”

“Huh?” Sienna paused. “Why do you ask?”

“T-l…” Cedric blushed. “I’m just checking. You don’t have to answer.”

“Well, I’m off,” Sienna said, indicating the direction she was going.

“Okay.” Cedric nodded, slightly disappointed as she walked away.

Suddenly, Sienna turned around. Cedric straightened, expectant.

Sienna thought a moment. “Pumpkin soup.”

With that, she walked off without looking back.

“Pumpkin soup…” Cedric murmured, chuckling softly. She was answering his question. “Yes!” He felt like he’d found treasure.

Sienna, having forgotten the entire exchange, returned from the restroom, touched up her makeup, and waited for her performance. After the show, she removed her makeup, changed her clothes, and left.

“Hey!” someone called out as she exited the building.

Unsure if she was the one being addressed, Sienna turned to see Cedric approaching with a bag. She stopped. “What’s up?”

Cedric jogged over, stopped before her, nodded, and offered the bag. “This is for you.”

“What is it?” Sienna frowned, hesitant to take it.

But Cedric was short on time; his cousin and friends waited. If they saw him with her, there would be trouble. In his haste, he thrust the bag into her hands. Sienna frowned at the brief contact. He quickly withdrew his hand.

“Tomorow!” Cedric smiled and turned to leave.

“Hey, what is it?” she asked.

Cedric glanced back, waved, and replied, “Pumpkin soup.” Then he ran off.

Sienna looked down. It was pumpkin soup, cold, with an ice pack. She wondered, ‘Did he buy it because I mentioned it? Is he interested in me?’

She shook her head, sighing. “Is he just a spoiled rich kid looking for a fling, or a naive young man experiencing his first crush?”

Either way, she wasn’t interested. She had no plans for a new relationship, not now. Still, she appreciated the soup.

Sienna picked up the bag, unlocked a shared bike, and headed home to her apartment on 12th Avenue. Several floors' stairway sensor lights, including hers, were out. Sienna used her phone’s flashlight. The beam suddenly illuminated someone at her doorway.

“Ah!” Sienna screamed, nearly dropping her phone.

“You’re back,” the shadowy figure said.

The voice was familiar. She wondered if she knew this person. Uncertain, she shone the light again.

“Tsk!” The light hit Josiah’s eyes; he shielded them with his hand. “Sienna, are you interrogating me?”

Do I hear this right? That’s Josiah?! Sienna thought.

Instead of dodging the light, she stood unmoving. It really was him.

Sienna’s first instinct was to leave.

“Sienna,” Josiah stepped forward, grabbing her ponytail. “Are you running away? Where do you think you’re going?”