"Steemit Challenge s28wk6: Unexpected Chat's True Twist

When Tina walked away from Anthony, he had been waiting a long time in the parking area. The cars in the parking place shone like quiet stars due to the light of the malls. Even though he felt his heart was light, his mind was full. Her gentle smile, patient listening, and the warmth of her hand are still haunting his mind. When he reminded all that had happened, he felt it like a part of a film.

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That night, Anthony couldn’t sleep. From time to time, he checked his phone, hoping for a message from Tina. Around midnight, his phone rang.

Yes, it was Tina.

“Hi, Anthony, I hope you have safely reached your home. That day, I enjoyed your companionship well.”

Anthony smiled to himself and said, “I also enjoyed that moment. I hope you have also reached safely.”

The time passed slowly. Anthony went to work as usual, fulfilled his task, and talked to the people when necessary, but in his mind, he always thought about Tina.

On the third day, he got another message from Tina. It mentioned, “Hi, Anthony, what about the dinner next week? I really want to talk to you about something important.”

The word "important" excited him. So, he agreed with her without any objection.

On that day, they met at a little eatery tucked away behind a row of shops. Tina seemed different, but Anthony was completely eager. She grinned, but there was a serious calmness in her eyes.

While they ordered food, Tina took a deep breath. Silence spread through the restaurant. Breaking the silence, Tina said softly, “Anthony, before anything else, I should be honest.”

Anthony’s heart beat faster. “Okay.”

“I am not only a salesgirl. I am working there to learn about the garment business. I am running a small clothing page with my cousin. We design simple, cheaper garments. The problem is that we didn't know how to improve it.

Anthony relaxed a little. Then said, “That is not bad."

She smiled. “I hoped your answer might be that. Because that day you talked much about yourself and websites, digital marketing, and customer behavior. I never thought that you would take hours to talk about that. Tina went on, "I asked you for dinner to know whether we can work together. But don't think that I'm using you.”

He was surprised to hear her honest words. Then he replied with a smile, "I thought that you were going to tell me something terrible."

They stopped talking for a moment as the food arrived. But while they ate, they talked deeply about ideas, colours, customer needs, small budgets, and big dreams. Again, Anthony forgot the time passing. He felt alive, as the subject was related to him.
At the end of the dinner, “Are you ready to be our business partner? Tina asked.”

Anthony nodded his head and replied, “Let’s try.”

The week slowly passed. They met often, sometimes at the cafés. Sometimes at the malls after her shift.

Tina gave all the information about customers, what they liked, what they complained about, etc., to Anthony. Thus, he helped her rebuild their website. This led to an increase in orders.

One evening while they were working on a laptop, Anthony said, "This is working."

Yes, Tina smiled. She then continued, narrowing her gaze, "I have something to tell you."

He looked up and questioned, "What is that?"

“My cousin is leaving the country. He gave me full control of the business. If you can be more than just a helper," she continued, laughing softly.

Closing the laptop, he asked, “Are you asking me to be a partner… or something else?”

She looked directly at his eyes and said, "Maybe both."

Anthony maintained silence for a while. He realised something then. It was about her.

“I’m not bold at moves,” he said. “You know that.”

She caught his hand. “You don’t have to be bold, but you are honest.”

He squeezed her hand gently. “Actually, I cared about you. It wasn't planned, but it happened."

She smiled with shining eyes. "Same here."

After a few months, their brand became popular among the public for simple designs and honest prices. It grew with their long talks, shared risks, smart planning, and quiet trust.

Anthony recalled how a shy question started in a garment shop led to a successful married life and a business. Love didn’t arrive like a sudden fire. It came like a conversation that never wanted to end.

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