A Lesson to Learn

Chapter 8

 Rey got up the next morning feeling relaxed and refreshed despite how late she had gone to bed and how early she was rising. Kylo had truly saved the night yesterday in more ways than one - from actually saving her to sticking around afterwards and then later to messaging her once she got back home until she fell asleep. It was nice to drift off to sleep while talking to somebody, it made Rey feel wanted and needed in a way she hadn't felt in a long time. And not to mention that it gave her wonderful night time dream fuel.

Now that she was awake, Rey was getting ready for her day so she could leave for her early morning to afternoon shift at the First Order. As she made her coffee and breakfast, Rey thought back to last night and how she had told herself she would be more bold with Kylo despite her reservations that things could be moving too fast.

"What do you think, Chewie? Should mommy grow a pair and text him to visit her at work? Should she ignore her annoying over analyzing brain and listen to her lonely ass heart?" Rey asked out loud while Chewie nuzzled into her outstretched palm.

Chewie gave her knee a small lick, an odd habit of his. Rey took this as a resounding "yes" as she pulled out her phone and typed out: I still owe you that double feature, but I also seem to remember that you still need to try a First Order PSL. Come on down today and have one as my treat?

Rey didn't expect a reply considering that it was around 6:30 am, but she was pleasantly surprised when her cell went off and she read: Only if I get to take you out to lunch as my treat ;). She could barely contain her smile when she wrote back: Deal.

***

As Rey prepared the shop for their 7:00 am opening time, she couldn't help putting on some cheerful and sappy music to match her mood. She couldn't wait until lunch time when Kylo would take her out, hoping and praying that the shop would be busy so that time could go by faster.

Thankfully, Rey's co-worker, Ben Bagdley (or BB for short) came in and she was glad to not be working alone and to have someone to help her pass the time. BB bounded over to her with a big smile, always bright and ever the morning person, giving her a warm hug as he greeted her.

"Hey, Rey! How was the fall festival? I'm going next weekend with Amilyn when it's closer to Halloween." he said, unwrapping himself from her and moving on to get his work apron.

"It was great! The neon radiation spill one was super trippy. It was like a fun house. You had to walk through moving walkways and spinning tunnels. Very unreal." Rey gushed. "How is Amilyn doing? I haven't seen her come in and see you in a while."

"She's good! She's been busy planning the wedding and trying to secure Bartram's Garden for us. I know it's a little late to book them but she's determined and has enough connections." BB answered with a big grin. He and Amilyn had just recently gotten engaged and their wedding was going to be in the springtime so a botanical garden venue would be perfect. BB absolutely adored her and it was obvious in his dopey loved-up face. "Amilyn is actually dyeing her hair lavender today. She says it's in preparation for Halloween but I think she just wants to see what pastel shade looks best on her before she figures out her wedding look." BB added with a wink.

"Ugh. She is going to look absolutely stunning, BB. I honestly can't wait. You guys are an absolute dream and Bartram's Garden would be lucky to host your wedding. I'm sure Amilyn will snag the venue. I've never met a more determined and capable woman." Rey groaned with admiration. Amilyn was a powerhouse. She was older than BB and a powerful political figure who had known exactly what she wanted the second she stepped into First Order Books and Coffee: BB by her side. And she had gotten it that very day. Rey looked up to Amilyn as if she were a big sister or a cool older aunt, and she couldn't be more happy for the betrothed couple.