Chasing Alana

13 | Prove It

Alana sat on the plush white loveseat, twirling her hands nervously.

They were in the cafe on the first floor of the building. Asher had gotten them a private room, one away from curious eyes and overeager fans, allowing them to have their long-awaited conversation.

He had then disappeared, but not before letting Alana know that he would be back soon. And as she continued to wait for him, she couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. This would be the first time they properly had a conversation and with her mood in general today, she hoped she wouldn't say anything too rash.

She was quickly broken out of her thoughts when she heard the sound of a soft clanking sound, an indication that he had returned. Turning her head, her eyes widened with surprise when she saw that he wasn't alone.

"Thanks, Miles," Asher said, smiling at the waiter, who had placed a hot steamy cup of hot chocolate and a slice of Oreo cheesecake on the table.

"Good luck, boss," Miles whispered not so softly, not before saluting and giving Asher a playful smirk.

Shaking his head, Asher took a seat directly across the table from Alana and pushed the mug and plate closer to her side with a gentle smile on his lips.

"It's not Aunt Cathy's, but I remember how much you loved her Oreo cheesecake," His words immediately broke through her tough facade as a small smile made its way onto her face at his sweet gesture.

"Aunt Cathy? I think it's been almost 2 years since I last visited," she admitted sheepishly. "I hope she's doing well."

Aunt Cathy's Corner Cafe was located at the heart of downtown Eastwood if you would even call it downtown considering how small their town was. It was where all the bridal shops, cozy restaurants, and local boutiques were located. And Aunt Cathy stood at the center of it all with her kind grandmotherly presence.

Growing up, she and her husband were practically grandparents to all of the Eastwood kids and her cozy cafe had stood unwavering in its exact location even before Alana was born. With its retro theme and bright popping colors, it was a popular place for everyone in town, both young and old, to hang out.

"Her and Hank are doing pretty well. Business has been blooming— I still stop by when I head up to my parents' house," he continued. "I'm sure she misses you— she still has your signature framed behind the cash register."

Alana smiled, remembering the scribble she had ultimately called her signature back when she was just an innocent child with big dreams.

"I'm going to be a star one day, Aunt Cathy," 8-year-old Alana exclaimed, almost knocking over her chocolate milkshake. She swung her two small feet that were covered with her worn-out ballet flats excitedly as they dangled off the tall stool.

10-year-old Asher sighed from beside her, silently moving the glass away from the accident-prone girl. He was never a boy of many words, instead preferred to do things silently. Perhaps this was the reason why Alana never caught these little caring gestures.

Aunt Cathy smiled at Asher before turning to look at the young girl. The woman flipped open her memo pad and pushed it towards Alana, along with a black pen. "Well, my little future shining star— why don't you sign your very first autograph for me?"

Her innocent doe-like eyes brightened at the request and excitedly grabbed the pen. Her eyebrows furrowed as she concentrated. She had watched her mama sign her name hundreds of times on her field trip forms, how difficult could it be?

Asher watched silently as Alana, still in her pink ballet outfit, attempt to sign her name in cursive. To be honest, he couldn't make out her name at all— it looked like a random scribble across the small sheet of paper, yet he couldn't help but grin slightly at how serious Alana was taking the request.