Double Take

Chapter 7 - Coffee Catchups

While spending the morning holed in my room, definitely not hiding away from my housemate and her 'guest', I decide to delve into researching my family tree. The free trials on a few ancestry websites only get me so far, every hint prompting me for a bloody subscription which I can't justify. Regardless of paid subscriptions connecting the dots between the McKay's and Stewart's is impossible without more details. I know virtually nothing about Elsie's Dad other than their surname and his affinity for divorce.

My internet searching did give me an idea; however, we could get a DNA test. Though, it's the money that gives me pause. It's an awful lot and would send my dream of owning a car hurdling back another month.

After tracking my family history back to Little Brechin in Scotland, I close the lid of my laptop, disappointed to find my 7th Great-Grandfather isn't a Laird. But it's high time I started getting ready for my 'coffee catch up' as Elsie so underwhelmingly coined it.

After successfully sneaking into the bathroom, I lock the door and strip before clambering into the shower. Luke-warm water cascades over me, refreshing me and tingling my delicate skin. That's right; I'm still depressingly sunburnt. I smooth over my favourite mango body wash, loving how the smell both soothes and energises me all at once. Emerging from the shower, feeling a lot more like myself, I slip on a bathrobe, contemplating what to wear. If only I had Elsie's immaculate wardrobe at my disposal. But that's only a pipedream, definitely not my reality. After pawing through my limited options, I settled on a long-sleeved floral pattern dress that successfully hides my sunburn while mixing casual and cute.

I hastily fix my hair and don some lip gloss, giving myself a once over in the mirror. It's a vast improvement from my usual look. As good as a coffee catch up deserves.

Exiting my room, my lucky spree of evading Shayne's flavour of the weekend ends. I find them sucking face in the living room and cringe. After high tailing it out of the apartment, I make my way to the train station.

~

My eyes scan the bright and airy cafe, immediately noticing how fancy the setting appears. Thank goodness I wore a dress instead of my usual oversized band shirt and denim shorts look. The view of the gorgeous Swan River dappled in sunlight is stunning from this perspective. Tearing my gaze away from the picturesque view, I scan the room once more, landing on Aiden, who gives me a wave. He stands as I approach, and we exchange greetings before he leans into peck my cheek. The action is unexpectedly sweet, and I smile shyly as we pull away.

While taking our seats, I eye him appreciatively. Thank goodness he's not suited up again. Aiden's wearing a location appropriate short-sleeved collared shirt and chino shorts. Smart casual is a nice look, but I secretly wonder if he owns a white singlet, board shorts and thongs, the uniform for every Australian man.

"Have you been here before?"

"No, but it's beautiful. Thank you again for inviting me." Aiden smiles kindly.

"It's my pleasure. Thank you so much for coming." I seize the cold carafe of water already sitting on the table and busy myself with pouring us both a glass while trying to hide the blush in my cheeks. A waitress approaches us soon after, and we order our coffees.

"Did you have a good time at the launch?"

"Yes, I had an awesome night. You should be very proud. Your club is amazing." My compliments sound hollow, and I feel compelled to add. "The service was exceptional too."

"How does it compare to other clubs you've been to?" I suddenly feel like I'm in a Customer Service Feedback interview. Maybe I misread the meaning of 'getting to know you better'.