The car ride was spent pondering my thoughts. Specifically the last words Mr. Clark had uttered in my ear.
"It was great seeing you again."
Those 6 words repeated in my mind endlessly.
I kept searching in my memory for any clue as to where I might have known him from, or how he knew me, but I kept coming up empty-handed.
Although he piqued my interest, this was only a minor situation compared to what I might be going home to later. More importantly, I absolutely nailed the interview. I had high hopes for the job. Maybe once I have a steady income Damien will get off my ass.
As I drove down the street I started to explore the area. If all goes well I'll be spending a lot of time here anyway. To the left of me was the large outlet mall. Name-brand stores with giant logos surrounded the multitude of smaller stores in the distance. I had been their plenty of times in my life. It's what attracts so many people to the area, but I had never actually bothered to look at places beyond the outlet.
To the right of me was a much smaller street. What looked to be brick townhouses filled the location, but as I looked closer I could see that they weren't townhouses, just little shops.
"Might as well." I thought to myself while turning right.
Even in the day, I could see lights stringing from one building to another, I could tell it would be a popular location at night. Adults and children walked along the sidewalk joyfully.
As I drove down the street, the first building that caught my eye was instantly one of my favorites. It was taller and slimmer than the rest. I read the sign as I passed by.
JODI'S BOOKSTORE and CAFE.
Reading the word cafe gave me an intense rumbling from my stomach.
"I never actually ate my breakfast, did I?" I said to myself.
Without a second thought, I pulled into an empty parking spot and headed inside.
The smell of fresh-baked muffins and brewing coffee slammed me as I walked through the doors.
Jodi's was one of the most beautiful shops I had ever been inside. Large bookshelves covered the walls, extending out into the room. A wooden spiral staircase took over the center of the area, drawing attention easily. The comfortable warmth of the building kissed my skin. I don't think I could ever leave.
As I approached the counter an older woman greeted me.
"Heya Darlin, Welcome to Jodi's! How can I help you?"
The woman had an adorable southern accent on her. Her straight white hair was pulled back into a plastic headband which allowed her friendly smile to showcase. She couldn't be any taller than 5'4, wearing a purple floral dress with a clearly used apron wrapped around her.
I scanned over the menu sitting above her.
"Hi... Can I get a slice of coffee cake and a medium hazelnut cappuccino?"
She smiled at me. "No problem, give me just a minute dear. What's the name for the order?"
"It's Claudia."
I could see all types of coffee machines and mechanisms behind her spewing foam and milk around. In front of me was a large glass display with all types of snacks and pastries. It all made my mouth water. I watched the small lady go into the corner to prepare my order. She hummed along to the tune quietly playing out of speakers. "Don't go breaking my heart" by Elton John.
YOU ARE READING
Masked Deceit
RomanceEveryone knows her as the girl who's been through so much, sympathizing for her misfortune in life, but if only they were aware of how dark and twisted she really is. Desperate to make her miserable, abusive boyfriend stay she will use any means nec...
