Sacred Ink | cth

three.

        "Dude, what the hell?" I raise my hand towards the air, small drips of water slowly falling towards me. I start running towards the closest building, trying to protect myself from the oncoming downpour. Kups and Kisses. I walk in with a huge surprise. This place is... lovey-dovey.

        "Hi, how are you?" I turn around in surprise. A tall young man with disheveled hair stands before me. The collar of his white shirt is sticking upwards and his red apron tied loosely around his waist. Little beads of sweat line his forehead.

        "Uhm...hi? I'm fine, how are you?" I reply shakily, still scared from his sudden appearance.

        "I'm good! Oh, sorry, did I scare you? I didn't mean to, I swear! I'm so sor-"

        "Ahahahahah, no it's okay! Don't be sorry!" With those simple words, a huge smile stretched across his face.

        "Oh, sorry...so uh, what's your name? I didn't quite catch it," He looked down as he noticed he accidentally apologized again, He nervously rubbed the back of his neck.

        "My name is Lucy! What's yours?"

        He looks up quickly as he noticed that I replied enthusiastically. "Ashton! My name is Ashton, heheh," D-did he just giggle? His smile was back. His bright smile could easily make anyones day better.

        "ASH, GET BACK TO WORK!" A voice from behind the counter boomed towards us.

        "SORRY MAGGIE," he yelled back, even louder. "Yeah, sorry about that. Uhm, would you like to order anything?"

       "Uh...sure. Can I have a hot chocolate with caramel please?"

        "Anything for a new...friend," he walked away smiling, that last word lingering in the air. Friend? It's only been a few minutes, but he can really brighten up a day. I'll for sure come back more often. I walked myself over to a table. I start to gaze out the window for a few minutes while I start to lose my track. My eye catches on something from across the street. Who's that and why is he staring at me? A tall man stares at me, his dark eyes not breaking the intensity. "Hey, here's your drink...is everything okay? I look back to see Ashton with my drink in hand, his eyebrows furrowed with concern.

        "Uhm yeah..." I quickly look back out the window to see if I could catch the mystery man again. I swear he was just there a second ago. "Yeah, everything is perfect. Thanks for the drink! Here..." I try to grab my wallet from my purse, but I'm quikckly interupted by Ashton.

        "Oh, no no no no no, don't worry, it's on me," he said as he winked at me.

        "Oh, thanks. I would love to chat, but I really have to go. Thanks for the drink."

        "Hey, maybe we can catch up sometime? I would love to get to know you better."

        "Yeah, sure, totally. I would love to. Here's my number." We exchanged numbers, hoping that this won't be the last time that we meet. I quickly grab my drink and walk out, anticipating that I will meet eyes with the mystery man again. Dark clothing, but even darker eyes. I walk and I walk and I walk. I don't know where I'm heading, but I'm determined to find this mysterious man. Guess I'll have to head back home.