Katie's Cafe

16

"I wouldn't want to force another greasy kebab on you too soon or you'll never invite me around to your house again," I laugh while bringing our used plates into the kitchen.

"I'm really glad you picked Chinese. Do you have to rush home tonight?"

"No, it's a Saturday so Hannah usually has some of her friends over. I'm glad to be out of the way if I'm honest. I don't want to cramp her style".

"You can always stay here tonight if you want?"

I'm a little shocked by his offer which he swiftly notices.

"I didn't mean it like that. I have a spare room upstairs with a bed in it, that's all".

He looks panicked like he's worried I don't believe him or that he might've offended me.

"I know you're a gentleman, Tom".

"Sorry. Sometimes I just worry that because of our age difference I'm going to scare you off if I ever say the wrong thing".

That's actually really sweet.

"Can I be honest with you?"

"Of course".

"You're actually the first man that's ever cooked me dinner, taken me to see a movie or invited me over for a takeaway".

"Really?"

"Honestly, it's true. I hadn't even kissed a man in years until we kissed last night".

We finish cleaning up and I sit on the couch with Max resting his head on me. Tom soon joins us and brings me a cup of tea.

"Sara, can I ask you something personal?"

"Go ahead".

"Don't take this the wrong way but has something bad ever happen to you, physically I mean?"

I can't even bring myself to reply to his question. I just keep my eyes down and avoid looking at him at all.

"I know it's not my place to ask because it's none of my business, but I've noticed certain things in the way you are around other people".

"Like what?"

"You flinch sometimes when men are too close to you at the cafe. Even when Alan tried to shake your hand you hesitated for a second".

That was something I'd always been afraid of. It was obvious, and if he could spot it so easily then other people could probably see it too.

"I should probably go home, it's getting late," I head for the front door and grab my coat.

"Sara, wait, I didn't mean to upset you," I hear him coming up behind me.

"Just leave me alone, Tom. Please".

I don't look back for a second once I'm outside of his house, I just set off running to the nearest bus stop, wanting to put as much distance between me and that conversation as possible.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I can hear the laughter of Hannah and her friends inside the apartment when I go to put my key in the door, but I can't let her see me like this when she sounds so happy.

Instead, I go up to the roof where we aren't supposed to go. Being the rebellious tenants that we are, we'd already put a table and some chairs up here just to piss off the landlord.

Once the door is wedged open, I take a seat when my phone vibrates in my pocket. There's already multiple missed calls and texts from Tom, probably trying to apologise for earlier.