Looking Up

Chapter 1

I sigh, leaning forward onto the cool glass counter holding a bright array of plastic phone cases.

"Yes, Miss Elis, that pink case will fit your phone. Would you like to try it for the fifth time?" I drone, my fake smile and professional tone slipping towards the end. I know she can't help it, being old and all, but when someone wearing a Metra Mobile vest tells you a phone case will fit your phone, you believe them. Especially when this is the sixth time you've been to the store that month.

"Oh no, that's okay I'm just looking. Sweet little Ruby, oh my sweet little granddaughter, she's just so pretty, and she just loves taking care of me, you know? Ever since Ronnie... Well anyway, she bought me this... oh what's it called agai-"

"Smart phone." I interject, knowing how long the lonely widow could ramble on. She must miss her husband an awful lot, but I wouldn't know. Love is for fairy tales, not reality.

"Yes, you would get along with her so well. You're both gorgeous young ladies. Yes, Ruby bought me this... this Smart phone. I don't think my last phone was stupid. No, in fact, it was really very practical." She gives me a puzzled look, like she hasn't told me this every time she ambles up to the counter. I glance up at the clock, sighing deeper.

"Miss Elis?" I say as politely as possible, stopping her mumbling as she leans widely over the cool surface of the display case. Already daydreaming about the little coffee shop around the corner, waiting to fuel my caffeine addiction.

"Yes honey?" The gray-haired woman answers. She doesn't even look up.

"My shift ends in a few minutes and I've got to clean up. Is there anything else I can assist you with?" I smirk, seeing my best friend Cam walk in, ready to start back up after his break.

"Better yet. This is Cam, and he would be happy to help." I hold back my laughter as I see the mortified look flash across his face before he hides his un-enthusiasm behind his perfectly professional expression.

"I think you will get along well." I laugh lightly before walking to the staff offices, slipping my shoulders out of my vest as I push through the door. Before it shuts I hear Miss Elis make a comment about what a "fine young man" Cam is.

I'm still amused when I slip through the side door into the crisp April air. Turning a corner, I see a couple cuddled together on a bench waiting for the next bus. I roll my eyes, I've been through too much to spend my time with someone who only wants me for my body. I've learned the hard way that all guys want is to get you alone, vulnerable. I shiver as I step into the little cafe around the corner from Metra. Playing it off as the cold and not my reaction to the couple.

Without looking up I tell the barista my order, "Caramel Macchiato, extra whip cream."

Expecting it to be the same man with platinum blond hair and cliche storm-blue eyes, I turn to sit in the stool at the end of the counter, hidden in the corner of the room.

"May I have a name for that order?" A strong, almost melodic voice asks politely. Not recognizing it, I turn and lock eyes with a very attractive man I have never seen before. He has a certain air about him, like he's impossible to displease.

As my pale hazel eyes met his deep brown ones, he ran a hand through his untamed jet-black hair. Suddenly unable to think, I cleared my throat a few times before looking down. Why am I so nervous all of a sudden? He's just a stupid guy. Get over yourself!

"Uh... My name's.. Cailin." I smile awkwardly, mentally slapping myself as I quickly shuffle to my hidden spot in the corner. He looks like someone out of a movie, not majorly defined muscles, but definitely some there. He has darker skin, seemingly of Latin American descent (though it's hard to see from the corner of the room. He's gorgeous. I think. Like way more gorgeous than anyone should legally be.