▪︎Unconditional▪︎Jimmy Carr▪︎

▪︎ Chapter One ▪︎

The coffee shop bustled with various types of people, lining the air with a steady hum of chatter that calmed Olivia as she waited in line. She smiled brightly with her head tipped back and her gaze scanning the menu above, finding herself rather interested in the valentine's specials that were being advertised.

"Excuse me, love."

The soft voice came from behind her, accompanied by a gentle tapping on her left shoulder. So, naturally she turned slightly, lowering her curious gaze to rest on the fair haired elderly lady smiling up at her.

"Would you be able to help me order? It's all so confusing."

"Of course," Olivia agreed with a firm nod and friendly smile whilst glancing to the two people ahead of she and the lady in line. "Have you decided what you'd like?"

The woman hesitated; pondering her options, leaving Olivia waiting patiently, even as the line moved up when one of the customers ahead were served.

"A black coffee and some Victoria sponge cake if possible."

"Okay," Olivia smiled. "I'm Olivia by the way."

"That's a pretty name, quite fitting for such a beautiful woman." the lady complimented sweetly, "I'm Edith."

"Thank you. You have a beautiful name; I actually have an Aunt Edith."

"Awe lovely,"

The line moved once more bringing Olivia to the front with Edith at her side. "What can I get you?" the male barista asked politely with a warm smile that didn't quite reach his blue eyes.

Olivia flicked her gaze briefly to the menu once more, a last minute effort to convince herself to order one of the valentine special drinks but with a slight dip in her smile, she shook her head. "Just a black coffee, a caramel latte and a Victoria sponge cake please. The latte is to go."

The barista nodded simply and turned to make up their order, meanwhile Olivia turned her attention back to Edith. "I haven't seen you in here before," she noted politely causing Edith to smile.

"I've recently moved here from Wales so, I'm still getting used to the area." she explained simply.

"Oh, and how are you finding London?"

"It's certainly a lot more... chaotic." Edith chuckled, "my husband hates the busy street beside our house. He calls it an unnecessary nuisance."

Olivia laughs lightly, "he sounds like a country man through and through."

"Oh, he is." Edith agreed as the barista placed their drinks down on the counter before turning to plate up the cake. "He didn't want to leave Wales but our son needed us here since his wife passed."

Olivia frowned sympathetically, her hand instinctively reaching out to rest on Edith's shoulder comfortingly. "I'm sorry to hear that. You're good parents."

Edith nodded with a sad smile, her wrinkled hand patting Olivia's appreciatively. "She is with God now. It's our job to take care of my son and his three children."

Olivia bobbed her head softly in agreement, allowing her hand to gently slip from Edith's shoulder and rest back at her side just as the barista returned with the cake they'd ordered.

"Will that be all?"

Olivia smiled brightly and again nodded, "yes, thank you."

"Okay, £8.30 then please."

Edith immediately straightened up and reached for her purse causing Olivia to shake her head and reach out to stop her sweetly. "My treat," she insisted whilst handing the barista a £10 note and permitting him to keep the change. Then, after wishing him a nice day, she scooped up their drinks whilst Edith scooped up the cake.