Sudden Chance

Shutterbug

I feel anxiety forming a pit in my stomach, "Go on." I take a sip of coffee, maybe I can just drown the anxiety. 

Jimmi sighs and runs a hand through his hair, "I'm the one that should be apologizing. I purposefully skipped a signature on Friday. I thought maybe I would get to see you again, but I didn't think they would make you work on your day off. Can you please forgive me?"

I can't stop the laugh that comes tumbling out, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to laugh. I just thought it was going to be this huge dark life altering secret. That's nothing. Actually, I'm kind of relieved you told me it was you. I was driving myself crazy trying to figure out how it happened."  I manage to stop giggling and I lean forward, my voice quieter. "Since we are both confessing things, I should probably admit after I met you on Friday my friend Rose told me you were in Westworld and I have binged the entire first season in two days. That's what I was up late doing."

Jimmi had also leaned in close while I was talking and he gives a soft laugh. "I'm honored, really. If you don't mind me asking, what did you think?"

"Oh it was fantastic! The whole story is wonderful and so well thought out. It seems incredibly well directed as well." As I talk I can see that Jimmi's smile is genuine. 

"It was a fantastic project to work on and I'm glad you enjoyed it." Jimmi is cut off by Moose barking from beneath my chair. 

"Moose!" I try and calm Moose down but the small dog is bristling beneath my chair, barking at a guy across the street. I frown, what's gotten into him? "I'm sorry Jimmi, he isn't calming down. Maybe I should start bringing him home."

Jimmi looks at his watch, "I should start heading back soon too if I expect to make my flight today. Are you parked far?" 

"Oh, I didn't drive. I walked, well ran, with Moose here. It's only a couple of blocks." I look at Moose while I talk, he's still bristling and is grumbling as he comes out from underneath the chair to stand next to me. "We will probably both walk this time though; I don't think a little bit of a workout will hurt Moose." 

Jimmi chuckles, "Let me walk you back then at least." 

"Are you sure? I don't want you to be late for your flight." While spending more time with Jimmi does sound great, I don't want to be the reason he is late. 

"I still have time, please I insist. I'm pretty sure my mom would be disappointed in me if I let such a lovely lady walk home by herself." Jimmi's smile is charming, and I can't say no.

"Well, if you insist." To be quite honest I didn't want to leave just yet. As we start walking, I begin to talk again, "But. Coffee and pastries are on me next time."

Our arms brush against each other as we walk, going at a snail's pace thanks to Moose meandering all over the grass next to the sidewalk. He stops to sniff at a grasshopper and then stumbles backwards, startled by the bug hopping away. Moose gives it a grumble and goes back to sniffing the grass. 

Jimmi and I both laugh at Moose, "So you want there to be a next time then?" Jimmi asks, looking down at me. 

I blush and look down at Moose as I fidget with the leash in my hand. "Well I-. I just wanted to pay you back for the coffee and muffin. And make up for being late." The excuse is weak and even I can tell. I glance up through my lashes at Jimmi trying to see his expression. He is still smiling so I'll take that as a good sign.  I try to change the topic, "So how long are you going to be gone filming?" 

"A week or so at least. It depends on how quickly we can wrap up these scenes." Jimmi tells me. The rest of the walk is filled with light chat and we joke around. It's a lovely walk and by the time we get back to my house I feel disappointed that it was coming to an end. I wanted it to last just a bit longer. 

"Well this is me." I say as we stop on the doorstep. "Did you want to come in at all? I can offer water or something else to drink if you'd like." 

Jimmi hesitates, "I would love to, but I can't. I have to go to get my flight." Jimmi reaches out and brushes a stray strand of hair out of my face, softly tucking it behind my ear. He gives me a soft smile, "But next time I will. I have to go but thank you for coming to get coffee with me." Jimmi takes my hand in his and plants a soft kiss on my hand before letting it go. "I will see you soon Evie." 

I'm left absolutely speechless for a moment and by the time I find my voice again Jimmi is already at the gate to my yard. "Have a safe flight Jimmi." I call out.

Jimmi turns around giving me a smile, "I'll send you a text when I land." He walks out the gate and down the street and as he goes I turn around unlocking my door with the biggest grin on my face. 

***Mystery POV***

I didn't believe my eyes at first when I saw it out the window of the coffee shop. Jimmi Simpson and a mystery lady. Before his divorce is finalized. This. This is a blessing. This could land my work on the front page of every news site, every tabloid. People eat this shit up. The more scandalous the content the more they love it. I pay for my coffee and make my way across the street, trying to make myself as inconspicuous as possible. Luckily for me, I almost always carry my camera on me. And today was no exception. 

As I sit and watch snapping photos a couple of them stand out from the bunch. These are going to send my career into the next atmosphere. Just as they are both leaning in the dog sleeping underneath the chick's chair lifts his head and notices me. Shit. I tuck my camera away and lower my cap more to cover my face as I quickly walk away. I pull my phone out of my pocket and dial my boss. 

"What is it Perez?" The gruff voice answers.

"How quickly can we get articles up on the site. I have our next headliner."