Avery

~5~

It's been a few weeks and the man has kept up his streak every day of coming in for a coffee.

He stands in front of me, just like usual, waiting for his coffee.

At this point, he doesn't even say his order, I just know it.

He's very boring and very rude, I wonder if he has many friends.

It's awful to say, I know, but I doubt he does.

I'm feeling awfully confident today, which may backfire, but I don't have anything to lose, he hates me anyway.

"Sit down. With me. I'll grab a coffee, I just want to talk." I offer, pointing to an empty table with 2 seats.

"I have to get back to work." he says, trying to turn and leave but I grab his arm.

He looks down at my hand, a glare on his face.

"Please, just once. I won't ever bother you again. I just need someone to talk to, it's been 3 days since I've had an actual conversation."

"Really? You'll leave me alone?"

"Yep." I hold my hands up like it's a scouts honour.

"Okay. Fine. But only because I hate hearing you talk so much." he walks over to the chair, leaning back when he sits.

He mindless spins the cup of coffee infront of him, his eyes on me.

Neither of us talk, I didn't really think this through.

"What's your name? You seem like a Dave. Maybe an Alexander." I suggest, tapping my fingers on the table.

There's a long pause when he hesitates before talking.

"Adam."

"Hm. You don't look like an Adam."

We go back to silence again.

"I'm Avery. Avery Carter."

His face remains blank and I sigh. Why is he so difficult?

"You new around here? I've never seen you around and suddenly your here every day."

"Nope."

I slump back in my chair in defeat.

"Fine. You win. I don't even know why I tried. See you around Adam."

Downing the rest of his drink, he throws the cup in the bin next to him.

I push my chair back, the sound echoing.

When I serve people, I notice him still sat there, just observing me.

He pulls out a laptop and starts typing rapidly.

The place clears out as the night draws in.

I stayed late because it was busy and I could use the extra sales today.

As I take my apron off in the back room, I pull my hair tie out, massaging my head.

Walking out again, I see Adam leaning against the doorframe at the front door, arms crossed and I jump.

"God, you scared me."

He shrugs, pushing himself to stand straight.

I look outside and see the hammering rain against the window and I grimace.

"There's no car outside." he states.

Yeah, thanks for that observation, Sherlock.

I nod at him, not sure where he's going with this.