The Secret Billionaire

Chapter 2

ERIS

The following day I woke up with the t.v. on and snacks all over the place. I don't even remember falling asleep. I cleaned up and made my morning coffee. I sat by my usual spot and admired the people down below.
A man in a tux walks fast while looking down at his watch frequently. A mother was struggling to get her kid to keep up with her. An old lady, just trying to make her way through the crowd while not getting hurt. Then, I spotted him, and my heart dropped.
He wore the same outfit as the man who entered the coffee shop last night. He was doing the same stretches my mystery stranger does every morning. It could be a coincidence. He can't be the only one who owns black clothes. He went for his run, and I waited for him to come back. I started counting the cars that passed by.
I was starting to get anxious. It had been more than thirty minutes. Something about him was intriguing, and I just couldn't put my finger on it. Finally, he came back, but he was holding a coffee. It was a coffee cup from work. He had his hoodie off, and I could see his face. He went back for a cup of coffee.
Thankfully, today is my day off, so I didn't see him. He stepped into the building, and I immediately felt sad. Did he go back to see me? I shook my head, and my stomach made a funny noise. I guess it's time for breakfast.
I was supposed to go grocery shopping yesterday and completely forgot. Now I don't have anything to make a full breakfast. I grabbed an apple and my stuff and then went to the store. I didn't have a car, but the store was just a few blocks away.
I looked up at the tall buildings and wondered if someone was doing the same as me. I watched as people walked by. If they did, Would I stand out from the crowd? I hope not. I don't particularly appreciate catching the attention of others.
When I arrived at the grocery store, I grabbed a cart and started looking for the stuff on my list. While looking at the fruits, a little kid ran up to me.
"Mommy!" He pulled on my pant, and I looked down.
"Are you lost, little one?" I asked, and he nodded.
"Come, let's go find your mom," I grabbed his hand and looked around. "What's your name?"
"Jacob,"
I walked around with him for a little bit, looking for someone who might recognize him.
"Jacob! Oh my gosh!" A lady came up to us, and I let go of him as soon as he started pulling on my arm. "Don't you ever run away from me again!" She picked him up and looked at me.
"I'm sorry. Thank you for keeping him safe,"
"It's okay, don't worry about it," I smiled at her. "And you stay close to your mom. Always hold her hand," He nodded and waved at me.
I waved back, and they walked away. When I moved my cart, I bumped into something, causing stuff to fall on the floor.
"I'm so sorry!" I began to pick up the stuff.
"Don't worry about it," I heard the same low, rough voice from yesterday at the coffee shop. I looked up, and there he was, in front of me.
We stood up, and he put the stuff in his cart. All this time, watching him from afar, and now that he is so close to me, I couldn't believe it.
"Can I help you with something?"
I didn't realize that I was staring at him. I looked away in embarrassment and laughed nervously.
"No,"
"You're the coffee shop girl," I turned back to look at him. His face was toned; it was mesmerizing. His eyes were dark. There was a fascinating story behind them, and I'm dying to find out what it is.
"You're the dude who doesn't understand closed signs," I joked.
He didn't smile or laugh. I cleared my throat, and he shook his head.
"It's hard to forget someone who calls me dude and gets upset over a small cup of coffee,"
It was quiet for a few seconds, and I sighed. I pursed my lips and looked around.
"I have to go. I'll see you around, dude,"
His mouth formed a small smile, but it quickly faded. I walked away before he could say anything else.
I cut my shopping trip in half and headed back home. I was walking faster than usual just in case he was following me. When I got to my apartment, I put everything away, and my stomach made the noise again. Dammit. I had forgotten that I was hungry. I made myself breakfast and ate it in my small quiet apartment.
I felt the familiar stinging sensation in my eyes while I was eating. I dropped the spoon and took a deep breath.
"No, you promised yourself you wouldn't do this anymore," I whispered. I looked up and quickly blinked away the tears.
"Dammit," I put my face in my hands and attempted to calm myself down.
They didn't want me. They didn't want me. Not the other way around. I don't believe it's my fault, and I shouldn't blame myself. I breathed out and removed my hands. I wasn't hungry anymore. I picked up after myself and went to watch t.v. in my living room. I received a message from Stacy, and I picked up my phone.
Hey, we are going out tonight. Want to come with us?
I don't like going out with her too much. She isn't the problem. It's her friends. I felt like they didn't like me, but at the same time, I didn't want to stay home by myself. I needed a break from being lonely.
Yeah, sure where?
Maybe this will be good. I need to get out. My worries went away as soon as I saw her message.
Great! We are going to have so much fun! I'll pick you up around seven-ish at your place.
I put my phone down and smiled. For once, I feel eager to go out with her. Now I have to find the strength to get up and get ready. It's okay. I don't have to get up for another couple of hours.