Visible Ghosts

26

My feet drag as North shepherds us to the closet parking lot that James so kindly informed us is where he parked. He's not in the same car he picked me up last weekend. I can't believe it's only been a week since the party and everything else that went down. It feels almost like an eternity ago. Shooting a quick text to Zane, I let him know where I'm going and who I'm with.

Sang: Going to the little french café with the guys from class, meet me when you're out of class?

His response is immediate and a little whiny.

Zane: you couldn't have gotten me out of class too? Im starving

Zane: I would leave you to the dogs but I know you want to go home before your shift. I'll pick you up as soon as im done. Buy me a cookie

Rolling my eyes, I put my phone back into my pocket. Luckily this SUV is roomy enough that even with three of us in the backseat it doesn't feel like I'm being crushed between Marc and Luke. North took the front seat with a raise of his dark eyebrows, daring anyone to fight him over it.

Quiet piano fills the car when James starts it. Pleasantly no one interrupts the peace. The barely noticeable tension completely dissolves as we near closer to the café. James lets all of us out in front of the building as he circles around to find parking. I make sure to grab my bag, so I don't get suckered into going somewhere else. While it's not the busiest time of the day, it's downtown Charleston and tourist season is still in swing.

"Come on cupcake, let's go get something sweet before North has a conniption." Luke beckons as he holds out hand to wave me in while Marc holds open the door.

"If you put the order in we could probably manage to get a couple of treats." Marc schemes with Luke. "North wouldn't dare to tell Sang what she can and cannot eat."

"I will buy you a cookie, if they have them." Two birds one stone.

"I knew I liked you." Marc ruffles my hair as I walk by, his smile blinding.

Luke throws an arm over my shoulder walking me to the register, his eyes only for the display of sweets right next to the barista. Peeking into the display I see that they have no cookies, but they do have an assortment of scones, muffins, croissants, and bagels. My mouth waters as the smell of the warm baked goodies.

"Sorry, no cookies." I whisper to Luke and Marc, so North who is ordering what sounds like the entire menu, doesn't overhear. "I promise I'll grab something else though."

"Love, can I get in on this promise? It sounds sinful." James whispers to the back of my head. I hold in the flinch from not hearing him sneak up on me. I was too absorbed in deciding what I wanted that I let my defenses drop. Nodding my head, I step forward as North pays for his order.

"Sang, I ordered food for everyone. I got a couple of choices so you can pick whatever you want." Although North's voice is gruff, I can tell he's nervous about my decision.

"Thanks North." I smile at him, it was thoughtful, but I still need to get something for Zane. "I told my brother I would pick something up for him, no big deal." I send another smile as I step around him to face the barista. "Hi, may I have two chocolate chip muffins, two banana chip muffins, and two apple cinnamon muffins?"

"Sure thing honey, anything else?" The barista asks me as she punches in the order.

"No, that will be all. To go and the name is Sang. S-A-N-G."

"You got it. Your total is $10.50."

I hand her the cash and step to the side to let the next person in line go when I hit North right in the chest. He didn't move and is staring down at me with a look that almost has me sliding away.