Eventually - All or Nothing #2

3rd November 2022

When John thought about November weather he imagined scenes of beautiful crisp white snow like from the Christmas cards his gran would send her friends from church, but the reality of a British winter was rain, and lots of it. Today was no exception to the rule and he was grateful to nab a parking space on Main Street, so his walk would be short. Before he got out of the car, he pulled his hood up over his curls, he wanted to keep them dry, and it made him feel a little less recognisable. Aimee would tease him about doing this, saying that wandering around looking like a 'hoodlum' only attracted attention, but he stubbornly refused to listen. It was comforting being hidden away in a your own little cocoon, like when they were at home, just the four of them, safe from the rest of the world in their own little bubble.

After one last glance at his watch to check he wasn't too early he climbed out of the car, cursing under his breath as he stepped right into a puddle at the side of the road, splashing water up the back of his dark blue skinny jeans. He walks briskly, grateful to have nabbed a parking space on Main Street. A bell tinkles as he walks into the brightly light, and invitingly warm salon. Chloe is behind the reception desk, typing away on the computer keyboard, her long nails clicking against the keys, making a sound that John finds so unpleasant, a shiver runs up his spine. Suddenly he is grateful Aimee bites her nails. "Alright?" He beams at Chloe, relieved that she is where he expected her to be, she's just about to go on her lunch. It was bloody difficult subtly getting Aimee to tell him the time Chloe usually had her break.

"What do you want?" Chloe sighs as she takes in the sight of the tall individual in front of her; she and John get on well now, most of the time, but from time to time, when the mood takes her, Chloe likes to pretend she still hates him, just to keep him on his toes.

"Was just passing and wondered if you fancied grabbing some lunch," John smiles hopefully at her.

"John," Chloe crosses her arms against her chest and gives him a stern look, she has recently had her long dark hair cut into a short, choppy style. It makes her look older than far more intimidating than her old style. "A word of advice. If you're going to start fucking around behind Aimee's back, you should probably try someone who isn't her best friend."

"That's a good one Chloe," John rolls his eyes; most people seem to have forgotten his past, but not Chloe. "Very funny. That's a no to lunch then?" He raises an eyebrow and tries to look unabashed, but he is a little unsettled, a hand flies to his cheek, stroking it lightly in a self-soothing gesture. He is uncomfortable with the reminder that he is not necessarily trusted with Aimee's heart.

"Is that a Spencer's bag?" Chloe eyes the small brown paper bag John is carrying. It's from a deli in the next village over and her favourite lunch spot, something Aimee is well aware of, and so it seems, is John.

"It is." John smiles triumphantly, so far, everything seems to be going to plan.

"They have really good sandwiches...."

"Toasted ciabatta with salami, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella and basil."

John removes Chloe's favourite lunch from the bag and places it on the desk in front of her.

A smile twitches at the corner of her mouth. Aimee truly does tell John everything.

The enticing smell of the garlic butter spread across the bread tickles Chloe's nostrils. God she loves those sandwiches.

"And the best cinnamon rolls..."

Another package is removed from John's bag containing a still warm from the oven cinnamon roll covered in icing. John thought he was going to go into a sugar coma just looking at it.

"You like the coffee too, right?!" John is now positively smug as an iced vanilla latte is placed next to the sandwich and pastry. He doesn't know how anyone can drink iced coffees in November, but he needs to get on Chloe's good side today, so he isn't going to argue.