Tears of Themis: Cry for Justice

Chapter 4

I woke up bright and early, speeding into the shower as soon as the alarm rang. My stomach was filled with butterflies, and I was very nervous about the date. We hadn't even exchanged numbers. I decided to put on a simple pair of black skinny jeans, a nude sweater, some gold jewelry, and a pair of sneakers for comfort. My phone buzzed, and a message from an unknown number came in.

Hey, it's James. I completely forgot to ask for your number, so I asked Emily for it. Is 1 PM an ok meet-up time? 

I picked up the phone, trying to think of a flirtatious way of responding. After a few trial and errors, I managed to settle on something semi-decent.

1 PM is great! Looking forward to seeing what other SUITable outfits are in your wardrobe. - Lin

As I sendt it I felt a bit embarrased at the pun, but decided to leave it anyway. I got properly dressed, braided my hair to get some waves later on, and proceeded to make myself breakfast. Nothing beat a good old avocado toast with runny yolks on top.

-

Being nervous, I showed up 15 minutes earlier. Emily went out for her break as well, greeting me as she noticed I was standing there.

"Hey, you look nervous," she said. I nodded and rubbed my hands together.

"I got a date with James, he asked me out," I said. She got extremely excited, and started shaking me.

"Yesss! He is so hot! You're such a lucky girl. Oh my god," she said. I gave her a smile, feeling less nervous about the date after her reaction.

"I've known him for literal years, he's such a flirt, but he has a good heart," she said reassuringly. I nodded, checking the time. Still five minutes to go.

"And here I thought I was gonna be the first one," James said. I turned around and saw him holding a fabric rose in his hands.

"Have fun you two," Emily said in a teasing voice. I blushed and took a step towards James.

"Here, I didn't want to greet you empty handed, so here's a rose. It'll last longer, but it's still just as pretty as you are," he said. My heart skipped a beat, and I got even more flustered.

-

We had a wonderful lunch, and he even paid for my meal. I didn't take too much advantage of it, and went with a plan ham and cheese sandwich, and some hot chocolate. Afterwards we walked down the shopping district, where I popped in and out of stores to either look, or buy some stuff. He happily followed along, seemingly enjoying my company.

"Oh, that's a pretty looking store, wanna pop inside?" James asked, pointing across the street. It seemed to be a small alternative store, that sold witchy stuff and other unusual things. I nodded and sped up towards the crossing. James walked up next to me, occasionally looking around at the surroundings. I pressed the button, waiting for the light to turn green. 

"I don't know much about you, I know I've been babbling on and on about myself, so.. Tell me something about yourself," I said, turning towards him. He looked at me, clearing his throat.

"Well, I drive a motorcycle, and uh.. I know how to play the guitar. Other than that my life isn't all that interesting." He avoided my eyes, but looked at other parts of my face instead. 

"That's so cool!" I said, smiling. The light turned green, and we crossed the street. We walked a few steps, and as we were about to enter, a familiar looking face was just leaving. 

"Oh, hi. Didn't expect to see you at a store like this," I said. Vyn turned towards me and smiled kindly, then looked up at James.

"I could say the same about you, what brings you here?" Vyn asked, still focusing on James.

"Oh, we're.. He's the reason I had to cancel today," I said, letting out a nervous chuckle. 

"So this must be James, I presume. Pleasure to meet you. I'm Dr. Vyn Richter, Lin's therapist," he said, reaching out his hand. James shook it, and I could almost touch the tension between them.

"Anyway, we're about to head in, wouldn't want to keep you from your important duties, Doctor," James said, gently placing his other hand on my lower back. I looked down, not wanting to blush any harder.

-

We spent half an hour in the store, not finding anything of interest, before James walked me home to my place. I gave him a peck on the cheek, before we parted ways. As I closed the door, I let out a high pitched noise. I sunk down on the floor, smiling so hard my cheeks hurt. My phone buzzed, and I opened it to check. 

I hope your date was a success. If you would like, we can have an evening session tonight instead. I am always here to assisst. Vyn. 

Although I apprechiated the sentiment, I was too tired and socially drained to take him up on that offer. I responded with a simple "no thank you", and went to lay down in my bed.

-

James entered his flat, that he shared with a few of his fellow henchmen, sitting down on the couch. Shortly after, Emily sat down next to him.

"Do you think she's falling for you?" Emily asked. James shrugged, turning on the TV.

"Another three bodies found dead due to a drug overdose in North Stellis today. Police still does not know the drug behind the deaths, but they keep looking for clues," the newsreporter on TV said. James turned it off again, leaning further back.

"I don't understand what the boss wants with her.  She's nothing special. She's honestly kinda plain and boring, I had to pretend to enjoy her company. And I'm not that good an actor," James said. Emily nodded, getting up from the couch. She walked behind James, and started massaging him.

"Just a few more weeks, and then we've got her," Emily said, leaning forward.

"It's hard pretending to be her friend at work. She's so nice, it's disgusting." Emily let out a fake hurl, before sighing and continuing to massage James.