Secrets of an outcast

Starbucks

I think I loved her, without knowing how or why.

I shook my head in frustration not knowing what to believe anymore, stood up and turned to the door, she was already waiting outside.

"Afternoon again, Stacey" I greeted.

She gave me a shy grin. "Hello again."

"I hope you haven't been out here long, you could have just told me you were here" I smiled, happy to be in her presence.

She returned the smile but not words.

"Should we go?" I prompted.

"Sure, what could go wrong?" The ends of her full lips pulled up.

The famous words, I laughed to myself as we made our way to reception.

"Jared, you up for coffee?" I invited as Stacey and I arrived at reception.

His eyes opened wide as he saw Stacey standing next to me.

"Actually I kind of have to sort these files for 2'o clock." He indicated a very large stack of folders and various papers that were left on the side of a red desk.

"Can't you spare half an hour?" I asked, I didn't want Stacey to be uncomfortable by just having me with her.

"If you can spare being shouted at by human resources, then sure." He gave me a rueful grin.

"Human resources can't shout at me, I'll fire them, I'm there boss! I own the damn company!" My voice edged towards annoyance.

"I think I'll have to pass today, sorry Justin"

I turned to Stacey and ushered her to the couch.

"You still want to go? Jared can't come."

"Yes, but if you like you can stay here, I guess there's no point going with just one person"

"Try and stop me missing my coffee." I joked.

We exited the building and ambled to the traffic lights.

"So tell me, Stacey. How do you like working for Alpha so far?"

"Well, your facilities are very...accommodating." She searched for the right word.

The traffic lights changed to red and we walked across the road to the other side of the dim street, I felt her eyes peer up to me multiple times.

"That's good to hear I do try." I grinned "Starbucks or Costa?"

She pointed with her forefinger to Starbucks and a childish smile was plastered to her face. Once we were inside, I had a sense of normality rush through me. I had almost forgotten how it felt to truly relax.

The atmosphere was very serene, Frank Sinatra was singing in the background and all of my worries had gone to the back of my mind.

The walls where a deep crimson and whole walls had blown up pictures of adults enjoying their beverages, the floor was part grey tile and part wooden floor.

The queue was short, only an elderly couple stood in front of us. One of them peered over their shoulder and her crinkled eyes examined us, she tutted once,shook her head in disapproval and then turned to follow her husband who had started to shuffle away towards a table. What was her problem?

"One regular latte please." I ordered and turned to Stacey " What would you like?"

"Oh, I'm just going to buy a cappuccino."

"And one cappuccino,please."

The woman at the counter blushed under her almost orange skin as she set her hand near to where mine was resting on the counter in a flirtatious gesture. What is it with women and being orange?

I noticed that Stacey was scowling at the woman as she placed her hand down, though it shouldn't this pleased me that she was envious.

"Of course" She smiled widely as she twisted back to the coffee maker.

I felt Stacey nudge my arm delicately, she was holding out a £5.00 note.

"Whats that for?" I asked, mystified.

"The drink" She clarified.

"Stacey, i'll pay for it." I snaked my hand around hers and pushed it, and the money, to the base of her neck.

"No, Your not the one who has to drink it."

"No you are, and im paying for it." I wasn't budging.

"Why should you?" She retorted.

"Because I want to." I Stated

Stacey gaped at me, her mouth in an "O" so big it looked almost ridiculous.

I was confused.

"Oh..." She paused for a long moment before adding "Well Just because you want to, doesn't mean that you should."

"Here are your coffees, have a nice day." She winked.