STAR STRUCK: epilogue continues (book 2)

Chapter 6

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Chapter 6

Tying up loose ends (#3)

19 days before take-off

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The woods of the town are not a foreign thing for me. One glance and I would know where a certain bend leads after just one chance of wandering around to study the terrain that was every bit my childhood. So when we went the second time to visit Vincent's mysterious companion, I was now suddenly accustomed to the view of his little hut by the cliffs. It seemed more familiar now that I thought about it. 

Maybe the dimming day from the time we went here yesterday made me think that this place didn't belong to my hometown. But either way, that's not the problem.

The problem is that there was still no one inside the humble little hut. Not a trace to prove anything. 

Vincent was frustrated about this. 

'Maybe he's just not here anymore.'  I was tempted to say. But with how his face contorted and his teeth gritted, I was afraid I'd receive the blunt end of that frustration.

Within the short time that I knew Vince, I was well aware of his temperament. He was more contained than me. He was also more controlled compared to how moody and erratic I was. But that didn't mean he didn't have his outbursts. They were just not that frequent.

There was a time when a rude customer at the cafe tested everyone's patience with their overwhelming and almost unreasonable demands. It put the ever-cautious Boss in a tight spot but then he was also occupied with an important phone call in the staff room. 

Vince was the one at the counter that day. He did his best to contain himself, exhibiting his polite smile that I oh so hated because of how fake it looked. I was familiar with that kind of face because I use it often. I hated using it. I'm sure he hated using it too. 

"I'm sorry, sir, but that just won't be possible. That number of orders for one day would be too much for our kitchen staff and the delivery downtown would take awhile as well." A polite smile yet again. I didn't miss the small twitching of the corner of his lips though. 

If I was the one at the desk, I would have already given her a piece of my mind. One of the reasons why I was rarely given the position to watch the counter. Boss would have known better not to give me that role. 

I was ready to storm out there after serving a hot coco latte when I heard a shout that made me freeze. I was sure it was Vincent's voice, but then Vincent never shouts. He never shouts. 

All eyes turn to the counter. The customer was left stunned and speechless while Vincent just took one single deep breath and smiled so honestly.

"Do you understand what I'm trying to say, sir?" 

That was super crazy.

Any minute now I'm sure Vince would blow just like that.

Please unnamed hoodie guy, I don't want to be the receiver of his wrath right now. 

Vince exhaled for the nth time and he took one look at me, eyes apologizing for something he doesn't have to.

I gave him a reassuring smile. It turned to a frown though when he sighed again. 

"You don't have to look so sorry about this you know. It's not your fault everything's like this. Besides, aren't I the one who's bothering you by asking you to come with me to London? It doesn't have to be you, but here you are. Thanks for that by the way."