Pages of You

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

"When will you be back?" My cousin Myla asked, the sounds of her bustling household evident over the phone, likely occupied with her energetic toddler and their small dog.

"I don't know," I shrugged, knowing she couldn't see me over the phone. "You know me, I get bored staying in one place, so I'll move again eventually."

"Dude, your parents have been telling the whole family that you ran away," Myla said, knowing the real reason why I was in Maine.

I grimaced, "My parents? Like, my dad and my mom?"

Myla sighed, "Your dad."

"And you're telling me I should come back home." I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "No, thank you."

"You could come live with me," She offered. I couldn't help but grimace on the phone. It's not that I don't want to live with her. I just can't see myself living with a small yapping dog and her toddler who is always out and running about. I need my peace and quiet sometimes.

After talking to her for another half hour, I hung up and reclined on the bed, gazing at the ceiling. It had been a few weeks since I had settled into Seaboard Haven. Do I like it here so far? Yes. I love it. I've started my days with invigorating morning jogs along the beach, feeling lighter than ever. It's surprising how close I live to these beautiful shores. I cherish it. In the evenings, I mostly relax on the sandy beaches, sometimes taking a dip in the ocean.

This evening, I'm back in the library. I headed to Le Coin de Lecture cafe and zeroed in on him. Three people were ahead of me, and Chiron looked busy taking orders and running around making drinks. Geeze, where's the rest of the staff?

A thought popped into my head, and I couldn't help the mischievous smirk on my face. As if he could sense my plan, he looked up from the cashier, and his eyes locked with mine.

Those eyes widened, and I could have sworn I saw a flicker of panic before it was gone in a blink. My smirk widened with feline glee, and I observed his gaze dart between me and the remaining people standing between us.

And then it was my turn.

"Hello, you." I purred, stepping closer until I was directly in front of him. I don't know why, but his unmistakable, uncomfortable look gave me some sort of vengeful satisfaction.

Chiron's gaze dropped to the register. "Uh," he cleared his throat. What can I get for you, ma'am?"

I fought the urge to roll my eyes at his customer service voice, trying to be professional.

"How about a time machine so I can take back all of those years of fake friendships?" I asked snarkily. Though I felt my eyes widen slightly at my tone.

Damn. I meant to be funny and smooth and ask if they were hiring, but some lingering anger towards him and what happened between us bubbled through. I almost cringed at the hurt look that flashed on his face.

Screw that, he was the one who hurt me.

His eyes flickered to my face before returning to the register's screen. Ugh, it's like he can't even look at me! It was honestly starting to annoy me.

"I'm afraid we've never served fake friendships." He said lowly, so only I could hear the hand gripping the register tightening.

"What about hot chocolate with a side of your fresh bullshit warmed up?" I asked sweetly, crossing my arms.

A corner of those lips curled upward briefly. "Sounds delightful. I'll have to see if we have any bullshit left over. If not, would a slice of our You-Are-Absurd special be okay?"