Tail Spin

Aftermath

Sometime later, "Here's your latte, ma'am." Christian handed a drink to a woman in her thirties dressed in active wear attire.

"Christian!" They looked over to see Francesca dressed in active wear as well but with a leather jacket.

"Oh my gosh." The woman patron breathed out. "You're Francesca Acari. I'm a huge fan."

Francesca smiled wide at her and had a sparkly aura surrounding her. "It's a pleasure meeting a huge fan of mine." She looked at Christian and handed him a ten dollar bill. "Get me my usual." She looked back at the woman. "Would you care to join me?"

"I would love to!" The woman squeaked out before composing herself and walking with Francesca to a nearby table.

Christian rushed over to make a couple of shots of Expresso. He poured cold water into a cup before adding the Expresso shots and then topping it with a creamy foam. After the drink was done, Christian grabbed a blueberry muffin and called Francesca's name. She excused herself for a moment and came to pick up her order.

"Here's your iced Americano and blueberry muffin."

"Thank you, little bunny."

"Please stop calling me that. It's embarrassing."

"You should feel privileged. It's not every day I call people their animal aura. Especially one that's adorable." Christian's face began to flush as Francesca winked at him and merrily walked back to the table where her fan was anxiously waiting for her to return.

"Stop slacking off, and help us through this rush." Briar appeared to his side wearing a matching green apron with casual clothing. Christian huffed in annoyance as he returned to the register to take the next person's order.

When their shift was finishing for the day, "I got lucky enough to hire one chick magnet. But to have hired two? Now that's what I call hitting the jackpot." The manager chirped as he rubbed his goatee.

"Who are you calling a chick magnet?" Briar demanded.

"I've learned to just go with it." Christian told Briar.

"Shut your trap." Briar hissed out.

"Now. Now." Their boss told them. "I'd hate to have to write you two up for fighting. Even if the customers have a soft spot for you two." Briar and Christian stared at one another before turning away. "That's more like it. I'll see both of you bright and early tomorrow." He headed out.

"Why does that old geezer always schedule me the same days and shifts as you?" Briar asked annoyed.

Christian narrowed his eyes at the curly haired boy. "I don't like it any more than you do."

"Red turd."

"Butt head."

"Jigalow."

"Self-absorbed prick."

"Simpleton."

As their voices began to rise with each insult, "What are you arguing about this time?"

"Sean!" Briar rushed to his boyfriend upon hearing him. "He's being mean to me." He pointed at Christian.

"Now Briar."

"It's the truth."

"Briar."

"Come on. What kind of mate doesn't believe his mate?"

"A mate that knows how his acts." Sean said with his arms crossed. "Now, apologize at once."

"But Sean."

"Now."

"Fine. I'm sorry." He gritted out. "I'll see your stupid face tomorrow." He's stomping away. "Let's get out of here." Sean smiled sheepishly at Christian before waving him off and following his boyfriend down the street.

That's when Christian heard honking, and looked to see Jessie pulling over in the red Jeep Cherokee. Sarah was riding shotgun blowing her nose.

He waved at them before hopping in. "Hey." He greeted his sisters as he buckled up.

"We saw you and Briar fighting before Sean stepped in." Jessie commented. "What was it about this time?"

"Just the usual." Christian answered. "I think he just took this job in order to keep tabs on me, since Sean gets coffee here all the time."

"You have to admit that he's motivated."

"Doesn't help though." Christian looked at Sarah as she grabbed another tissue to blow her nose with. "Are you okay, sis?"

"I think I caught John's cold." She spoke in a stuffy voice. "And just my luck that I would get sick before an important soiree dad asked me to go to."

"Soiree?"

"A business party being held in Japan."

"Why can't John go?"

"He's helping Dad with an important meeting that's on the same day." Sarah looked at Jessie. "Are you sure you can't go in my place?"

"Sorry Sarah." Jessie said. "Between work and the kids; I'm unable to make it."

Sarah let out a groan. "I can't ask the others. I mean, you give off werewolf vibes too, but at least your calming presence doesn't threaten the vampires. And Ashley is banned from social events because of that stunt she pulled with Andrew McKay."

"What about Christian?" Jessie pointed behind her. "With how Francesca acted, I think he'll be fine."

Sarah's eyes widened before looking behind at her red headed brother. "Don't look at me." He told her. "I can't be in a room with a bunch of blood suckers. No offense to the vampire half of the family."

"Please little brother." Sarah pleaded. "You're my only hope. Plus, you get an all expenses paid trip to Tokyo. You've always wanted to check it out, right?"

"I like watching anime and Asian dramas but." He noticed the crestfallen look she was giving him. "I guess I could go." He spoke reluctantly. "When's the trip? I need to let my boss know at least two weeks in advance."

When they arrived at the family mansion, Sarah headed upstairs to rest while Christian and Jessie went to the backyard to join the others. They were conversing as Troy barbequed food on the grill while the children splashed around in the swimming pool. Jason spotted them and made his way to Christian.

"I see you survived another day with Mr. Sunshine."

Christian frowned. "I may have to find another job if this keeps up."

"Now. Now." Jason pulled him in for a kiss. "After all that's happened, I'm not going to let you quit over a narcissistic brat."

"Yeah. Yeah. Whatever you say."

He kissed him again before reaching to hold hands. "Tell me about your day while we eat."

Christian smiled as he happily held Jason's hand. "Kay." They walked to the table and took their seats. As they talked to one another enthusiastically, Christian's family smiled wide as they watched and listened closely.