Before I can even reach for the doorbell the door swings open, revealing Mrs. Janssen. She has an apron on and a smile on her face.
'Hi dear!' she steps aside, 'Come in, you're getting soaked.' She shouts over the sound of the rain.
I respond by nodding gratefully and making my way inside. She takes my rain heavy coat and lays it out to dry. I can feel my bangs sticking to my forehead at all angles. I sigh and run a hand through them.
'You are beautiful dear, don't worry.' Betty says.
'You say that every time Betty.' I give her a half smile.
'well it's always true.' She responds matter of factly.
A smile breaks across my face. Betty looks at my drenched state and puts a hand on my shoulder.
'Let me get you something dry.' She says, a sympathetic smile playing on her face.
She disappears up the spiral staircase. I decide to start through the hall towards the dining room.
No matter how many times I come over, the beauty of their home always strikes me. They've remodeled their modern suburban home to give it a Victorian look. The use of wood and warm colors reflect Mr. and Mrs. Janssens personality perfectly. It's truly inspiring. Betty insisted on the renovation even though Tom said it wasn't necessary, he secretly loves the house as much as his wife does. Their son Richard lives an hour away with his wife and newborn. The hall is littered with portraits of Richard as a little kid, family pictures and a few photos of little Denisse . They make the drive a few times a month to join for dinner but I haven't seen them since the baby came about a month ago.
I follow the smell of food. Two male voices are floating towards me from the dining room. I furrow my brows in confusion. I round the corner to discover who the second voice belongs to.
Everywhere I go he haunts me.
Peña looks around at my arrival. He looks as surprised as I feel. In fact he looks slightly pained.
'Mila, have you met Javier? He's teaching a course this year at the university.' Tom says, gesturing to professor Peña.
His first name is Javier, it suits him. Like the jeans and blouse he's wearing. He clearly came before the storm hit. God he looks good. I hate that he has this effect on me. He shouldn't have.
Standing before him I'm suddenly very conscious of the fact that I look a mess. My bangs are wet, along with my shirt from where the rain soaked through my jacket. Fuck. My very white, now see through, shirt.
Tom seems to notice this at the same time. He finally breaks the silence.
'Where is Betty?' He asks.
I clear my throat, 'She's getting me a sweater.' I say, crossing my arms over my chest uncomfortably.
Oh. My. God. Thank god I'm wearing a bra today.
Out of the corner of my eye I can tell Javier is looking at me, but I keep my gaze focused on Tom. I'm about to ask him what's for dinner when Betty walks in, already blushing. She looks at me with an apologetic smile as she hands me a sweater. I hold the garment in both arms, hiding my chest.
'Have you met Javier, dear? He's teaching at the university this year.' She asks almost the exact same question as her husband just did. A question, I realize, I have yet to answer.
'Yes, we've met. Peña teaches my short story writing course.' I say.
'how wonderful! You two can get more acquainted then.' Betty says.
YOU ARE READING
Coffee People - Pedro Pascal by Emma Star
FanfictionThis story follows Mila Emmington, who is starting her second year at Kalich University. On a summer night she meets a man in a club, probably a little too old for her, but she can't help herself she's interested in him. After spending a night danci...
