elusive | h.s

chapter 1

Olive

My feet couldn't move fast enough as I made my way to the cafe that I found myself at almost everyday. The rain was coming down heavy and unfortunately, I decided to curl my hair this morning without checking what kind of weather we'd be having today.

Rookie mistake.

I worked just one block down from the cafe and it wasn't until I took literally three steps out of the bank that I worked at, for the rain to make itself known. Normally, I didn't mind the rain but I still had four more hours of my workday left and I was sure that I was going to look a little crazy when I clocked back in from my lunch break.

After what felt like the longest 5 minutes of my entire life, I made it to my destination. As always, the bell rang as the door swung open. Immediately I felt a couple different pairs of eyes on me due to the volume of the bell compared to how quiet it was inside.

"Hi, welcome to Cupid's!" the barista, who I've come to learn is named Maggie, greeted me. It's usually her or another girl, Carney, working at the time that I come in everyday. Both are just the sweetest girls I've ever met. They look a couple years younger than me, no older than 20.

"Hi, thank you!" I smiled back at her. I usually know exactly what I want to order but today I felt like trying something new.

I browsed at the pastries and cakes in the case by the register, trying to decide which one I was gonna have today.

Croissants, Coffee Cakes, Bagels, Cake Pops, Pound cakes

"Anything catching your eye?"

I looked up at the barista, Maggie, making a quick decision. "Can I have the almond croissant, please? Oh, and a cold brew with vanilla and milk, as well?"

"Yes, ma'am. That'll be $11.25 please."

I swiped my card and left a couple dollars in the tip jar as Maggie went to go make my coffee. I loved this place, not only for the convenience of it being so close to my work, but also because no matter who was working, the drinks always tasted phenomenal.

Less than two minutes later, Maggie came over to the side of the coffee bar and handed me my coffee and croissant. "Here ya go! Oh, and the table in the corner over there is the closest to the heater, if you wanted to try and dry your clothes a bit" she smiled at me.

"You're a doll, thank you so much!" I wanted to kiss her forehead for the piece of information but opted for a simple thank you instead. Normally, I wouldn't bother trying to get dry when I had to go back out into the rain soon anyway, but it looks like it might be finishing up.

Deciding to stay at the cafe a little longer to wait for the rain to finish, I took Maggie's lovely advice and made my way toward the corner table. The table was empty but I noticed a man at the next one over that I've seen here almost every time I'm here as well.

Beautiful brown curls that I could only be jealous of. I can't see that close up, but I could tell his eyes are a mesmerizing green. He was wearing a white, buttoned down shirt, but had the sleeves rolled up a bit so I could see his tattoos peeking out. His skin was gorgeous, the most perfect natural tan I have ever seen on a man. At least, it looks natural.

I have no idea what his name is, but I'm sure that it's stunning as well, seeming as that is a common theme for this man. Just beauty all around. I see him just about every day I come here, always at the same time, though it seems like he is always here before I am.

He lifts his head up from his phone that he was looking down at, his eyes meeting mine. I send a soft smile and a nod, as if to say 'hello' without using any words. I await some sort of response, but it never comes. He doesn't smile back, only returns his eyes to whatever he was looking at on his phone previously.

Okay nevermind then.

Shaking my head slightly, I give all my attention to the croissant as I sat down and began eating. Taking my first sip of the cold brew, I almost let out a moan at how good it was. I love this place.

A few peaceful minutes later, I noticed the rain had vanished and I was free to make my way back to work. I was here a little longer than I should've been, but I doubt my boss would mind. He trusted me enough to let my extended lunch break slide without any trouble.

I got up to throw my trash away, and waved bye to Maggie. "Have a good day, everything was delicious!"

I walked out of the door of the cafe, but not before noticing those green eyes searching for mine then looking away as soon as they met.

*****

As expected, Brian, my boss, didn't care about me taking an extra couple minutes for my lunch break. He only wished that I brought him back something good. Brian was a cool boss, he was lenient but still respectable. I worked at the bank as a teller for about 2 years now. I was so grateful to Brian for hiring me as the job paid well and I had basically no experience. Working at a bank can be boring sometimes, but I really loved my job and everyone I worked with.

It was around 4:30 when I finally exited the building and made my way down the street to my apartment. As if on cue, I felt my phone ringing in my pocket.

"Hi babe! Are you home yet?" My boyfriend, Thomas, asked. We've been together for a little over a year now. He was sweet and kind, but it wasn't the most exciting relationship ever, if I'm being honest. There just wasn't much adventure and passion, in or out of the bedroom. I tried not to let it bother me though, after all sex wasn't the only thing important to a relationship, right?

"Hi! Not yet, I just left. I'll be home in like, five minutes. Are you coming over?" I responded into the phone. He came over a few times a week to spend the evening with me. He never slept over, he wasn't a fan of sharing a bed with anyone, he claims. I didn't like that but I couldn't change his mind, I've tried. I've gotten used to sleeping alone, despite how much I thought about what it'd be like to wake up to someone else in my bed.

"Of course. I'll see you soon, honey. Love you."

"Love you too."

****

I came home and quickly showered before Thomas arrived. He walked into my room a couple minutes after my shower, so I was just wearing a towel wrapped around my body.

"Why aren't you dressed, honey?" He came over to me and pecked my cheek.

"Just showered. You don't like me all wet and naked under a towel?" I was only semi joking, as I was feeling a bit horny. I wouldn't mind a quicky right now, but knowing Thomas, he wouldn't pick up on any of my hints. He never did.

"Not really babe, I like you in a hoodie more, it's more comfortable." He chuckled, not understanding how that might make me feel. I shouldn't be surprised though. Honestly, I wasn't. It's not like we never had sex. It was just rare and when we do have sex, it's boring and lackluster. He doesn't even use his fingers or go down on me. I never finished, but I really don't even think he's ever noticed.

I didn't respond, just walked to the closet and picked out a comfortable outfit. I decided on just a hoodie and sweatpants, not for Thomas, but because it truly was the most comfortable. He didn't even look at me as I let the towel fall to my ankles, exposing my naked body, before getting dressed.

I tried not to take it to heart, that Thomas didn't worship my body like I wished he did. I knew I was good looking with a decent body, I just wanted to hear my boyfriend say that every once in a while. I don't think that's asking for too much, but I pick and choose my battles with him.

The rest of the night was spent on the couch, his arm wrapped around my shoulder. I ended up falling asleep at one point, waking up a couple hours later, to an empty apartment