I do, I don't [under major editing]

s e v e n

It was definitely a tiring day, and Ryan could almost feel his bones begging him to go to bed already. After getting the police involved after for the coffee spilling kid and the woman accusing Ryan, he had just enough for the day. He wiped some more tables, before securing the counter. When he finished, he strolled over to the front door to turn the sign to CLOSED. Someone pushed the door forward , which startled Ryan. His eyes widened as he looked up. Ryan's heart pounded in his chest as he opened the door for her.

"Thanks." Arden smiled. "Ryan, right?" When she said his name, Ryan felt something in his stomach. He didn't know what it was, but it felt weird and at the same time nice. He watched as Arden took her coat off and hung it up neatly on one of the chairs.

"Y-yeah." He managed to mutter. "We're actually closed, but you can be the last customer for the night." Ryan could feel his cheeks burning, so he turned away from Arden to go to the front counter. He mentally gave himself a face palm for saying that. Why am i acting so strange? Was a question that throbbed in his mind.

"Sorry." Arden sighed, sitting down on one of the tables. "I started my new job today, and it was exhausting. Now I'm craving some caffeine."

"Oh." Ryan played with his fingers, feeling awkward. It felt nice that she was kind of opening to him about her life. A few days ago at the barbecue party, Ryan swore that she disliked him. "What would you like to order then?"

Arden looked up at the menu above Ryan, her eyes examining each one carefully. He stood there awkwardly, tugging on the hem of his uniform shirt. After two minutes, she took out her purse. "I'll have a Venti latte." Arden handed Ryan some cash.

"How 'bout you have this one on the house?" Ryan looked up at Arden, giving her a small smile. Even Ryan was shocked when those words slipped out of his mouth. What are you doing?! His inner voice screamed.

"Are you sure?" Arden bit her lip. "Won't you get in trouble for this?"

"Don't worry, i'll pay for it." Ryan shrugged cooly, when really his mind was giving himself a lecture. He went over to the machine to make her coffee, his hand unconsciously grabbing her a muffin to snack on. "It looks like you need it." He set down her latte on the table.

"Thanks Ryan. You're not as bad as i thought." Arden chuckled. Ryan's mind fired a million questions. So did she really dislike me at the barbecue party? Did she change her mind just because i'm Kyle's little brother?

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ryan asked curiously, wanting to know the real answer. But he pretended to look offended at her comment. He chuckled softly afterwards giving her a look of confusion.

"Never mind," She shook her head, her grin growing wider. "Thanks, again."

Ryan's mind was itching for an answer. If he wanted to help Arden from his cheating brother, he would have to get close to her. Should he just tell her about Kyle? or should he just let her find out herself? As if his mind was answering his own question, Ryan's mouth blurts out what he was not meant to say.

"Kyle cheated on you." Ryan did not have the heart to slap his hand to his mouth. Arden stopped sipping on her latte and looked up. She did not show any emotion for a couple of moments. It probably took some time to let it sink in. Anger, hurt and other emotions filled her innocent face. Ryan could feel his heart sink. He instantly regretted what he said, because seeing her like that made Ryan feel guilty and sad.

~

n/ :(