In the end

Chapter 8 - Gold flecks and a Spark

~ Jared's POV ~
1 day earlier

I was starting to get a headache just thinking about my schedule for the coming week. I drove downtown making a list in my head of everything I had to do. Filming on location for the next week, a few interviews for the show and a benefit party for Misha's charity. I stopped to grab some dry cleaning and noticed a coffee shop across the street so I hung the suit in the backseat and headed across the street.

It was a small shop with a few tables set up outside and was surprised to see a girl sitting at one of the tables considering the chill in the air. She was bent over the table concentrating on something when I walked up to the shop. I was about to head inside when I noticed she was sketching a picture of a car. I got closer and was surprised to see it was my car she was drawing. The sketch was incredible the way she had captured the light and shadows. She looked up when I cast a shadow over the table. She jumped a bit and I felt like ass for scaring her. She continued to stare at me with her mouth open and I got worried for a second. I asked her if she was alright and she turned bright red and looked down. She turned her face back up to me but I noticed that she wouldn't look me in the eyes. "I didn't mean to scare you I just saw the drawing. It's really good." I said and smiled. She looked back up and I was stunned at the colour of her eyes and how much emotion they held. They were this deep brown with flecks of gold and I felt like she could see right through me. She quickly looked everywhere but at me an I couldn't stop myself from wishing she would. "Yeah, sorry. I'm fine, you just startled me is all." She blurted out. I smiled trying to reassure her I wasn't some nutcase. "I didn't mean to scare you, I just saw the drawing. It's really good." I said trying to keep my voice even. I was embarrassed by how much she was affecting my ability to think straight. She said something so low I didn't understand and nodded giving me a tentative smile. I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach and I couldn't breathe. I somehow managed to nod and say something in response before I turned and made a beeline inside.

Real smooth Jared I thought to myself with a laugh. I ordered a coffee and tried to force myself to relax. I felt like an idiot and struggled to think of something to say to her. The young woman behind the counter looked nervous and asked me for my autograph after handing me the coffee. I smiled and signed something for her and tried to pay attention to what she was saying but I couldn't stop thinking about the girl outside. I thanked the girl for the coffee and turned to head outside just in time see papers and notebooks flying through the air.

The girl from the table was standing there looking defeated. She let out this strangled sound of defeat and bent to gather her things. I couldn't help the soft laugh that flew out of my mouth and she turned and gave me a glare that's looked so wrong on her lovely face. My face went blank and I felt so stupid. Way to go asshole, make things worse. I hurried to help her setting my drink on the table. I bent down and started gathering up the papers scattered all over the ground. While picking them up I noticed they were all drawings of different subjects. Some were of objects or scenery but there were mostly portraits. I handed her the papers and felt this spark when our skin touched. I forgot to let go for a second and she looked up at me and blushed the most beautiful colour and I had to force my brain to keep working. "Wow. These are really amazing." She looked directly at me for the first time and smiled and said thank you. Her smile made my whole body tingle in the best way. I asked her if was an artist an she let out this adorable snorting sound. "No it's just something I do to relax and pass the time." My mouth kept talking but I had no idea what I was saying. She blushed again and kept avoiding my eyes. I want to keep talking to her but I had to be on set in 20 minutes. She seemed anxious to leave and thanked me again. She turned and began waking away while I stood there like a moron.

I had to say something, anything. I called out to her and introduced myself extending my hand. She turned back and took my hand and I felt that same spark go through me. "Bree" she simply said. I tried to redeem myself and be charming and smiled. "It's nice to me you Bree." She smiled at me again and said goodbye. I picked up my coffee and watched her walk away in a hurry.
Reaching my car I turned to watch her walking down the sidewalk. Right before she turned the corner she turned her head and looked back at me. Not wanting to be caught watching her like a total stalker I quickly turned my face and pulled the door open. I sat there for a few minutes feeling dazed until I remembered I had to go to work.