An unexpected meeting

Chapter 2

After retrieving our orders from the counter I make my way back out to where Benedict was standing, his back pressed against a tree with a distracted look on his face. He smiles as I walk over, and thanks me as I hand him the coffee and bag containing his muffin. ‘Are you sure these aren’t drugged?’ he asks with a raised brow, and I blush at the reminder of my awkward comment earlier ‘I was really hoping you would be kind and let that pass’ I say as I lower my eyes from his – they held a distinct gleam of amusement. ‘But no, I promise I haven’t drugged them. Besides, it would be pointless drugging you since it isn’t as if I would be able to carry you anywhere on my own’. Oh. My. God. I basically just called Benedict Cumberbatch fat! Why can’t I just have a normal conversation?! He looks offended, and I wince at the unintended insult. A small snort drags my attention back to him, and I look up in time to see him burst out laughing. He has a beautiful laugh, and I let myself enjoy the sound for a few moments before interrupting, ‘I didn’t mean to insinuate that you’re fat, I swear. You’re just a lot bigger than I am…’ I trail off uncertainly. He stopped laughing and gave a slight smirk before replying ‘Well I’m glad you don’t think so. I have to say, it’s rather refreshing to be able to talk to someone who isn’t screaming and crying and asking me to marry them’ I grin at that ‘Well….I was going to wait until after I’d gotten you your coffee, but since you’ve already brought it up…’ I let the words sink in and can’t help laughing as his face falls and eyes widen in horror ‘I’m kidding! Don’t worry, I promise you’re safe from that’ I say with a laugh, amused by the relief on his face following my statement.

He looks at me for a moment, his face expressionless. I wonder what he’s thinking, before guessing he wants to leave now. No doubt he has somewhere to be, and indulging an awkward fan probably isn’t as fun for him as it is me. I sigh inwardly, but muster a bright smile so he doesn’t notice my disappointment. At least I met him, even if it was brief and somewhat mortifying. ‘Well I’d better go and leave you be. I think I’ve scared you enough for one day’ I say with a smirk, watching as he straightens and grins, ‘Alright, I probably should head off – I have a meeting in an hour.’ My interest must have shown on my face, because he raised his brow and answered my unasked question, ‘It’s about Sherlock, but I’m sorry I can’t give you any spoilers…’ I hurry to reassure him that I didn’t want any. ‘No no, that’s fine. Even if you could, I wouldn’t want them. I’d much rather watch it all when they eventually come out.’

I can see I’ve surprised him with this, and he shakes his head in bemusement. I look at him once more, about to thank him for paying for my breakfast and taking the time to talk to me, when he asks suddenly ‘Are you doing anything on Saturday evening?’ I stare, unable to answer. Why is he asking me that? Surely he doesn’t want to see me again? ‘I’ve really enjoyed talking to you – even if you do threaten to poison me and call me fat’, he says this with a wicked glint in his eyes, obviously amused. I hasten to defend myself ‘I apologised for that! And I never said you were fat in so many words…’ Alright, time to stop talking. Otherwise I’m just going to make it worse. He seems to find my point of embarrassment hilarious, and bursts out laughing once again. ‘Alright, I think that’s my cue to leave’ I say as I roll my eyes at him. It only makes his smile widen. He reaches out to hold me arm when I turn to leave. I feel the warmth of his hand through my coat and it spreads through my body. Stop! Get yourself together girl. He’s not interested in you, and he never will be. He looks at me expectantly. ‘So, will you give me an answer? I meant it when I said I’ve enjoyed talking to you. If you’d like we could have dinner or a coffee? You’re an unusual girl and I can always do with more friends who aren’t famous in one way or another. Keeps me humble’ this was said with a wink, and I have to stop myself from swooning then and there. He is so lovely and handsome! ‘Umm, sure, if you don’t mind awkward conversation’ I reply with a laugh. He nods enthusiastically and I give him my number, part of me thinking this was a dream. We shake hands and part ways. It takes all my self-control to keep from glancing back, but I manage.

Grabbing a cab along the street I give the driver directions to my apartment and think back on my meeting with Benedict. I almost can’t believe it actually happened. I had just stepped out of the cab when my phone went off. Looking down, I saw an unknown number and went into the message.

Thank you for the coffee and company. Hopefully we will see each other again soon. I am looking forward to it – Benedict.

Well that’s it for this chapter. If anyone wants me to continue with the story, let me know and I will J