Coffee?

II

I woke slowly to the sweet sounds rain hitting my window. I pulled back the curtains and smiled at the view, it was yet another cold dreary day in Oregon. Glancing at my phone, I noticed that it was a quarter past seven, plenty of time to go for a walk before work.

I slipped out of bed silently and rustled into my clothing with no need to be quiet due to the fact that Hux and Phasma were presumably already at work.

Finally walking out the door to the apartment then stopped to take in the damp morning air. Already birds were singing their sweet songs to match the dripping of the rain. I began my little hike cutting down the road to the small trail that lead through the forest. Moist greens covered the trees as the rain blurred the colors, my legs dampening from the thick firms that brushed them.

Not soon after I reached my destination, a small stream that emerged from the rocks a little off from the trail. Not many knew about this place because of the thick vines that hid it from view, I was the only one who had found it.

Sitting on a small patch of grass I watched the water trickle down into the clear pond. The familiar sounds filled my ears as I meditated, always in hopes of clearing my stress from the day before.

I stayed her for a good half hour when my phone buzzed. It was a text from Hux.

Hux: Can you come a little earlier I need you to cover me.

I replied: I'll be there in a bit.

I sighed, took my last gulp of the calming air, stood, and began my journey back.

About twenty minutes later I arrived at work, an hour before my original shift. Still, I took no time to clock in and throw on my apron.

"Where'd Hux go?" I called to Phasma as I entered the small room, she was rushing through the orders as she was clearly alone.

"This week's shipment is caught up at the Portland location. Hux went to go pick up our orders." I nodded my head, it figures for him to always go the extra distance.

I quickly jumped into the chaos of Starbucks morning rush hour allowing Phasma to relax ever so slightly. As quickly as it started the rush stopped as the college students all left for their classes and graduates to their jobs. Things finally started to slow down and I could stop holding my breath.

Of course to my luck the doorbell rang right as I sat for a break making my heart sink ever so slightly.

"If it ain't my two favorite people!" A voice rang out making my stomach flip.

"Zero! It seems like forever ago we last met how are things?" Phasma replied. I brought out as much courage as I could to stand and walk to the back counter. I stole a quick glance at the girl as I passed by and noticed that she was carrying a black guitar case. She plays guitar?

"Things are good, got a day off today because my professor canceled class. Figured I'll hang here for a while if that's alright." Shit Phasma please say no.

"Of course, you're always welcome." Dammit. "Can I get you something to drink?"

"You know me."

"Coming right up."

And with that both women moved to opposite sides of the room, Phasma fixing the drink and Zero to the tables. She set her guitar on the floor next to one of the couches and sat down placing her bag in front of her. I watched closely as she removed a small folder from the black bag.

It was a worn out grey folder filled to the rim with papers, watching closely she opened it and leaned it against her pack, which laid lazily on the table. Now moving her attention to her guitar she opened the case and removed the beautiful instrument. It was painted a dark grey with black streaks that shaded its edges.