Last

Ashes. Ashes covered the ashtray as my index finger hit the top of my cigarette. Doug, a friend of mine tapped on my shoulder. "Ready to go, Cameron?" He asked. I looked over the table to the counter to see that same auburn hair, green eyes and lips as red as cherry temples, give caramel lattes and crispy doughnuts to the same irksum clients who mumble nothing but humdrum. For the last eighteen years of my life, I've been in England and I grew up at London; and the daily conversations that I know were good enough to get someone to be an anorak. "Cameron?" Doug called out again. I adjusted my beanie, propped my jacket and stood up. "You can leave. I'll stay here for a Singapore Sling, mate." I said. He rolled his eyes and left. I walked to the counter and dropped my car keys on its wooden surface. The girl, raised her head and looked at me in the eye.
"What can I get for you?" She said, smiling.
I narrowed my eyes as if to think of something.
"You, on a silver platter with some sugar sprinkled as well."
"Nice try. But I'm not on the menu."
"I thought here in DarkLane, everything was available."
"You sound like you're out of town. Let me guess.. Scotland?"
"England." I answered. She beamed, not knowing what to say.
"Nice sweater by the way. Keeps you warm in september nights when all your boring mates have nothing to talk about but the smell of the cracking leaves of autumn and the burning wood." I added.
"Sounds like you've got pretty much of experience." Said the girl.
"I linger in and about much. Get to know people." I explained. I reached a hand to her. "Cameron Lockwood."
"Vanessa McAllen." She said, resting her palm in mine. I gave her a wink.
"Beautiful name. What is its owner doing in a glum place like this?"
"Well..." she reached for a dirty milkshake cup and handed it over to a cleaning lady. "She is just trying to save some money for college because she's a senior and her parents got a divorce and her father left her and her mother with no money. Still interested?" Said Vanessa, raising an eyebrow.
"No, sorry. I've got to go home, it's monkies outside." I said. I saw a glimpse of a stun on her beautiful pale face before I turned to the door. Then I turned back again.
"After all, I think I'd have a cup of coffee, love." I ordered trying to be as gentle as I could. There came surprise again in her eyes. "Where would you take it?" Vanessa asked.
"The question here is, love, who would I take it with?" I asked her. She started to speak.
"Answer is, you." I interrupted.
"Well then.. how about you go and pick a table for us and I'll get the coffee?" Vanessa asked.
"No, no. We-" I reached for her hand.
"Are getting out of this place."