The Character Café

Coffee shop: A Sight to be Seen

A tinge of must and burning leaves was always in the air during the fall. And sometimes, when the day was really nice, she could even smell the frost. It had an interesting crispness that winter didn't have. It was a scent unto it's own.

"Jessie!"

Jessie jumped from the tone of her best friend's voice. Lea was loud, but not usually that loud.

"Yes?"

"I was talking to you, but you just completely zoned out!"

"It happens when you ramble. You know I have a short attention span."

Lea sniffed, pausing for a second.

"Okay, fine. I do ramble. But I thought you cared!"

"I do care- I just care a little less when I hear the same stories over and over. Not to mention that I'm there more than half the time when the events happen."

Jessie heard the footsteps and murmerings of a large cluster of people approching, so she began to walk hesitantly. Lea moved over to the right and tugged her along as she felt the chatter go right past her ear.

I wonder if they even noticed anything different with me.

"Rude," Lea hissed. "They almost crashed into you head on and they had the gall to shoot you dirty looks. I swear my hand has a mind of it's own- I just about socked them in the nose without a second thought. It's been awhile since I've practiced my punches, but I think I could still take them on whether I'm rusty or not."

Jessie chuckled and shook her head.

"Lea- you're something else."

"Hope it's a good something," she giggled.

The atmosphere had changed little by little, but now it was obviously different. Jessie could hear a few people talking quietly on the sidewalk across the street and she could feel the energy pulsing in waves in the air as the chilly breeze blew by. When Jessie and Lea passed a few restaurants, the aromas of coffee, spices, and fresh pastries just out of the oven wafted past their noses and made their mouths water.

"Omigosh- I'm hungry. I wasn't even hungry before we went walking."

"No joke! Mama needs some pumpkin pie. I see a little café just across the street, so lets pop in real quick to see what they have."

Lea stood beside Jessie and felt her friend looking for cars. When the coast was clear, they briskly crossed the road and got to the other side without much incident... until the sidewalk became uneven. Catching her toe on a section of raised cement, Jessie lost her balance and put her free hand out in front of her to find something to support her. Strong arms held her at in instant and the scent of leather and cologne filled her nostrils.

That's definitely not Lea.

"Are you alright?"

His voice was deep and rich, much like a seductive male radio show host. She could sense his concern through his tone and touch.

Jessie's face began to burn with embarrassment.

"Yeah," Jessie's voice shook a little. "I'm fine. Thank you for coming to my rescue."

A chuckle rumbled through his chest as he stepped away and allowed her to get her balance back. Jessie was suddenly cold from the absence of extra body heat and a wind blocker. A hot drink with a warm iced pastry sounded like heaven at that moment.

"Yeah- thanks for helping my bestie out. I owe you one. Make it up to you with a free drink on me?" Lea asked.

"It's alright," he said, Jessie sensing an arm motion from him and hearing a sloshing noise from a container. "The cinnamon cider special was okay, but it was almost a tad too sweet."

"That's not a good enough excuse- get over here!"

Lea let go of Jessie's hand, her footsteps fading as the man's protests became more distant and went ignored. A little bell rung from presumably inside the café, then she heard the door close. It became silent other than for the wind whistling and small talk in the strip of shops.

I'm really stupid for leaving my cane at home. This always happens, and yet I never learn.

Jessie raised her arm and walked cautiously to the door. Searching then grasping the icy metal handle, she pulled on it and went inside. A bell tinkled overhead and warmth washed over her like a wave, thawing her hands and nose. The delicious smells had increased tenfold and earned a growl from her stomach.

Jessie only stepped forward a half a step before she heard Lea from across the room.

"Jessie! Omigosh, I'm so sorry for leaving you outside!"

Jessie tried giving Lea her I'm not amused look, but her friend only begun to laugh.

"Nice try girl, but no cigar. You just gave the stank eye to a couple over my shoulder. Leave me to shooting the dirty looks at people. Here- take my hand."

She felt a familiar warm, squishy palm try to take her hand, but she slapped it away and crossed her arms. She heard a deep snort on her right.

"I don't want your hand," Jessie sniffed. "I can do it by myself."

"You've got to be joking me. Are you really going to pull a hissy fit here?"

"Yup."

Jessie put her hands out in front of herself again and walked forward. She only went three steps before bumping into a table and a corner of a chair, the legs screeching loudly against the floor.

Lea's hearty laughter bounced off the walls of the café and a deep chuckle joined in with hers. Jessie felt her face burn red with embarrassment.

"Much win, very wow, Jess! Now are you ready to finally let me take your hand?"

"No," Jessie winced, finally feeling the bruises from colliding with the table set. "You just laughed at me when I got hurt. And before that, you abandonded me."

A large presense moved closer to her and she felt it move it's arm next to hers.

"Perhaps I could be of your assistance, Milady?"

Jessie felt a smile stretch across her face.

You schmoozer- and little did you know that I'm a sucker for that stuff.

"I would be delighted, sir, but I do not know your name. We are practically perfect strangers."

"The name is Rowan, sweet one," he said as Jessie took his arm. "And we will not be strangers if I will have any say this night."