Finding Yourself

chapter 4

Monday rolled around quick enough and I groaned as I unlocked the door to the coffee shop. I flipped the sign to open and set out some biscuits on a stand. Today went painfully slow and this awkward bitchy woman kept complaining her coffee was too hot. Let it cool down then, jeeez.

Just as the last customer left, I didn't waste anytime flipping the sign back to closed before wiping down the tables. How can there be so many coffee spills? Do people just miss their mouths these days? The little bell on the door chimed breaking me from my thoughts.

"Sorry we're closed." I said, irritated.

"I don't want coffee, It's you I came to see."

My ears pricked as the familiar voice filled the room. I turned around and saw Harry rocking on his heels with an awkward smile on his face.

"Oh..." I said. "Er, I'm sorry about the other night, you just took me by surprise that's all, I didn't mean to leave you like that."

"No, You have nothing to be sorry for, I shouldn't of came onto you like that. I came to apologize." He shrugged his shoulders and I just stared at him looking at all of his tattoos and studying the rips in the knees of his jeans. It wasn't until he turned around to leave when I realised I hadn't answered him.

"Wait!" I blurted. "You don't have to go, It's fine. I can get you a coffee if you want."

"But you're closed?" He smiled.

"Yeah, I don't play by the rules, sit down."

He smirked at me and sat down.

A few moments later I walked back over to him with two coffees, sitting down opposite him. We sat in an awkward silence for a few moments until Harry smiled at me.

"You didn't bump into me today."

"You wasn't standing up my arse today." I said smirking back at him.

"Melanie, that would be rather uncomfortable." He winked.

"I wish you'd stop calling me that" I growled. "It's Mel."

"We'll see Melanie." He said taking a sip from his cup and I rolled my eyes at him. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

"Yeah... No... I mean I did, but I don't anymore." I feel my cheeks flush. I was so used to saying yes every time I was asked that question.

"Okaaaaay..." Harry said with a confused expression on his face. "So you wouldn't mind going on a date with me then?"

I raised my eyebrows and began arguing with myself again.

"It's one date, go on"

"No I can't, it's too soon!"

"He's super hot, yes you can."

I shook away my thoughts and smiled.

"Yes... No... I mean... Yeah I'll go on a date with you."

He laughed and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, his touch sending chills down my spine. "You're cute when you're nervous Melanie."

"Call me Melanie one more time and you can shove your date up you arse." I said, shocking myself as the words fell from my mouth. He laughed and took another sip of coffee.

"Okay Mel, I see you still haven't dropped that attitude."

"I told you I don't like being told what to do." I said glaring at him.

"You're a tough cookie to break huh Mela-"

I glared at him.

"Mel." He corrected himself.

"All cookies are easy to break Harry, You just have to do it right" I said, grinning at him.

We finished our coffee and I untied my apron throwing it over the counter.

"You need a ride home?" He asked as I locked the door.

"No... Thanks but I've got my car."

"Sweet, er, I'll pick you up at 7 on saturday." His emerald green eyes burning into me.

"I don't work here on saturdays." I said looking down at his old boots.

"I know. I'll pick you up from your house." He grinned.

"You don't know where I live." I snapped.

"Trust me Melanie, I'll find out." He brushed my face before walking away from me.

Fucking Melanie. Why didn't I just tell him my name was Mel straight off?