Repulsive Attractions {Rowan POV}

Chapter 1

I staggered into the familiar coffeshop, pushing open the door with a little more force than I intended. It snapped open with a loud thud against the warm, russet wall, earning me a glare from a bitter-looking elderly dude in the corner table.
Yeah, sorry old man Jenkins.
I spent a few moments peering around the mildly occupied room for the face of my best friend, Eden Grace.
It turns out Mr. Early-Bird was late. That hypocritical bastard.

Seeking out our usual spot by the window, I plopped myself into a chair, taking in the welcoming scent of coffee with a hint of vanilla. It was almost like sinking into a hot bath. Really, what could ruin this mome-
  My phone screen flashed, a little speech bubble appearing with name the name 'Kelsie' above it.
  'Where were u last nite?? Txt me back plz'
With a snort, I shoved the cellphone back into my coat pocket. Leave it to Kelsie. She texted me all the time, asking where I was, what I was doing. Sure, I found it kinda cute at first. Now it was just a pain in the ass.
Or maybe it was me. She never got on my nerves like this before. Jesus, I feel like a girl on her period.
 
   "G'morning sir. What can I get you today?"
I glanced up, eyeing the waitress that loomed beside the table. She was pretty, that's for sure. With long, golden locks, stunning green eyes and full lips, I wouldn't be surprised if she's gotten every guy she ever wanted. And by the look she was giving me, I wasn't too low on that list.

I sat back in my seat, cranking up the charm by giving her a lazy smile.
  "A black coffee and a caramelized honey latte, please."
She gave a small smirk as she jotted that down on a little notebook, her eyebrow quirked slightly.
  "Coffee and a caramelized honey latte, coming right up doll. So.. what is a guy like you doing in a place like this?"
Out of the corner of my eye I could see Eden cross the room and land into the seat beside me. I could recognize that shorty anywhere.

 Still, I didn't let his presence deter me. I grinned slyly back at the lovely lady, leaning forwards a bit.
  "Oh ya know.. just enjoying the scenery."
Across from me, I could hear Eden grumbling my name.
   "Ro. Rowan. Hello."
He sounded moody. Maybe our periods synced up or something. Whatever, I wrapped it up quickly by the sending her a wink. Her face went a faint red as her smirk grew, walking away with the notebook clutched to her chest.

 I turned back to Eden, grinning as I straightened up.
   "I thought you weren't gonna show!"
His light blue eyes narrowed at me, his nose scrunching like he was trying to look intimidating, which almost reminded me of a kitten sneezing. Eden wasn't exactly 'scary' material.
    "I was here for like five minutes, but you were far too busy chatting up the waitress to notice."
Yikes. That was harsh. He seemed to think so too, by the way he dropped his head into his hands, messing up his wavy blonde hair with a heavy sigh.

   "Who pissed in your cheerios?" I replied, putting on a smile to try and lighten the mood.
   "I'm just tired and frustrated and I might as well be dead." He sighed dramatically, rubbing his eyes.
I thought about asking if he'd like to borrow a tampon, but hey, I'm not THAT mean.
    "Don't be so melodramatic. I know exactly what'll cheer you up!"
I barely concealed by grin, which caused him to give me a 'you're up to something, Lee' glare.
 "And just what is that, Rowan?"
 "So," I began cheerfully. "You know that party that-"
 "No."
 "Let me finish!" I whined out, giving him my best, puppy dog eyes. "The band is playing there tomorrow night. And you never come to any of our gigs. Edie, you're my best friend! I want to share with you the things in my life that are important!"
"Rowan," He countered with a groan. "Please don't pull the best friend card. I can't, even if I wanted to. I have a night shift tonight and I'm gonna be completely dead by tomorrow."
Oh, poor baby, I thought sarcastically to myself. I continued on, trying to keep the whine out of my voice this time.

  "Come on, Edie! Do you really wanna be that kid known for his overprotective Christian parents that make him pray to an invisible man in the sky before he eats his McDouble?" This coaxed out a laugh, no matter how grudgingly, which made me smile. "And can't you sleep in the day? Then we'll go to the party and you can crash at mine for the rest of the night."
He let out a another, drawn out sigh and I knew I was almost there.
"One time Edie! Come on! Just come see us play, we can leave early! And then we can play video games and get a McDouble that you won't be forced to thank God for-"

He let out a dry huff.
   "Fine," He responded dryly. "One time. Only because you pulled the best friend card, and I'd feel bad if I didn't go."
Jackpot!
    "Yes!" I barked, my fist waving triumphantly. He looked amused, his messy hair a little tossled, which I ignored the instinct to fix.
   "One time thing," He reminded me. Pfft. As if that would change this miracle.
The good-looking waitress I'd chatted with finally returned, setting our drinks down. She smiled gently, which I returned with a small wink before she slinked away.

Usually I'd be disappointed that such a wonderful gal left before I got her number, but I had a girlfriend, and my triumph by winning over Eden still made me smile.
   "Is there something there for me or are you gonna devour everything?"
   "Nah," I replied cheekily, "I have one thing for you." I pushed one of the drinks towards him, grinning. "Caramelized honey latte."
    "Ooh, nice. What a fave." He took the drink and took a sip. The expression of pure bliss on his face was another triumph itself.
    "Oh anything for you, sweetie-pie!" I crooned, getting a half amused glare from Eden before rolling his eyes.
    "That was incredibly gay."
    "Maybe that's the point," I replied with a wink. I'm not sure where I was going with that, but his ears went red, so it was worth it.

We talked the minutes away, time slipping as we chatted. With the mixture of steaming drinks and peaceful environment made it a little paradise.
A ding came from my pocket and I hastily hauled it out, feeling the familiar annoyance at the thought of it being Kelsie. I was surprised, however, to see the name 'Jane' appear. I didn't even have to read it to know what it was about.

   "Shit, Edie, I've gotta get going. Jane wants us to go and practice for a bit. Do you wanna come with - or do you need a ride home or anything?"
    "Nah, it's fine, I can walk. I need to get a nap before my night shift."
    "Are you sure? It's super cold. You're only wearing a sweater." I eyed the thin piece of clothing, feeling a frown tug on his lips.
He gave me a reassuring smile.
    "It's fine."
    "No it's not, loser," I sighed, standing up and fishing my keys out of my pocket. "Come on."
    "Alright, I guess." He said with an almost frustrated tone- as if he thought I'd let him walk home in this.
We walked out, the cold air sharp against my skin. Between me and Eden came an old elderly woman, wanted to squeeze out of the coffeshop at specifically the same time as me.
Holding back a sigh, I held the door open for her as she slowly hobbled past. I heard Eden called out, his voice a little shaky from the cold.
   "It's fucking cold, hurry up."
I snorted, waiting until the woman finally shuffled past me and down the sidewalk. That hypocritical bastard.
   "Stop rushing me! I'll run you over!"

Hey there, guys! In case you didn't know, this story is written as Rowan's POV from crochetcat's story 'Repulsive Attractions'. Make sure to check his! (Of course, his is farther along, so I may need some time to catch up)
See ya around!
  - K