Defect

Heaven on Earth

There was a cute little coffee shop up the road from Evan's house. He decided to pop in real quick, and get himself a coffee before heading to his therapy session. It had been a while, and he missed the taste. He walked in the door, and took in a lungful of the wonderful fresh-brewed coffee smell. There were several people sitting around tables, but no one in line. He approached the counter where a young, black girl with bright pink hair stood restocking napkins and sugar packets. She looked up and smiled.

"What can I get for you today?

"A small, black coffee, please." The barista walked to the back of the counter to get his coffee. Evan was busy with his wallet, when he heard whispers to his left. He looked up, and there was a small crowd of people watching him in fascination. Finally, one woman decided to be brave, and stepped over to him.

"Aren't you that car guy on TV?" The whole group waited for his answer. 'Oh.' thought Evan. 'Now I get it.' He gave her a half smile. 

"Um, yeah. That's me." He heard more whispers and murmurs coming from his other side. He looked to his right, and there were more people watching him. Someone had pulled out their phone, and was snapping pictures of him.

"Hey! Dance for us!" Someone called out, but he wasn't sure who it was. Mercifully, the barista returned with his coffee, and rang him up. He handed her a ten dollar bill, grabbed his cup, and quickly walked toward the door.

"You forgot your change." She called out.

"I'm in a hurry, so you keep it." He smiled at her, then walked out the door.

By the time he reached Dr. Tipton's office, he'd already finished his coffee. He sat in his usual spot on the couch with his two bottles of water on the table. He already had one opened and finished about two thirds of the way. Dr. Tipton set her hot chai tea on the table, and sat in her chair.

"What's new with you, Evan?" He sighed heavily, running his hand through his hair.

"I think the women in this town have collectively lost their minds." His irritation was apparent. He took another sip of his water.

"Over that commercial?"

"Yes. I have tons of messages asking me out on dates, or to do parties." He stared at the table in a daze.

"It sounds a bit overwhelming." She said, sympathetically.

"It really is. I even had a couple men message me." His eyes widened with shock. "I wasn't prepared for all this attention."

"I'm sure it will all blow over soon." She offered. She felt bad for him. Evan seemed really upset by his newfound fame.

"No, it won't. The next commercial is already set to air this week."

"That will make your fan club happy." Evan, who had been drinking his water, choked a little when she said this. A doubtful look flashed across his face.

"What happened to the days when women let a man pursue them?"

"Feminism happened." She said flatly. Evan rolled his eyes, and made a 'tsk' sound with his tongue.

"That's why I like Peggy. She's so laid back. She wasn't aggressive or desperate." He sat up a little straighter in his seat. "I mean, yeah, she's pregnant, but she was honest about it."

"She means a lot to you, doesn't she?" Dr. Tipton noted the sparkle in his eyes every time he mentioned Peggy's name.

"Yeah. She really does."

"How do you feel when you're with her?" His demeanor changed to a dreamy state.

"I feel invincible, yet vulnerable. Happy and scared." He looked down at his hands, and his voice got quiet. "I would do anything to make her happy, even if it meant dying for her."