Daydreams?

Chapter 7- Coffee Dates and Jealous Mates

I pulled my hair up, forming the toasted brown locks into a ponytail before securing it. After escorting me home, Max had invited me for coffee. I figured I should go, since he took me home and all. Maybe it'll help clear my head.

"Where'd you go last night Alice?" I winced as I tried slipping past the living room, backing up to stand in the doorway.

"I just went for a walk. I couldn't sleep."

"You know it isn't safe at night." She warned again.

"I can fend for myself." She frowned in disapproval.

"I just want you safe Alice."

"I know you do, but you don't understand." Her frown deepened, hurt now apparent on her face.

"Please Alice. Just talked to me. I want to help you." I sighed, leaning against the door.

"You can't help me right now. I just, I need to be alone." I went to the door, this time making it out without interruption.

The scent of espresso embraced me as I opened the door. I've missed that warm scent. Max went to the counter, waiting for me as I slowly trailed behind.

"What do you want?" He laughed, pulling his wallet out of his back pocket.

"I can get mine." I smiled sheepishly, pulling my own wallet out of the small purse I carried.

He gave me a look that said: I'm paying. No exceptions. "What do you want?"

I sighed, putting my wallet back. " Fine. A caramel frappucino."

"Size?"

"Grandé." I muttered. I can't believe he just won that argument with just a look.

"See? Was that so hard?" I tuned him out, rolling my eyes as he began ordering. I looked around at the people in the cafe. There weren't many there to begin with, most my age or a bit older. One couple over the age of fifty sat in the corner, and then strangely, a guy in his twenties and then another man that had to be over fifty. They both looked familiar, but I couldn't place a name to go with either face.

"Ali?" Max held a drink I hid hand, another on the counter. "Here's your drink."

"Thanks." I smiled, taking my cup and leading him to the table across from the strange pair. We sat quietly for a few minutes, until Max broke the silence.

"So what was the deal about last night? I know I said I would meet you on the street corner but most girls don't suddenly change direction to go talk to themselves in a dark forest." The younger of the strange pair snapped to attention, looking at us. His eyes were green, such a deep green that they were almost haunting at first glance.

"First, I'm not most girls. Second, most guys won't tell a girl to meet him late at night and then not meet them. Just a tip, but stalking is kind of creepy." I took another sip of my drink, glancing at the boy who sat with the elderly man. He had practically melted Max with the look of anger he was giving him.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I lost track of time but I saw you when you were in the graveyard and well, I figured I would follow you home, make sure you got there okay. Only you didn't go home."

"Obviously." I scoffed, receiving an eye roll from him. The boy with green eyes smiled at me. He winked to show his approval of something or someone. I returned his small gesture with a raised eyebrow, confused.

"I'll be back. I need to uh, relieve myself." Max announced, rushing to the back of the cafe. I laughed, watching my imaginary friend take his seat across from me.

I shrugged, mentally hoping he understood my gesture as I calmed down.

"If you want closure, the answer is sitting across from you."

My eyes widened as I turned my head and Mr. Imagination disappeared. The boy sat there, looking at me.

It dawned on me that the man had been the elderly man in the graveyard. The boy was still unidentified.

"Can we help you?" The boy asked, now confused by the look I gave him.

"Sorry it's just- Do I know you?" He returned my focused stare, looking me over.

"Alice?"

"Yeah." I smiled, hoping he would give me a name.

"It's so good to see you. How are you sport?" Of course he doesn't give me a name. He does look familiar though.

"I'm fine. How are you?" He smiled, giving me a light hug.

"I'm alright. Still missing that jerk of a little brother though." He sighed. So that's how I know him. He's Landon's older brother.

"Same here." Max walked out of the bathroom, and the confusion spread across his features like wildfire.

"Who's this?" He pointed to Landon's brother.

"I'm Jason, and you are?"

"Max. You know Ali?" Jason tensed. He knew that only Landon called me that.

"Yeah. She and my little brother used to be best friends. How could I not know her?"

"Oh!" Max said, realizing the relationship.

"Yeah. She used to be the cutest thing. Too bad you grew up." He scrunched his nose, pretending to be disgusted.

"Jason! Don't treat a lady like that." The elderly man said, standing up.

"Awe come on Mr. Johnson. I was just joking." He pouted.

"It's still no way to treat her." I crossed my arms over my chest, smirking at Jason. He stuck his tongue out at me while Max took my hand.

"Is this your boyfriend?" Mr. Johnson asked.

"Oh uh, no sir. We're just friends."

"Close friends?" Jason asked.

"You could say that." Max smiled.

"Better watch your back Max. You hurt her, and I will kill you." He laughed.

"I won't hurt her." Max smiled.

"Promise?"

"I swear." Jason grinned. "Well, it was nice seeing you Alice." He and Mr. Johnson gathered their belongings before leaving the shop.

Max followed their lead, handing me my purse and drink. He smiled, pulling me along with him. We walked out of the coffee shop, his smile fading.

"Are you into Jason?"

"No. Why would I be?"

"I don't know. He's just known you longer and I don't feel like you would be interested in me if you could have him."

"Oh please." I laughed. "You're just jealous. I would never be into Jason."

"Never?"

"Never." I smiled. He returned the favor, kissing my cheek before letting me leave him on the doorstep outside of my house.