Harmless. (boyxboy/sequel to Priceless)

Chapter 2.

I was late. For the first time in my life, I was late for something. And I swear to God, the goddamn phone was to blame! It just didn’t ring in the morning, I’m positive. I would’ve heard it if it did!

Running with a broken leg was hard, but having the crutches made it slightly easier. I was feeling funny already, since everyone was looking at me, possibly wondering what kind of an accident I got into to end up looking like that. To be honest, I was wondering the same thing sometimes.

“H-Hey, don’t run!” Aiden yelled the moment he saw me from the distance and quickly ran towards me, hugging me with his big, warm hands. I felt warmth in my cheeks and realized I must be blushing, so I quickly stepped back and handed him the little piece of paper in which I wrote my answers last night. I read all of them carefully, even the embarrassing ones, and wrote down my opinion on a separate sheet, just because I didn’t want to run out of space.

“Oh, perfect! You’ve answered them.” He smiled and ruffled my hair. I quickly slapped his hand away and frowned. Not in front of people, you idiot!

“Of course I did. I hope it’s going to be worth it.”

“W-well, to be honest, I didn’t expect you to come at all. And if, by any chance, you come, you would bring me a white sheet with ‘F U’ written over it.”

“Am I such a horrible person?” I raised my eyebrows.

“No, just … very unpredictable.” Aiden chuckled and scratched the back of his neck. “Anyway, come inside! There’s someone I’d like you to meet. He’ll tell you what’s up!”

I sighed and rolled my eyes when he invited me inside the café with a cheeky smile. I guess I had to come. I’ve come too far to give up anyway. Besides, what’s the worst that can happen, other than seeing Noel, which was impossible.

Or was it?

“Hey, where’s your wife?” I asked as my foot stepped inside the building. It was a wonderful interior, albeit a bit too bright for my personal taste. The tables were made of plain wood, but the surface was glass, thus adding a sort of a hipster/vintage feel to it. The chairs were the type which you would find in a school cafeteria, and they served the purpose of reminding of one’s earlier, younger years in a subtle way. The walls were painted in a soft pink, and it somehow made the whole café light and cheerful. It warmed your heart, despite the lack of space or any other fancy décor.

I sincerely hope it grows.

“Oh, he’s shopping with Melissa! We’re supposed to meet in Lamoda in a few hours.”

“You … sure you’re alright with him shopping alone, with just a girl by his side?” I asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

“Sure, why not? Nothing bad is going to happen to them, I’m positive—“

“I’m not talking about them. I’m talking about your credit card.”

“Oh, it’s cool, it’s MasterCard!”

I face-palmed and shook my head. Whatever, he’ll figure out what I meant in the end of the day, when his credit card is depleted completely.

I followed Aiden to a table near a window, but I was surprised when he sat, because the seats weren’t quite empty. There was a guy sitting there, black hair and inky eyes, and was clearing just minding his own business, drinking coffee. When he saw the blonde, his expression brightened and he nodded at me. I was slightly shocked from the fact that he seemed to know me, and sat as well, trying to act natural. I’m a police chief, not a thirteen year old girl!

“Alright, I checked the answers and they’re cool. I think we’ll find at least two.” The stranger spoke and curiously rubbed his beard. He was shaved, but not freshly, judging from the tiny, sharp hair on his face. I hate people with beards. I envy them, because I lack the possibility to grow one myself …