Coffehouse Sweetheart: Merlie Fanfiction

Chapter 9

He quickly planned a question in his mind. "They are so cute together. They would make a good couple." He said slowly, knowing exactly what Meryl Davis would say if someone approached her like this.

Her media training would spring to her head, and she would say what she would usually say in front of a reporter.

She stiffened at where this conversation was headed, preparing to answer like she was talking to an interviewer. But then she remembered that her reply would blow her disguise, and if Matthew was a big fan, he would know right away. How would a fan act? Act like a fan, she commanded to herself. "I know right, they look so natural together!" She gushed, after a minutes hesitation.

Charlie's eyes narrowed slightly behind his shades at Meryl's response. He was so sure it was Meryl, but now he wasn't so sure. He tried to remember what Meryl's unique habits were, but couldn't remember until he saw them. He'll know it when he sees it. Oh yeah, her ring! He quickly glanced at her left hand, seeing not her usual simple gold band, but a pretty topaz ring. Just enjoy Meredith's company, and and stop thinking about Meryl he told himself. And for now, act like Matthew, the figure skating fan. "Yeah, but I think I have a crush on Meryl. She's so beautiful, and she's like the most down to earth Olympian I've ever seen." He said genuinely, thinking about Meryl, for the hundredth time that day.

Meryl smiled at the compliments, even if he didn't know it. She knew that there were people out there with celebrity crushes on her. "I'm jealous of Meryl. Her hair, her skills-"

Charlie interrupted. "I think you're pretty too. Why do girls always think they're so ugly? It makes no sense." He tried to reassure her.

"Thanks, I guess it's because were more self conscious." She said truthfully.

Charlie started to reply but but was interrupted by a tall blond appearing at their table. "A chocolate cake for you, Mer, and I have no idea what you like, so here's a cheesecake." Brooklyn set down two plates at their table and laughed. "Enjoy, Meredith, Matthew!" And with that, she turned away with Meryl fuming behind her back.

"God, Brooklyn." She muttered in half annoyance and half amusement, glaring at her back as she went back to her table.

An hour later, Meredith started to pile her trash onto her finished cake plate. "Well, it was nice meeting you, and sorry about the coffee, but I should go now."

"Yeah, me too." Charlie thought for a moment. He had really been starting to enjoy Meredith's company, and now she was just up going to disappear and never see him again? "Hey, could you maybe meet me for dinner sometime? On Monday, maybe?"

Meryl really thought she wouldn't see this guy ever again. She actually kinda liked him, as a friend. He was funny, easygoing, and reminded her of Charlie. And the. He asked her to meet her on Monday, which was tomorrow. "I don't know, I'll have to ask Kassandra. She has our whole vacation planned out, and I'm not sure if we're free tomorrow."

"That's okay. We can meet up some other time. Could I have your number?" He nervously asked, preparing for a decline.

"Sure." Meryl thought for a second, and then grabbed a napkin and pen, writing down Jessica's number.

She handed it to him and he out it in the same pocket that held Meryl's necklace. "Thanks. I'll give you a call." Charlie got up and threw away her trash for her.

Meryl stood up, grabbed her purse, and smiled gratefully at him. She looked around, making sure she didn't forget anything. Instinctively, she reached up to her neck with one hand to feel for her necklace, until she remembered she lost it with a pang of regret.

Fortunately, Charlie happened to be watching her and it was that little action that triggered a bomb in his mind. His eyes widened, realizing that Meredith was reaching up for a necklace. He had seen Meryl do that too many times. But there was no necklace around her neck. Because it was in his pocket! He thought triumphantly. This little movement, the tiniest action, was like a confirmation to his suspicions.

This was definitely Meryl.

Along with this act, came a million questions. Why didn't he recognize her before? Why was Meryl pretending to be Meredith? Meredith, the competitive figure skater, not Meryl Davis, the ice dance Olympic champion? But most importantly, when can I see her again? He was shaken out of his thoughts by Meryl's voice.

"Matthew?" She looked at him. He seemed dazed, which was getting her concerned.

"Oh, sorry Mery-Meredith, um, well, it was nice meeting you, I hope I can see you again soon." Charlie held out his arms for a hug. Now that he knew this was Meryl, he was a lot more confident, but still determined to keep his disguise.

Meryl leaned towards him for the hug. For some reason, it felt natural and soothing as he draped his arms around her, even though she had just met this guy. "Have a nice day, Matthew." She smiled at him and stepped back towards her friends. There was something about Matthew that left her warm and bubbly on the inside.

Charlie just stood there, still stunned by her hug and her familiar Victoria's Secret perfume. "You too. . . Meryl." He whispered softly, watching her retreat back to her friends.

He buried his face into his palms. He couldn't believe that he didn't recognize someone who he grew up with. But then again, Meryl could be a million dollar Hollywood actress, and her disguises were quite clever. Everything started to click in place for Charlie, starting from the moment she spilled her latte on him. He should have known just from the chai tea latte, and and her kind actions, and her chocolate cake obsession, and her. . . He could go on and on. Instead he shook his head, as if trying to clear his thoughts, and made his way back over to his friends.

Wait, would Meryl admit her last name? The thought struck him like a bolt of lightning and he spun around. "Wait, Meredith!" Say Davis, say Davis, please say Davis, he repeated over and over in his mind. "Could I have your last name? For my contacts I mean."