Coffee Shop [BxB] ✔

Chapter 8

   Hey guys! Before I get into the story I wanted to say that my posting schedules will be every other day because I've started running athletically again. That's all, enjoy the angst!

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   "Promise me two things, Ashton." Harvey told me, his eyes never leaving mine. Both of our gazes were interlocked tightly. I simply and silently nodded, impelling him to carry on.

"Don't spread the secret."

"Never lay a hand on me unless I say so."

   I made sure to soften my gaze after realizing what he meant. I remarked, "Well, of course I wouldn't do that kind of thing without your consent." At that, I could just faintly hear his breath hitch. His piercing eyes became tranquil and he lowered them steadily. Good thing I was able to assuage the situation. Now I know he fully trusts me with any divulged information.

   "My mom was sexually abused on her first date. She was, um... 17. When she had me, she always told me as I grew older to never date anyone. She always claimed that going out with someone was a curse."

   I took a moment to soak the short story in. "Where's your mother now?" I asked quietly, watching his gaze return to mine. As a silent response, Harvey looked up to the ceiling and back to me. Hoping I would soon get the hint, he shot forward and wrapped his arms around my neck. Oh.

   Oh.

   "Three.. years. Three years and I still haven't forgotten.. her..." he snivelled, his voice sounding really thick and discouraged. My eyes slowly fluttered to a close as I wrapped my arms around his upper back. I didn't feel like saying anything to cheer him up. Now, I'm not heartless - I have my reasons.

   "I'm sorry, Harvey." I whispered. I was resting my chin on his right shoulder, giving him time to mourn for his mother. One more thing I learned about Harvey; he's a silent cryer, which is kind of scary.

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Next Day Later

  "Thank you, have a nice day." I waved, putting on the bright smile that I always use when I'm working. Usually the customers would say "you too!" or "aww, thanks!" or something like chipper that.

   Harvey hasn't arrived yet and I'm already half-way through my shift. Well, I'm not expecting him to be here every day but it's still a bit of a letdown when he doesn't come. Maybe he's taking extra college classes? He said that he wanted to start taking those soon...

   As I turned around, I was surprised to see Kate standing in the way with a knowing look on her face. Yeah... As annoying as she can be, she's a bit of a shrink for when work days are stressful. "Soooo, your little babe didn't come here today." she drew out the 'o' in "so" before she said anything else.

   "Yeah.. and?"

   She just scoffed and her smirk came chasing at her lips again. It wasn't flirtatious either... It seemed like she had some sort of plan for me. Oh Lord help me.

   "Since he's not coming today, why don't you skip work tomorrow?" she suggested, waggling her eyebrows at me as if she knows everything. What, is she trying to sabotage our thriving relationship? If so, that's a great plan but I'm not down for it.

   "No, that'll just hurt his feelings if he decides to show up tomorrow." I rolled my eyes, glancing over to the door to see if anyone new was approaching the glass doors. Nope, nobody... Damn.

   "It's just fair game! Equal payback! Trust me, it works!" she piped her voice up cheerfully, causing some co-workers to shoot her some quizzical looks. Maybe that's why she's single..

   Then, to cut our conversation short, a small bell chimed near the front of the café. We both flung our heads in that specific direction, finding a silhouette of someone entering the café. Since the horrible evening sunlight was facing us, the front of the person was dark. But, the height and shape of the hair gave their identity away a bit too easily.

   My dark colored eyes widened at the sight before me. The usually gleeful and sensitive Harvey now looked pissed. His fists were clenched, brows caved in and eyes piercing through everyone he looked at. When his rapidly shifting eyes found me, his fists unclenched and his expression immediately turned to dough.

   "Ashton!" he belted, causing the whole café to narrow in on him. He came rushing over, not even bothered by the counter that separated us. He hopped up and slid over the white, marble counterspace and jumped off. I wasn't sure what he was about to do but I was mentally and physically preparing for something bad to happen.

   Then, a pair of arms squeezed my waist tightly. A head of soft brunet hair nuzzled into my neck and a warm body pressed against mine. I almost instantaneously caught that ambrosial scent that belonged to Harvey and Harvey only. It was a mixture of library books and sweet shampoo that he used to wash his hair.

   I slowly returned his tight embrace and looked around at the customers in the shop. There was a girl with a Lucky's Cafe bag in her left hand, long dark braids in her hair and glasses. She was looking on in awe at the two of us, which made me feel a little awkward.

   "What's wrong?" I asked quietly, a bit scared to say it too loud. There were too many people around. I heard him sniff my ponytail and his form seemed to relax in my grip. His muscles felt like jelly now compared to how they were tense a moment ago.

   "I just wanted to be in your arms. I'm sorry for being late... Today was stressful." his voice was relieved and calm. He sounded content. I would lose his warmth if I retracted from the embrace so I stay put.

   We hadn't even realized that the whole café just resumed back to what they were doing before Harvey came rushing in. I finally pulled back from Harvey and let the uncomfortable coldness wash over me again.

   Harvey's crystal blue eyes were beautifully reflecting the sunlight that poured in through the from of the café. He pushed himself onto the tips of his toes and whispered, "Thank you for yesterday."

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One Week Later

  I haven't really seen Harvey much lately. We still text over the phone, Harvey usually being the one to start the conversation. If I start the conversation, it's usually when I'm worried about him. You know, I want to check up on him and make sure he's alright.

   Me: Hey, how are things? You haven't been active recently..

   Harvey: Sorry! I'm visiting my dad for a little bit. He's a little sick

   Me: ah okay. Tell him I said I hope he feels better

   Harvey: okay! Thank you. I'll be back next Thursday

   Me: I'll look forward to next Thursday then

   End Of Chapter 8