And So I Ran - Complete

Chapter 7

I woke up Friday morning feeling better than I had all week. Christian's email of the day before requesting dinner the following week had done a lot to improve my mood. That said, a night where I hadn't fallen asleep crying had done wonders, too. Christian describing my email as the 'bright point' of his day had my inner goddess doing pirouettes, and even my subconscious allowed that it was hard to misconstrue his statement 'I'd very much like to see you.'

Looking out the window, it was a pleasant Seattle morning. Claire had reminded me yesterday afternoon that SIP did 'dress-down Friday,' so this morning I opted for my favorite jeans. I was standing in front of my closet, smiling at the thought of my date with Christian next week. Almost without thinking, my hand reached out for the blue shirt that Taylor had bought me. Shrugging it on, it worked perfectly with the jeans. Quickly stuffing a duffel bag with clothes for the weekend

I proceeded to the bathroom, looking at myself critically.

I looked a bit thinner, but some shine had returned to my eyes. The bags under my eyes were almost gone; a vast improvement from earlier in the week. I swept my hair up into a high ponytail, applied mascara and a generous amount of my favorite lipgloss. Done!

Ready for work earlier than usual, I stopped to peer into the fridge, noticing that other than mustard, sauce and a single bottle of beer it was empty. I needed to do a shop. Grabbing my bag and duffel, I ventured into Kate's room, collecting the spare keys to her Mercedes CLK. Since I was leaving from work to go to Montesano, I'd decided to drive to work today.

Starting Kate's car, I pulled my sunglasses on. Without the usual Seattle clouds to mask the sun, it was a little glary out. Still, I couldn't help my smile as I lowered the top of the sleek, dark convertible, pulling away from the curb and out into the early Seattle traffic. I drove the same route as the bus, which took me past Grey House and Escala. I wonder where Christian was right now? He mentioned traveling to Taiwan, but not when. Perhaps he'd gone already? For some reason, the idea of Christian not in Seattle depressed me, so I pushed it from my mind, deciding to enjoy the here and now of a pleasant morning ride in Kate's convertible.

Pulling into the SIP garage at 8:15 I was ridiculously early for work, so listening to the demands of my stomach, I carefully parked and raised the roof, locking the car and exiting onto the pavement. Strolling to the café across from work, I noticed several of the regulars were there, including Mr. Military. I smiled at him in the way regulars at the same coffee shop do, before approaching the counter.

"Hazelnut latte?" the young male barista asked, giving me a saucy wink.

"Hmm, not today. Do you have English breakfast tea?" I asked.

"I can do that."

"And a muffin, please. The blueberry one," I added, my stomach voicing its approval via a grumble.

"Take a seat – I'll bring it over," he replied, taking the note I offered and quickly making change.

I took my customary spot in the front window, although the foot traffic was less than it was closer to nine. I picked up a magazine, lazily flipping through it as I waited for my tea and muffin. Mr. Military was sitting at a table nearby working on a laptop today, I noticed.

My tea and muffin arrived, brought across by the over-friendly barista.

"So do you work around here?" he asked, standing a little closer than I was comfortable with.

"Yes, not too far," I replied, not wanting to give away the precise location.

He nodded, taking a step back thanks to my unwelcoming response.