Crossing Paths

Two

When we reached the coffee shop, Chloe stopped at the alley leading to the back door. Until now I hadn't noticed the second door which I assume leads to her apartment. "You working tomorrow?"

"Yep. You?"

"Yep, every day of my life." she joked, "The hazards of living upstairs," motioning to the window above. "I had a good time, even though your stalker tried to crash."

"Thanks, me too. The tacos were delicious. Thank you for introducing me to the place. I was getting a little burnt out on pizza and Chinese food."

"I know what you mean," she giggled, "See ya tomorrow," waiving on her way to the door.

"Bye," I called over my shoulder walking back to the corner.

Standing in the queue of strangers recapping the evening. I was glad Chloe broke the ice between us. Getting to see her with her guard down was nice. It was like seeing a wild new girl. A witty, funny, sarcastic girl, those were a few words I'd use to describe her new side. Of course, feisty firecracker would always feel like the most accurate. Hopefully, that side of her could take a rest around me, and give us some room for a friendship. At the very least, I didn't have to dread working with her tomorrow, which was a gift in itself.

Pulling the keys from my purse I unlocked the ugly bright yellow metal door. When we first were shown the loft, I cringed at the bright yellow beaten up thing. Now, seeing it, made me feel happy to be home. And, I'm pretty sure my feet agreed. All the walking I've been doing is something my body is still adapting to. Back home, one of our blocks equaled about a half of a city block. So, usually I'm pretty worn out by the time I get home in the evenings.

After changing into shorts and a t-shirt I plopped down on the comfy sofa. It felt good to kick back and relax. At least until I realized how early it was. Here I am, in one of the biggest cities in the world, sitting alone on my sofa at 10:30 on a Friday night. I kinda had a funky feeling. Even though I was tired and my body wanted nothing more too just sit and relax, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling brewing in my belly, telling me to do something. I just wasn't sure what that something was.

Pulling out my phone I decided to text mom. When I told her and dad about my new job, and the evening hours it entailed, they made me promise to text them to let them know I was home safe. She texted back immediately, telling me they were at a movie and she would talk to me tomorrow.

After a half hour of sitting mindlessly flipping through channels, I still had this nagging feeling. Like my body was trying to tell my brain something, but the signals too blurry and out of focus for it to pick up on. Unable to sit still any longer, I decided to wash the three dishes in the sink. Noticing the box of books waiting to be unpacked, I took care of it even taking the time to alphabetize them on the shelf. Checking my phone, UGH... only 20 minutes passed. Feeling defeated, the only thing left to do was go to bed. Maybe I was exhausted and the fatigue was just messing with my head.

Sinking under the fluffy comforter trying to relax, my mind took over and replayed the day. The coffee shop appeared more popular today with its steady flow of customers. Chloe and I's break-through still surprised me. I hope it wasn't a fluke and it continued to last, the girl I saw tonight is defiantly someone I'd enjoy calling a friend in the future.

The taco joint was for sure a place I'd be visiting again. That's when he came to mind, a vision of him standing outside the door, mouth hanging open, watching us walk away; had me giggling to myself in the darkness.

Ryder... I found myself having mixed emotions about him. It annoyed me that a stranger showed up and high-jacked our dinner. Not to mention the way he felt it was ok to intrude the way he did, like he had every right in the world to be there. What gave him the ability to get under my skin so easily? I ran into this guy a hand full of times. I knew nothing about him. Except, that he was stealthy and got a kick out of sneaking up on me. Which, when doing, in his mind, it was ok to invade my personal space. And, let's not forget how smooth he is at inviting himself to things. He tried unsuccessfully at the book store. But, tonight, when he didn't take no for an answer, he seemed way more determined.