Coffee Shots

7 | That's Strange

Cecilia's PoV

. . .

I hadn't slept a wink last night.

Partially, because of my brother's arrival in the middle of the night, and partially because of an important client meeting I had to attend. All I could think of, was my incomplete presentation. Now that it was morning, I was groggy and impatient. Not to forget, irritated too.

I was making breakfast when bro came in, waltzing like a ballerina.

"Morning sis!"

I turned around to give him a glare.

"Ooh, someone's grumpy. Didn't sleep well last night?"

"No. I didn't sleep at all last night."

"Why not?"

I sighed heavily. "Work issues."

He smiled warmly, and put his arm around me, pulling me closer to him.

"Don't worry about the meeting so much. Constant worrying will only cause harm. Relax your mind and be positive."

I nodded, and gave him a small smile.

"Good. Now what have you been trying to make for the past twenty minutes?", he asked playfully.

I glared at him again, and let out an angry snarl. "Bro!!!"

"Sorry, sorry", he replied cheekily, "Was just messing with you. Want some help? You're running late as it is."

"Yeah, I do. Could you make coffee by the time I get these sandwiches ready?"

"Sure. Would Mocha do?"

I smiled and nodded at him. He knew me well.

Half an hour later, we were sitting around the kitchen bar, sipping on our coffees, when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it", my brother said, before walking off.

Few minutes passed by, and there was no sign of either him, or whoever had come by. Fearing the worst, I got up and made a dash to the front door. I halted immediately when I saw who it was.

Oliver.

Him and my brother were standing still, neither of them speaking a word. Just a glare contest. I cleared my throat to announce my presence.

"Ahem."

Both of them turned to look at me, with Oliver smiling wide and my brother letting out glares. I gave them both a sheepish smile.

"Hey Cecilia", Oliver spoke. Finally.

"Hey Oliver. Long time, no see", I asked casually, in order to avoid any questions from brother.

"Can I come in?", Oliver asked, looking at my brother now.

"Yes, of cour-"

"No."

I looked at my brother and rolled my eyes.

"Bro, I'll explain later. He's actually our neighbour. Please be polite."

He glared at me and then sighed. "Fine."

Smiling, I walked a bit closer to them.

"Oliver, this is my elder brother James. Bro, this is Oliver, our neighbour."

Oliver mumbled something under his breath, but I couldn't grasp it.

They shook hands, and that was the most formal handshake I had ever seen. I rolled my eyes again.