I always made a point to leave extra early for work to grab coffee on the way. We had free coffee at work, but bad free coffee is worse than good coffee for two pounds.
This was my favorite coffee house anyway. Not a high volume student hot spot but not so indie it makes you wanna sit and talk about souls with someone sitting lonesome by the window. Just good coffee and quiet corners. I used to study here, but with those days behind, it tended to just be a place to come in, pick up a blonde roast and be on my way.
It had been days since our night out, and I hadn't heard much from Shay. I'd see her soon, given we worked together. She never really asked anymore about what happened, who the man was, and the bodies on the ground. I still didn't have the answers. At this point it would be more for my own sanity. I just couldn't get the vision of his eyes staring into me. I shook my head.
In line at the till, I kept checking my phone every minute. I knew I wasn't late, it just gave me an excuse to not make eye contact or interact with anyone. People are generally "not my thing".
The lady at the cash smiled, greeting me. I recognized her from other mornings. She didn't recognize me. I wouldn't either.
"Just a medium blonde to go please," I said, clearing my throat.
She nodded, queuing up the machine, twirling around, fetching a cup, and pouring it, leaving space. She turned, cocking up an eyebrow.
"I don't need room," I smiled shyly. She nodded and filled the rest of the way, and without spilling it brought it back over the counter and set it down.
"Two-ninety-three," she beamed.
I set the 5 euro down on the counter and smiled. "Cheers."
Taking my cup of fuel to the condiment bar, I weaved cautiously through people as to not spill or disturb anyone. It was busier than most days. I hoped it wouldn't become too much of a student hub. I liked my quiet little place.
I set my cup down on the counter and rolled up my sleeves. In went two sugars followed by a lid and extra sleeve. Once I firmly checking the lid was on properly for the third time, I checked the clock, finding now I might actually be late. I cursed under my breath, grabbing the cup. The lid stayed stationary. I thanked myself for triple checking as I whirled around, not making it even a step.
Before me stood a large barrier, dark jacket, tall and wide, and with the speed I was aiming for there was no chance at swerving around. I stopped in my tracks but stumbled on my feet. Klutz.
My skinny biceps were caught by two large hands, instantly stopping me. I then walked into my own arms and stumbled backwards now. Arseways.
But I was not let to fall, large hands holding my tiny arms.
"I'm so sorry," I gushed, trying to not look up, as to not give them a face to remember. I kept stumbling around, thick as a plank, my face growing hot with embarrassment. I felt as though everyone in the tiny space was staring at me. "Sorry, sorry, I..."
My stomach dropped. Staring down at me were a pair of dark hooded eyes. So familiar. Like a memory had just jumped out of my brain and was now standing before me, staring at me. The same ones from across the club entrance. The same ones from outside. The same hands that kept me from striking, holding me upright with a strong but gentle force. Him.
"I..." I couldn't piece together a sentence, let alone a word, for the life of me.
Just stammering whilst looking up into his entrancing eyes. I shook my head, flitting my eyes around, looking for the exit. His loose grip lifted from my arms and he took a step back, never taking his gaze off me. I tried to avoid his eyes, but I did catch the way they peered down at my rolled up sweater sleeves, displaying the fingerprint bruises dotting my forearms. I felt light headed.
