Tiers of Love

Chapter 4

Ethan's eyes take everything in slowly, enamored with the city he doesn't miss one detail. But as he watches the huge buildings, all I want to do is watch the way he moves. His eyes are bright, and his mouth hangs slightly open, his full lips parted in amazement.

"This is... incredible," He laughs,"I can't believe you LIVE here," his voice is a song of happiness, and his every movement absorbs the bustling of life around him.

"It is beautiful, huh?" I tear my eyes from him to admire the city surrounding me. The buildings are tall, and look like they're all plated in a soft marble. Every person that passes is connected to the internet one way or another, and the hub of life streams from the tall screens in the center of town.

"Okay," He turns to me with readiness in his gaze, "Where to?"

Ethan and I weave our way through the steady stream of people covering the pavement, and he holds onto my hand tightly, like a child following their guardian through a busy store.

We walk towards the center of town, where most of the shops and such are located, and make our way down the street towards the familiar building just yards in front of us.

"So, where are we going oh great leader?" He says sarcastically.

"My favorite place," I respond with a smile.

He stops me with a tug, pulling me to face him, a tone of seriousness reflects in his eyes. "Claire, do you think I'm dressed well enough?" He says worriedly.

"You look fantastic, a real charmer," I grin and straighten his sweater.

"As do you," he blushes, and turns on his heel, walking ahead of me, "That blue really brings out the mud in your eyes," he laughs.

"Oh wait a second, rude!" I laugh as well, failing to maintain my seriousness.

I catch up to him, continuing the walk down the slick December sidewalk. Finally we approach the Building, as we walk inside it's sleek white shine and huge doors the atmosphere changes. The inside has a warm feeling, the walls covered in warm colors, with bright accents. There are big sofas with multicolored pillows thrown on them, and the counter at the front has a display of sweets.

"What do you want?" I lean over to Ethan, "There's coffees and teas, pastries if you want one."

"Just a coffee," He smiles

"what kind?"

"There's different kinds?" The look on his face is pure shock, and his eyes widen at the chalkboard menu.

"I mean, iced, blended, hot?" I laugh, but I also feel bad for how privileged I've been.

"How do they do it iced?" he looks confused, "Won't the coffee just melt the ice?"

"They use cold brew," I look at his face, lips parted in confusion, and eyes wide in observation.

"is it good?" He asks with a look of confusion.

"It's amazing, especially with caramel!"

"I'll try that then," He grins, "I trust you."

"As do I," I blush as I turn on my heel and walk to the counter.

After I order the coffees, we find an open couch and set our stuff down. The couch is an electric blue velvet, and the pillows have splashes of yellow and pink accents. I sit against the ledge, resting my head on the high arm of the love seat.

"this place is beautiful," he says in practically a whisper, "It's nothing like the city in here."

"It's like my escape when I can't handle any more of the outside world," I smile, "My private world, only for me and my guests.

"well I'm honored," he says as he brushes my hair from my face. "So, tell me... who IS Claire King?" he grins, his eyes are intent and I know that there's no way I can say no.