Beyond

Chapter Nine

It's still dark when my alarm shrilly wakes me the next morning. I dress and fill my backpack with my book and some cash. Plugging my head phones into my ears, I climb onto my bike and pedal to the coffee house. The sun is just beginning to peak over the tops of the buildings. It's colder than usual this morning. I pull the scarf over the lower half of my face as I begin to pedal faster day dreaming about the warmth of the coffee house.

André is behind the counter filling the glass case with fresh pastries and whistling as he moves about. A steaming cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin are already waiting for me at my table by the window. I drop my bag on the table and drop my butt in the chair.

"Good morning," I sing to DeAndré. "Thanks for having my table prepared. I feel like a movie star." I grab a fistful of crumpled ones out of the front pocket of my bag.

"Don't worry about it," he says. "My treat." He smiles at me and I wish life could always be this simple. Me and my best friend against the world. "So, are you going to tell me what happened last night, or do I have to beg?"

"Wow. I don't think I've ever witnessed you beg for anything. Maybe, I should see how far you'll be willing to go," I tease.

"Miracles have been known to happen and I really want this tea."

I laugh at his eagerness. "Well, we came here and I'm pretty sure he flirted with me."

DeAndré's smile grows wider than I think is possible. "I don't want to say I told you so, but . . . well . . .," he says, shrugging.

"Don't plan the wedding yet André. It was just coffee and we didn't even exchange phone numbers."

DeAndré's jaw drops so far, I worry he'll smack his chin on the granite counter top. "Shiloh, what do you mean? Did he seriously not ask you for your phone number last night?"

I shake my head.

"He's lucky he's cute because he is an idiot. Don't worry though, I'll handle it," he says.

"What do you mean, you'll handleit? There's nothing to handle."

"Shiloh, he practically stalked me around the set to find out more about you, and he's not even going to ask for your phone number? It's a travesty of epic proportions."

"I can't handle you right now. Please, don't go and harass that man to ask me for my phone number."

"Look, honestly, I can't promise you that I won't do that, but I'll be on set early tomorrow, so I'm sure he'll track me down again."

I take a sip of my coffee and pick at my muffin as the first of the early morning customers begin to trickle in. Some of the regulars smile and nod in my direction as they walk through the door. DeAndré and the other baristas move around behind the counter taking orders, making drinks, and plating pastries. It's like a dance. Each of them moving around each other effortlessly.

"What are you going to do about Shawn?" DeAndré asks once the rush has died down.

"I don't know. I like Shawn a lot and I know he's a done deal, but I can't lie and say I don't find Sebastian attractive."

"Shi, I know the idea makes you uncomfortable, but you aren't exclusive with Shawn. There isn't anything wrong with seeing what else is out there before you get serious with someone."

"I get that. I guess I'm just worried it's just a novelty with Sebastian. Maybe, I'm attracted to the fact he's an actor as opposed to who he is as a person."

"Shiloh, I know you and that couldn't be further from the truth. If you have feelings for Sebastian, there isn't any doubt in my mind that your feelings are the real deal."