Falter

Chapter 7 - unrequited crush

ELIZA

I am not asleep. Of course not. I just had to close my eyes because I'm so tired. Well, maybe because of the flight or maybe because of how fast my heart races when he's around. I heard every word he said.

She's pretty but I'm not planning to date her

Okay, I'm okay. It's okay to know that your crush since you're 11 doesn't even like you back. I mean, who am I? He's too gorgeous for me anyway. I should keep it professional. Yeah, I should.

As we rounded the block where my apartment is, I held tighter on the clutch I brought, like I'm holding onto it for dear life. This day has been such a whirlwind of emotions.

"Just pullover near that coffee shop right there." I said to Nate, pointing to the rustic coffee shop in the corner.

"Is this your apartment?" Nate asked. Hunter has been speechless since he told Nate to shut up. I heard it all. And I don't know why I am feeling so angry about it. We're not even friends or more than friends at that.

"No..." I lied. It's better for them not to know where I live. For him. It's not like he would even go here. Duh.

Nate pulled over in front of the coffee shop which is just a few places from my apartment.

"Thank you so much for today, Nate, Hunter." I said and smiled at Nate. Hunter's name is more of a whisper. Hunter on the other hand is busy tapping on his phone. He didn't even look back. What a jerk!

I opened the car door and helped myself outside. I waved at the heavily tinted car for the benefit of Nate. He's been so nice to me. I just gained another friend here in America. An addition to the friends I have here who either I worked with or some mutual friends with my old ones.

"Hi Eliza! Are you in the city for good?" Jason, the barista, asked me. He's tall, clean cut, buff, has beautiful brown eyes and long lashes, just like Hunter, although his eyes are a deep blue. But even that I'm not sure anymore.

"Well, I'm always here for work but not for good." I rested my hands on the counter and watched him prepare my usual order.

"Too bad, I'll marry you if you live in the city." Jason is purposely flirting with me but he's done this multiple times since I've moved here and discovered his coffee shop. He's handsome, takes good care of himself, has a decent job, but I'm not seeing myself with him. And he owns this coffee shop. It would be so awkward to live near someone whom I have a relationship with. Or just an excuse for his unrequited crush.

"Well, you better try again." I smiled and let out a half laugh. I didn't even have the chance to order. Jason already knows what it is. Caramel macchiato with Jason's signature chocolate chip cookie on the side. I pick up my order and slump myself on one of the loveseats they have. I sipped on my drink and put my head back on the lush seat. My head is not aching because of the alcohol. My head is buzzing because of my encounter for today. Why can't Hunter be Jason that I completely don't have feelings towards? Why does he have to be my co-star? Like the universe is smiling at me right now, probably mocking me for my lack of self control around him.

It's amusing really, I catched him staring at me so many times, but he doesn't like to date. So does that mean he just wants to get in my pants and then na-da? But Nate is correct. He hasn't given me any indication that he wants me in bed. He just stares at me like I'm an abstract painting or something. Like I'm someone he can't figure out.

"Hey, penny for your thoughts, pretty?" Jason stood in front of me, still with his green barista apron, and offered me another plate of cookies.

"No thanks, I think one is enough. It's not like your cookies are bite-sized." I closed my eyes again and opened them when I felt a movement beside me. Jason slid beside me and put his shoulders around me. I've been accustomed to it and we've known each other for almost five years. He's one of my good friends and protected me so many times. And one thing I like about him, he doesn't pressure me into things I don't like. Like taking pictures with his patrons and because I'm not even that famous. If I have Ethan in Perth, I have Jason in LA.