When We Fall Silent

Chapter Two

"That'll be $5.72," I spoke softly, waiting for the customer to pay. It had been a busy morning at the coffee shop and my legs were sore from standing all day taking orders. My eyes kept flickering to the clock on the wall, begging time to move faster. My shift was almost over.

I said my thanks and goodbyes to the customer, taking a breath as no one else was in line. I rubbed my eyes. No matter how much I sleep I get, I never sleep well and always feel tired. Makes starting work at 7am miserable.

Brian gave a slow whistle, shaking his head at me.

"You look exhausted today, Faye," he commented. "You're scaring away all the customers."

I gave him a deadpan stare. "Hardy-har har. You're so lucky I like you. I would've quit long ago."

I heard him chuckle, wiping down some of the mugs. His blue eyes sparkled with amusement, kind of like a dad does after telling a really dumb joke.

"I know you'd never leave me to deal with this place alone."

I shook my head but couldn't help the smile creeping on my face.

"Just you wait, Brian, just you wait," I waggled my finger at him, only stopping when the bell on the door jingled signaling a new customer.

"Faye, darling, I missed you so much," Katerina shouted, causing several customers to shoot disapproving looks her way. She smiled in return, her yellow sundress swirling around her.

"I saw you two nights ago, Katerina, not four years ago."

She rolled her eyes at me, handing me money for her usual order.

"You're no fun, Faye, you know that? Anyway, I came to ask you if you would like to stop by tonight for some drinks and snacks at my place. Alec and I are having some friends over, it'll be fun."

Just as I was about to protest and say how exhausted I was, Katerina cut me off.

"An hour, please and I promise you can go home. C'mon, it's been awhile since we've all hung out," her eyes pleaded with me. "Plus, you need to fill me in on that car ride with Mr. Mysterious the other night."

I groaned at the sight of her suggestive expression.

"I already told you, Kat, nothing happened. He drove me home in silence, we said goodbye, that was it. He was just being nice and doing me a favor," I repeated myself for the millionth time, handing her the latte she always orders. "There's nothing to talk about."

Kat waved her hand at me, dismissing my answer. "Whatever you say, Faye. Just come tonight," she started walking towards the door.

With a mischievous wink she added, "You can always ask Alec more about him. I know you're dying with curiosity. Who knows what you might find out."

With that, she disappeared out of the shop, leaving me to mull over my options.

I grimaced, putting my face in my hands.

"She always knows how to get to you, doesn't she," Brian chuckled deeply.

"Shut up."

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"Faye, you made it!"

"Of course, Kat. You always convince me somehow," I shot her a knowing smile, walking into the apartment.

Kat's apartment was homey. Lots of lamps and decorations and blankets and pillows everywhere. You didn't have to live here to feel comfortable, you just were. No matter what time I came over, there never ceased to be a distinct smell of warm cookies in the air and scented candles. I slumped down on the couch, sinking into the softness. Damn, I really wanted to take a nap.