Sugar & Spice

08|past & future

Fall had reached The Cafe on that Sunday morning. Aria hadn't been sleeping much with Bobby's letter staring at her from her nightstand, but she hadn't read them yet. So instead of tossing and turning she had baked cupcakes and scones in the cafe's kitchen and waiting for the time to open. Thinking back on yesterday's lunch with Tom she believed there was a chance for them to stay on this friends path after all, but it would require some hard work from both of them. The opportunity for that would present itself today as Tom had promised to visit her before closing time today and just as in high school Aria was eagerly awaiting him. When the clock finally struck at the acceptable hour Aria flipped the Open/Close sign to Open and continued doing nothing, as it was a Sunday after all. The newly baked cupcakes had been displayed in the glass window by the counter and she'd even made sure to decorate with the marzipan leaves she'd found in a cupboard - Catherine would be proud. 

With no people to serve Aria's thoughts drifted to the activities at Hudson University and if there had been possible progress over the weekend. Leo hadn't called and neither had anybody else which must mean little has happened for now and it made her anxious. The constant fear of Laura finding out what they were doing threatened any chance to truly relax and to balance school, helping out at the cafe and the upcoming trial, could potentially take quite the toll on her. The social media world were already split on their opinions on Aria and with Laura's soon-to-be exposure she'd only add fuel to the fire. I hope Michael is prepared for that, too, Aria thought and felt the worry wash over her.

The sudden noise from the cowbell snatched her back to reality and in front of her was the gorgeous Tom Landry. He was wearing black jeans, a grey pullover along with a dark grey coat - looking dapper as hell! Aria nearly swallowed her tongue when she saw him but kept her cool as much as possible, flashing him a cool smile. It hadn't been a mistake to pack a few nice outfit because as he made his way up to her, she noticed how his eyes roamed over her torso. The knitted off the shoulder top paired with those large locks in her hair seemed to have made quite the impression on him. 

"Another quiet day, huh?" Tom said and skipped the pleasantries.

"It seems like it, but I don't really mind to be honest," Aria replied and then pointed proudly to the freshly baked cupcakes, "look at what I made earlier this morning." 

Tom raised his eyebrows but smiled, "Did you wake up at the crack of dawn, or what? They look delicious, though." 

"I never really fell asleep so I decided to busy myself with something...creative. Next time I'd love to see your cupcake creations." She giggled and thought of the cookies they'd made yesterday.

They had all sold out and she couldn't wait to tell him about it, even if all he did was scoop them onto a baking sheet. Even if she hadn't pressed on the subject of cooking with him she wanted to do bring it up at the right time and by then she hoped he'd say yes. 

"Let me be the first one to taste this new creation, then." Tom said and took out his wallet to pay, but Aria swatted it away and simply placed the cupcake on the plate.

"As my friend, your money aren't good here anymore." Aria joked and pushed the plate toward him while beginning to prepare two coffees, for them.

The minute she had her back turned her cheeks blossomed in a shy pink and she bit her lip not to smile. The way he looked today would stop any woman dead in her tracks and she wouldn't be surprised if he'd been turning looks before stepping in here. Aria felt bad for instantly getting jealous of the females she assumed were throwing themselves over him while she was the one who was in love with him.

"Have you heard anything else about this whole 'Bobby' situation?" Tom asked when she placed the coffee in front of him before taking her seat.

"No, not yet, but I'll imagine an answer will come soon. I want to visit him at the hospital and not at the jail, not where Brody could know about it and hurt him even more." Aria answered.