Struggles of a Single Father (Book 1 of the Struggle Puff Series)

Chapter 46

Written - 05/25/2020

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It was the afternoon when Tilisia and I entered the café and got our things situated in the back office.

"Alright, so what am I supposed to be seeing?"

"You're not going to see anything cooped up back here." She said with a smirk, "We need to sit in an inconspicuous spot with everyone else. Let's go."

We walked into the seating area and Tilisia led me to a corner table that allowed us to see everything going on. Once seated, she ran to the back to grab us pastries and drinks.

Just as she was coming out of the kitchen, Ain was walking in to clock in for his shift. They both froze, only staring at each other, but not saying a word. When Tilisia said something, he shook his head and pushed passed her. I couldn't hear what was said, but it was clear things weren't okay.

I'd have to ask her about it later.

"Alright, pops." She was smiling as she placed our items down, "Time to see what you've been missing. Look at who's in here and tell me what you notice."

I looked around, but I couldn't find anything special.

"People are writing, talking, eating, listening to whatever is in their headphones, and ordering food." I looked back at her only to find her glaring at me.

"You're kidding, right?"

"What do you want me to see, exactly? You can't just tell me to look without giving an objective and then expect some profound response."

She groaned and looked around before setting her gaze upon two people whispering quietly at a table.

"Take them, for example. They've been coming here every Saturday for the past three months and they talk for almost three hours. What do you think about that?"

I thought about it before shrugging, "A couple that likes the atmosphere here. It makes it easier for them to talk."

"Close, but not really." She laughed, "They're not a couple. They're accomplices. Notice how they have notebooks out and how each is reading the other intently. They're comparing notes. You are right about them liking the atmosphere though, and that's because it's so laid back that no one is gonna pay them any mind. Especially not the actual couple they've been following."

I nearly spat out the coffee I had just taken a sip of, but I choked it down before glaring at her, "I'm sorry, what?"

"I would now like you to turn your attention to Exhibit B." She nodded her head to another table, "That couple that is exactly three tables in front of theirs. Perfect earshot range."

I looked over at the other table she was referring to and saw a couple that was clearly arguing. I turned my attention back to the other table and noticed how the guy was leaned slightly in their direction while the girl was taking note of whatever he was saying to her.

"Uh.... That's not okay." I stated.

"Not even slightly. The guy that's listening goes to my school. Oddly enough, Cadence and he seemed to have argued about something a few days ago." She rested her chin on the palm of her hand, "But she hasn't told me anything about it, so I doubt it's anything to be concerned with."

"I'm concerned about it!"

"Chill, dude. We don't want to attract attention." She said with an exaggerated eyeroll, "Now look at that boy next to the door with his head against the window."