28 April 2012
A million things are running through my mind at this point. One of the main ones is how the hell does this stranger know my name?
I know I'm supposed to answer, but I don't feel obligated to. Instead, I stand frozen in my spot behind the counter, glancing at the stranger and Dandre in equal measures.
"You know Natalie?" Dandre asks, setting the guy's latte in front of him.
The dude answers, but I don't hear. I'm too busy surveying his face. He's got these gorgeous, deep blue eyes. Why didn't I notice that before? They're amazing, the first detail that pulls you toward him. In fact, they're familiar. There's only one person who has those blue eyes and he's...
"Holy SHIT!" I exclaim loudly.
The guy stares at me, the expression on his face morphing from surprise to smug.
I bolt. Into the break room. Grab my bag. How could this happen? There's no way he could've found me...but he did.
Pushing my sunglasses onto my nose and swinging my bag over my shoulder, I rush out of the room and stop behind the counter for a second.
"I have to go. I've got a...sick dog." I nod, even though this is the worst lie I could've com up with. "You covered, Dandre?"
"Yeah..." he gives me a look. I smile tightly at him and swing out the doors. Luckily, that guy is still standing there at the counter, gathering his thoughts.
Then, shooting fear and adrenaline into my veins, he calls my name. "Uhwait, Natalie!"
I run faster, one hand on my bag so it doesn't fly off. I've got to get away before he catches me, I've got to, I've got to!
"Damn it, Zoe!" he says in my ear, because he's right behind me. I realize, with annoyance, that his arms are wrapped around me from the backside.
"Get fucking away from me, Nick." I twist around and look at him with malice. "Or should I call you Max."
Stranger In The Coffee Shop, Part 2 • Opuss № I