Page 50 of Busted Dreams

Our conversation lulled as we got out, Beck once again claiming my hand as we headed in the direction of the sign. The overpowering smell of roasted coffee beans filled the air, making my mouth water, even though I didn’t care for the taste of it. But the smell, so full and distinct, made me want to capture it on camera.

The alley led to the front of the businesses, a quaint little street with what appeared to only be two businesses still operating. The coffee shop and a greasy Chinese restaurant on the corner. If there were only going to be two businesses open, it made sense that these were the ones left standing. Who could turn down good take out, and who could fault the regular patrons of the coffee shop who came for a little escape? And it was that.

When we walked through the doors, the homey but eclectic sight that greeted us amazed me. Half of the place had rows of shelves holding old records and paperbacks, with a few couches decorating here and there. Actually, a small stage was set up in the corner with one amp and one mic.

Then the other half had big colorful chalkboards with menus and drawings. The whole wall behind the coffee counter was a giant mural of kids drinking coffee and listening to music. Random music notes were painted into the scene to show exactly what they were doing with their headphones. No boring environmentally friendly podcasts for them.

“Wow, Beck. This place is an entire mood.”

“I know, right? I loved coming here as a teenager. And I still do every couple of weeks. One, it’s close to where I live, and two, the coffee is amazing. I thought this would make a great backdrop to whatever videos we made. We might be able to tag it too. Help them with business.”

“You really have put some thought into this.” I was impressed and pleased he was taking this so seriously.

“It’s hard not to after the results we pulled in from the first and only video.” He shrugged. “Let’s get some coffee and sit down. Then we can decide what we want to do. Although…” He cut his gaze at me but didn’t say anything.

“Although?” I prodded.

“Maybe I’ll just surprise you once you start recording.” He winked.

“Beck, what’s up, homie?” A slightly tanned man with blond dreads raised up behind the counter, startling me. He must have been stocking the floor shelves behind the counter.

“Not much, how’s it going here?” Beck slapped hands with the man.

“Business is good as always. Although you’re here in our dead time. That’s out of habit for you, isn’t it?” The man’s gaze kept flitted to me and back to Beck, obviously waiting for an intro.

“I wanted to come when there weren’t so many people in here. We wanted to film a couple videos, if that’s okay? Astrid has me doing this TikTok thing.”

“Ah, Astrid.” The man nodded as if he knew exactly who I was.

Raising an eyebrow at Beck, I pinched his hip, wanting my own introduction now.

Laughing, he gestured to me. “This is the girl I’ve told you about, Astrid. My girlfriend.” He pulled me in for a side hug, making me slightly uncomfortable with the public display while a stranger was making eye contact with me.

“Nice to meet you, Astrid, I’m Jeff.” He held out his slender hand and grinned, showing off several crooked teeth. There was something inherently friendly about this guy that made you want to smile back. Probably why he worked the counter.

Beck talked for a few minutes while I zoned out, examining all the amazing artwork. Whoever did this really knew what they were doing. They were eye catching, bold, but inviting too. The type of artwork that you just wanted to sit by and enjoy.

Definitely a mood here. One that I loved.

We placed our orders and headed over to the couches by the makeshift stage. Now that I was so close, I noticed a few colored lights hanging from the ceiling. When turned on, they probably rotated or something, giving the stage just that little bit of extra.

“Like it?” Beck settled us on a couch, pulling my feet into his lap.

“Love it. This is amazing when you have the place to yourself. It almost gives off the vibe like you’re in your cool grandma’s attic. But I’d love to see it packed too, just to see who the clientele are and how they interact in this space.”

“The woman who owns it is very cool, and about eighty now, so you hit the nail on the head. And you see this stage?” He nodded behind him.

“Yeah.”

“I’ve played here a time or two. Not for cash, but just to get some experience in front of people. I used to be nervous when I first started out.”

“You? Nervous?” I gasped playfully. “I can’t imagine the great Beckham White nervous about anything. If you were a superhero, you’d get your energy and powers from the adulation of randy mom squads.”

“Oh, how funny.” He gripped my feet in one hand, using the other to tickle the inside of my thigh.

I hated simpering girls who giggled, but here he was, turning me into one with barely a few strokes of a talented hand.

And just like that, my thoughts took a different turn. Beck must have noticed, because he slowed his movements and harsh desire colored his expression.

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