Page 34 of Crimson Promises
Only one block away now. The light was red but would turn green any second, and I stepped off the curb to cross. A car blared its horn, swerving into the empty lane of oncoming traffic. A strong hand gripped my waist and pulled me back just as the car whooshed by.
I looked up to say thank you but hesitated when I noted Ben’s clenched jaw and labored breathing.
His words came out sharp and punctured. “What. Were. You. Thinking?”
“I was crossing the street, I?—“
“Youweren’tthinking. How irresponsible can you be? Didn’t you learn something as simple as looking both ways before crossing the street when you were five?”
I stepped away from him, creating distance between us as I placed my hands on my hips. “Excuse me, yes, I made an error in judgment. But that doesn’t give you the right to treat me like an insolent child. You are not my parent and aren’t entitled to chastise me as such.”
Ben held both hands up in surrender. “Alright, alright. You’ve made your point. Next time, I’ll let you head straight into traffic with your dignity intact. You’ll have five whole seconds to stay alive and enjoy it.”
“Listen—“
“Heroes don’t even get a simple thank you? Harsh.”
“I appreciate you intervening. But I am not a fan of the reprimand you decided to give me afterward.”
“Whatever. You’re welcome. We should keep walking.”
The rest of our journey continued in the same silence it began.
Perk & Pour was a coffee shop with personality. It was easily identifiable by its yellow exterior and black outline. The shop’s name was in white block lettering across the top of a cast-iron style building.
The bell rang over the door as I pulled it open.
The now-familiar barista Meg offered me a genuine smile as we approached the register, tucking a lock of blonde hair behind a fully pierced ear. They caught the light and drew attention to her symmetrical features, adding to her bohemian and artistic allure. There was an approachability about Meg. She dressed in a way that balanced comfort and style, often wearing a simple barista apron over a flowy blouse paired with vintage jeans that accentuated her tall, slender frame. “Hey Aurora. Back for another matcha?”
“Hi, Meg,” I said, offering her a smile in return as I scanned the menu. “I think that might be too much caffeine for one day. I’ll have a green tea, black, please.”
“You got it. Are you ordering separately for your...friend?” She winked at Ben, who was taking in the coffee shop and oblivious to Meg checking him out.
“Ben, do you want anything to drink?”
He went to shake his head no but hesitated and said, “I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
“Two green teas then, please, Meg. And I’ll grab a falafel salad.”
“Not a problem. I’m assuming this is for here instead of to-go?”
“Yup. We’re going to grab a table.”
Meg handed me the number 5. “We’ll bring the food out when it’s ready.”
“Awesome. Thank you!”
Briefly scanning the tables, I selected a pair of brown leather chairs along the wall, separated by a small wooden table. I plopped down onto one of the chairs, and Ben sat opposite me. He pulled out his notebook and pen.
“Where’s your stuff?” he asked, eyeing the backpack still zipped up next to my feet.
“In my bag. I ordered some food to eat before heading to work, or else my stomach will be eating itself for the rest of my shift—I’ll take my stuff out once I’m done. But we can still brainstorm if you want to start jotting some stuff down.”
“Nah, it’s okay. I’ll wait until your food gets here.” He gazed past me in the direction of the counter and asked, “Do you come here often?”
“I do,” I said, placing my fingers underneath my thighs.
Ben is checking Meg out. My chest concaved in just a tiny fraction. I didn’t blame him. She was beautiful, sun-kissed skin, willowy and blonde. She was an actual model. I didn’t stand a chance. Meg was a barista between gigs to keep some consistency between her classes. Unlike Chelsea, she was beautiful, yet capable of kindness and understanding. “She’s single, you know, if you’re interested, I can introduce you. She’s a great catch.”
