Chosen Fate

Chapter 4 - Coffee date

*From Hera's perspective*

I finished my shift and clock out, looking outside, the sun had finally appeared, a rare sight for this town. I like finishing work at 4pm, I get to spend the rest of the evening chilling. Plus it lets me live my non existent social life. If i'm being honest, I don't have many friends, the ones I do have went of to university this year, which kind of sucks. But i'm proud of them. I decided to put university off. Nothing about studying for 3+ years screams fun. The constant partying, stressful exams, expensive loans. University, to me, just lacks enjoyment.

As I leave the shop, I start my long walk home. My phone vibrates in my pocket, a text from an unknown number.

"Hi Hera. It's the bacon guy from earlier today. Do you want to grab coffee some time?"

Ohh the bacon guy, earlier today this really good looking guy (and I mean really good looking) came to the customer service station and asked me where the bacon was. He was beautiful. Hispanic, I think, with dark curly hair, I wanted to feel how soft his hair was so bad. Startling green eyes, with beautifully long eyelashes, that looked like they have seen great pain, contrasted his skin-tone. He had a square jaw with a little stubble, looking around 19 years old.

Anywho, enough fan-girling, coffee sounds good, so I sent a text back.

"What do I call you, bacon man!" I chuckled and pressed send. I thought it was very funny he referred to himself as 'bacon guy', I mean he was definitely memorable. Bought all, and I mean ALL the bacon in the shop. Impressive really. Just made my job harder, as all the regulars went out of their way to complain to me about it. Like I was personally to blame. Almost immediately my phone vibrated, and he had texted back.

"My name is Rome, im assuming you just finished work if you are texting? If you want to grab coffee now, its on me." Rome, his name was Rome. Was he named after the City!? If so thats beautiful. I sent him a text back confirming I was free for coffee.

* At Gracie's Coffee shop*

I love Gracies's coffee shop. I spend way too much money here. I can't help it. Gracie is super nice. Honestly. She was the one that helped me get my place. Plus her coffee is good. Always gives me a free slice of home made cake. Never does she let me pay for it. Sometimes, Gracie will stop by my work and leave me a handmade sandwich for my break. That's why I told Rome to meet me here. I feel so comfortable here. Although I am dreading Gracie's questions later.

I know the moment he walked through that door, I don't know how, I just felt the air change. He walked over to me and smiled. That SMILE. It was beautiful. His teeth, slightly imperfect rested just right. Those lips. Looked ever so kissable. Something inside me stirred, I have never been the type to fall for someone so quickly; it's just something about him just felt so right. I think I am getting a crush.

Rome sat down on the seat in-front of me, his eyes glancing over my body. Usually I would feel uncomfortable, wearing my work cloths, and probably not looking my best; yet still it felt natural to be in his presence.

The coffee shop is well lit, and I can see every detail in his face, the smile lines, the un-popped whitehead on the left of his nose, the chocolate freckles that cover most of his face. He smiles at me again and picks up the menu.

"How was your day, Hera!" He says gently, I watch as his adams apple moves. Still, he is reading the menu. Quickly, I swallow my attraction and focus on answering his question.

"Uh, pretty boring really. More complaints than usual... due to the lack of bacon. Nothing I can't handle." I reply, shrugging, watching his reaction. He chuckles and looks up from the menu finally.

"Sorry about that, Hera," His eyes gazing into my soul."my family, are, well... hungry." Again he smiles, not breaking eye contact. Usually, I hate eye contact, but I don't mind his.

A waiter approaches us and, without saying a word, pours us some coffee. I giggle, knowing Gracie had demanded the waiter to remain silent and let us be.

We chitchat, casually for the next hour, sipping coffee and sharing some cheesy chips. Somehow, talking to him, feels so natural. I feel like I can just be me. His voice is so beautiful and relaxing. At about 7, Rome has to leave, go back to his family. I don't know much about him, and he knows little about me. But I can tell he is a family man. I get up too, acting like a proper gentleman. Walking him to the door, I get an overwhelming feeling, like I don't want him to leave. Honestly. What has gotten into me!???? As he walks through the doors, he turns around and kisses me. Right on the lips. Stunned, I just stare. Unsure as what to do.

Rome stands up strait, reaching about 6ft 2" and whispers "Goodnight baby-girl." Remaining stunned, I stand watching as he leaves. Almost immediately, I feel something behind me. More like someone, and I prepare for the immediate bombardment of questions.