Dawn Again

Five

Josh flipped the sign on the door to "Open" and came back to the counter just as the day's first customer walked in. "Hey, Stephanie! Long time no see. Where have you been?" asked Josh. He was a miracle. He was so good with people that Sophie was sure a lot of people kept coming back for Josh as much as for the great coffee and other freshly made products. Stephanie replied back, "Hey Josh! I was away with family in Florida. Just came back yesterday. Ooo...these muffins look so yummy! New recipe? Can I please have one of these along with the coffee?" "Sure thing. Coming right up. To-go as always?"

And so it went with Josh and every customer he knew. And he knew a lot of their customers by name and mostly remembered their favourite coffee too. Josh was studying at Seattle University and working part-time with Sophie. He was a tall, lean young man of 19 who sported a completely shaved head and deep brown eyes which sparkled whenever he laughed. Sophie loved his laughter and his easy manner with everyone around him. She was like him once. Although she really liked Josh, sometimes he also made her feel way older than she was, feel all that had been taken from her. Most of the time though, Josh was a bright spark in her life when she refused to speak with most people around her.

The morning rush ended at around 10 and Josh made coffee for both of them. He got himself a heap of muffins and a bowl of fruit for Sophie and set it all up for their morning coffee. This was their daily routine. Sophie and Josh would have coffee and a bit of something after they got through with their morning rush. On Mondays, Josh left for classes after their coffee. "Do you think these are quite enough Josh?" Sophie chuckled looking at the small pile of muffins. "Well, I will have to make do, obviously...these are the last. Seriously Sophie...they ARE good!" Josh gushed. "Well, that's good. We can then add it to our Monday regular", Sophie agreed and tucked into her fruit bowl. Josh worked his way through the muffins in record time and was about to finish off his coffee when the door opened and a rumble of deep and low masculine voices flowed in. Sophie pressed her hands on the edge of the table to push herself up when Josh covered her hand with his and murmured, "I'll take this, you finish your coffee. I still have some time before I have to leave for class."

"Hey, guys. What would you like today?" Josh asked. Sophie watched the three men. They were all large, one exceptionally so, and powerful and had a commanding presence. They all reminded her of Richard from the morning and James. None of them had the typical buzz cuts that one associated with the military but there was no doubt in her mind that they were military. It was just in the way they all walked..as if they owned where ever they went, or the way that they seemed to take in every little detail of their surroundings within a few moments of getting there.

The largest of the group ordered their coffees and scones and she was sure the that they were Richard's friends. After placing their order, they all sat themselves at a table on the opposite end from where Sophie was. They were talking amongst themselves in a low volume which sort of created a low hum in the shop that Sophie found oddly soothing. They seemed to be very comfortable together. Josh put their orders together and called out, "Coffee and scones for Bryan". So, the large man was Bryan...Sophie mused as she finished her coffee and got up with her cup and bowl. Josh gave her a quick peck on the cheek and murmured, "You okay with the guys here?" Sophie nodded that she was and only then did Josh leave. Sophie really liked Josh. He did not know anything about her but based on the time they had spent together, he had figured out that she was wary around people she did not know and as a result was very protective of her.

Sophie went into the small kitchenette next to the counter and got started on the lunch menu. It wasn't a lot to do other than assemble the sandwiches and wraps. The quiches and pies were already in the oven. Sophie hurried out to the counter when the bell dinged and nearly groaned out loud when she saw Charles walk in. Charles always made it a point to come in on Mondays after Josh has left. Sophie was at a loss because no matter what she did...he refused to take a no for an answer. She knew Charles' preference for coffee and she was already putting together his order. She did not want to have to talk to Charles if at all possible. "You are looking good Sophie. As always." Charles' voice slid over her like slime. She was aware that his voice was not bad per se. It was deep and low. Sophie was sure most women found him very attractive. He had the look of a man who had no difficulty attracting women. But the way he looked at her gave Sophie the jitters. She felt naked the way his eyes seemed to peel away her clothes and drool over what was inside. What he THOUGHT was inside thought Sophie bitterly. If only he knew what she had under her clothes Sophie was sure he would run away as fast as his long legs could carry him.

As it was she ignored his attempt at starting a conversation. Charles was nothing if not tenacious. He continued, "So, what do you think about tonight for the dinner we have been planning for so long. I can pick you up at 7." "No Charles. I am not going out with you, ever!" She replied calmly and walked away into the kitchenette. Charles persisted, "Oh come on Sophie. Don't be such a tease. It's just a dinner." When Sophie did not reply back, he raised his voice slightly, "Hey!"

Before Sophie could respond back, Bryan said, "Hold on mate! The lady said no. You need to let up. Now." There was no mistaking the fact that it was a command which he fully expected to be followed. Charles turned on him, "Oh yeah! You have no business butting in 'mate'. This is between us." "Not when you don't understand a no when you hear one. Now you better f**k off before I make you." Bryan had gotten up from his chair as he said this, ready to make good on his threat. Charles' eyes widened slightly when he took in the size of Bryan, but other than that he gave no indication of being intimidated. "Stay out of this" Charles said in a low, dangerous voice. Sophie decided to step in before things got more heated and the men decided to take things to the next level. "Charles, listen to me, please. I am not going out - with anyone. I am sorry if that is not what you wanted to hear. But, please don't ask me out again." With that, she turned to Bryan and said, "I am putting the lunch menu together now. You can tell me what you'd like and I will fix that first, so you don't have to come back again." Bryan looked at the menu she had written out and rattled off an order large enough to fill an army. She went back in to get the order together and prayed that Charles would let up and leave.

Bryan and the other two men with him left with their order right after Charles and Sophie breathed a sigh of relief. She hoped the rest of the day would be peaceful. And fortunately, it was. By the time it was 6 p.m. and time to close up, Sophie could not wait to get off her feet. She closed the store, tidied up inside, locked up and let herself out of the back door to the elevator that would take her down to the parking and her little Volkswagen bug.