Chapter 08
1082 Words
Elena’s
“Hey, miss… you can let it all out. That sounds really heavy…” the stranger said. That confirmed he was a man.
Damn it, Elena! You’re a total mess.
“Oh my gosh, l didn’t mean to break down again!” l said as he continued rubbing my back soothingly. At that moment l felt so weak. The thought of my mom and how l would provide for her without a job felt overwhelming. It hurt even more knowing my reckless night had wasted my limited money.
“Hmm… actually, I’m looking for a tour guide. Would you be interested?” At this point, his voice sounded strangely familiar. l thought l had heard it before, but l couldn’t place where.
“Yes, thank you for listening. Actually, there’s this event, so I’ve been sharing all this just to get the three free coffees. Since what the hell?!” l yelled when l finally lifted my head and recognized the medium-length brunette hair and ocean-blue eyes from last night.
“Elena.” He smiled warmly. The way he looked at me made it clear he had known exactly who l was the moment he sat down.
God, Elena!
I had just poured out my deepest frustrations to the one man l was trying to avoid!
Without another word, l grabbed my things, left a few dollars on the table, and rushed out, desperate to escape more embarrassment.
“Hey, Chloe! l swear l can’t do this alone! Please come help me!” l pleaded, zipping my laptop bag while holding my phone with the other hand. Once the bag was closed, l slung the strap over my shoulder.
I had considered returning to The Busy Bean, but the fear that Jax might show up again made me search for another affordable coffee shop with good Wi-Fi. l needed to write an apology letter to Meredith and try to get my job back.
“But l told you l have a date with Mateo! And l don’t have any special pull with Ms. Meredith to get you rehired easily! Why don’t you just apply somewhere better?” she replied.
I sighed and sat on the edge of my bed.
“I need money fast. l spent way too much during that night at the bar. Ms. Meredith already knows me, so it’s the safest option. I’m still a junior with limited experience that doesn’t give me much bargaining power,” l explained. “Just come with me, Chloe, and treat me. l really don’t have much cash right now and l need the support!”
“Why not ask me to load your phone so you can work from home?”
“You don’t get it. Cellular data is too slow and unreliable compared to café Wi-Fi!” l argued.
“Fine, fine. But let’s just go to the one near your house…”
“What?” My eyes widened. “Can’t we pick a different place? I… l don’t like it there!” l responded, worried about running into Jax again.
“What? The coffee is good and cheap there, Elena! Just meet me and Mateo!” she said before ending the call.
The coffee shop’s glass walls showed a steady stream of people hurrying by. Some wore casual clothes and walked with friends, while others in sharp corporate attire rushed along with briefcases, clearly late for work.
I sat at a corner table for four, hands clasped under my chin as l watched the strangers. They all seemed busy and successful, which only made me feel more envious.
How l wish l could wear those stylish outfits with perfect makeup.
“Elena! Oh my God, you look like a total wreck!” Chloe exclaimed the moment she reached my table.
I had only arrived a few minutes earlier. l had expected to wait an hour before ordering, since l refused to use the Wi-Fi without buying something. Thankfully she showed up sooner than l thought.
I glanced past her. “Where’s Mateo?”
“Oh? Some guy approached him outside. l told him I’d come in first because you might get impatient,” she replied, sliding into the seat beside me. “By the way, have you started writing the letter?” she asked.
I was busy digging my laptop out of my bag and didn’t answer right away.
“Uhh, no. l still can’t open my laptop because l ”
“Chloe love, and Elena!” Mateo, Chloe’s boyfriend, interrupted as he walked up.
“Love, what took you so long? l want to go to the oh! You’re still with him!” When l heard Chloe, my gaze shifted from my laptop to the man she was referencing. My heart pounded when l saw it was Jax, the exact person l had been avoiding.
“What the hell are you doing here again?!” l yelled, jumping to my feet in shock while Jax simply smiled warmly at me.
“Elena? Do you two know each other?” Mateo asked, looking between us.
“What? No! l don’t!” l denied quickly, dropping back into my chair.
Out of everyone Mateo could have brought, why did it have to be this guy? And why bring him here?! Frustrated, l glared at Jax, but he merely glanced at Chloe after meeting my eyes.
“Chloe, this is Jax. l met him outside while he was asking for directions. He was looking for a good place to eat, so l invited him along,” Mateo explained. “Elena, this is Jax,” he added with a meaningful laugh, as if hinting he sensed something. l just rolled my eyes and opened my laptop.
“Uh, Elena, l think l need to use the restroom. You can order the drinks. Mateo and l will have cheesecake and lattes!” Chloe said as she stood. “Mateo, come with me?”
“Hey, I’ll go too. Don’t leave me here ”
“Bye, Elena! Use the restroom later! Order now I’m starving!” Chloe laughed, walking off with Mateo and leaving me alone with Jax.
“You make it pretty obvious you don’t want to see me.” Jax raised an eyebrow once the couple was out of earshot.
Today he wore faded jeans, a simple white T-shirt, and a metal necklace with a fang pendant. His arms were crossed over his chest as he leaned back in the red chair.
- Writer
