Starting Over.

Chapter 23 - The coffee shop.

We stopped at a coffee place. We got out of the car and David came over. He embraced me and held me. Tonya stared for a moment and then went inside.

“Are you ok?” David asked pulling back to look at me. I nodded and then after a moment shook my head.

“Yes and no. Yes I’m physically ok. Mentally I’m not.” I said and David nodded.

“That’s understandable. I shouldn’t have gone. I over reacted when he said he loved you.” David looked down and sighed.

“You heard that?” I asked.

“Yeah, so did Tonya.” David said taking my hand as we walked inside.

“How did you lift him anyways?” I asked and David walked to the counter.

“Why don’t you go sit, I’ll order us a coffee.” David said letting go of my hand. I walked over to Tonya.

“So…” Tonya started and I stared at her.

“Yeah? This was the biggest bust ever. He’s going to think my life is unstable!” I whispered.

“The way he was hugging you and as soon as he heard Matt say he still had feelings, he was there fighting for you. How long have you known him?” Tonya said sitting back and sipping her coffee.

“A week or a week and a half I guess?” I said and I looked over at David as he picked up the two drinks thanking the woman behind the counter.

“I like him.” Tonya said before David made it over.

“Here you are.” David put the coffee in front of me and sat down.

“Thank you.” I said with my head hanging.

“So David, how do you feel about things now after the incident?” Tonya asked.

“Tonya! That’s inappropriate!” I said and Tonya rolled her eyes.

“My feelings are unchanged.” David said making eye contact with Tonya.

“Good.” Tonya smiled. I couldn’t help smiling myself. I reached over and took his hand. My phone buzzed and I sat there a moment. I looked at David who was watching me. I sighed and pulled out my phone.

“Matt says not to call the police. He’ll hand over the car.” I said.

“Tell him to drop it at Tonya’s. I’ll send someone to pick it up.” David said.

“I will in a moment. I don’t really want to reply.” I said and David moved his hand so our fingers intertwined.

“Well, let’s change the subject! How’s the new job?” Tonya asked.

“It’s going really well! I really enjoy it.” I said smiling.

“I’ve heard nothing but great things from the head of accounting.” David said and I looked at him. “Angela.” He said looking to me.

“Oh yes!” I said looking back to Tonya.

“Ryan was my best employee. Horrible interview, but her work speaks for it’s self.” Tonya said and I smiled.

“I noticed when she’s nervous, she says um a lot.” David said and Tonya slightly laughed.

“Yes. Ryan he already knows your little quirks!” Tonya playfully reached over and swatted my arm.

“He doesn’t know all my quirks!” I said and David smiled.

“I can’t wait to find out your other quirks.” He kissed my hand.

“Oh my god you guys are too cute.” Tonya sat back and took a drink. She was quietly thinking and I had thought it was about a question she might have.

“What?” I asked her and she looked up.

“Nothing.” She said and then she sat forward. “Today was in SANE.” She said and David slightly laughed.

“It’s not anything I expected that would happen today. I was more worried about Ryan driving alone back to Ironridge.” David said.

“Hey I’m good with directions!” I said slightly offended.

“I’m sure you are, but I didn’t think we would be seeing a ex boyfriend today. Let alone him threatening to hit me.” David said and we looked at him.

“He threaten to hit you?” I asked and David looked between us.

“I thought you heard. He told me that I was just your rebound guy and that you would find your way back to him.” David said casually before taking a drink. “Then when I said that was unlikely, he said he was going to punch me. He really made no attempt to, I think it was just a threat.” David said and I looked at Tonya.

“Matt is not a violent person, so it says a lot that he wanted to hit you.” Tonya said.

“Did you see him? Either he’s depressed or he’s just given up. He looked awful today.” I said and Tonya nodded.

“Is that why you threw him?” Tonya asked David and he nodded.

“Best way I could think of to de-escalate the situation.” David looked at me. “I didn’t want to hurt him, not in front of you.” David smiled at me.

“So gentlemanly.” I said and Tonya laughed.

“I’m sorry things got out of hand. I need to talk to him and get him to understand everything.” I said feeling bad about what had transpired.

“Are you sure you want to talk to him?” Tonya said confused.

“Yes. He needs to understand everything. I feel like he just wasn’t listening earlier.” I said and David gave me a reassuring squeeze.

“As long as he realizes you’ve moved on.” David said.

“Are you worried she’ll go back to him?” Tonya asked in a sickeningly sweet voice.

“Not in the slightest.” David’s voice was slightly annoyed.

“I have no plans to go back to Matt. Our relationship has run its course and I’m not going to reiterate that again.” I said and looked from Tonya to David.

“I understand.” Tonya said.

“Maybe we should head back.” David said.

“I think you’re right.” I said looking at Tonya.

“Oh, go ahead. I think I’m going to go see Ed and grab a drink.” Tonya said grabbing her bag.

“Tell Ed I say hi.” I said standing up.

“Call me later.” Tonya said still sitting. She pulled out her phone. “I’ll call a ride.”

“Are you sure, we can take you.” David said as he stood.

“No, please. You guys go, enjoy your day. Ryan call me later.” Tonya smiled and I leaned down giving her a half hug.

“Ok bye!” I said waving. Tonya waved and smiled as we walked out.