I got up and walked through the apartment. “Becca?”
“I’m still in bed. Get me coffee at the corner. Please.” Her last word was sugary sweet, and I rolled my eyes.
“I’ll be back.” I pulled on some clean jeans that were in the dresser and found a sweatshirt to pull over my head. I spiked my hair and grabbed the keys before leaving the apartment. Becca didn’t want coffee as much as she was craving a chocolate eclair, and I always got them for her on the weekends.
Chapter Two
Hayden
I walked into the cafe, looking down at my phone. I felt something in front of me and looked up just as I crashed into a warm body. “I’m so sorry.” I immediately looked up to see the man from the theater. “Shit. Are you okay?”
“Fine. I just walked in, and there’s a line. Is the eclair worth it?” He mused, grinning at me.
“That’s what I’m here for. Great coffee as well.” I returned the smile, wondering if he was flirting or just being friendly. “How did you two enjoy the show?”
“It was good. I took my grandma, but I enjoyed myself. I did some theater in school, so I have a taste for it.” He looked ahead, and I leaned over to see a line of ten people.
“Are you visiting her?” I needed to know if he lived here in Washington.
“I live here. I graduated a couple of years ago and stayed for Gram. She’s been lonely since her husband died three years ago. I have the apartment next door to her.” He looked at me with curious eyes. “Does that make me some kind of dork or something?”
“No, it means you care about her. I wouldn’t be surprised if you lived there since it’s expensive to live in this area. What was your major? What do you do for work?” I asked, making him smile.
“It was a vague one in communications. I work as an assistant for a few podcasts. That way, I can stay close to home. Your job is at the theater?” He looked interested, and I felt butterflies in my stomach.
“Yes, but I don’t always usher. I kind of fill in where I’m needed. I’ve worked there since high school. I love it, and it pays the bills.” I smiled, and he nodded.
“Do you live by yourself?” This could be a crucial question.
“I do. I was at my best friend’s place last night, and she always sends me down for these damn eclairs.” I rolled my eyes, and he raised a brow. That meant he wanted to know more. “She’s been like a sister to me since we were in high school.”
“That’s great.” He moved forward with the line, and I followed, checking out his ass. My phone beeped, and I pulled it from my pocket with a smirk.
Chocolate eclairs?
I know why you sent me down here. I’ll be there once I finally reach the register.
“That’s the friend in question. She asks me to get coffee, but I know it’s for pastry. She works at a coffee stand and has one of the best machines up there to make her own.” I smiled and understanding crossed his face.
“Is she the girl you were standing near last night? Bright red hair?” He asked, and I nodded in surprise.
“That’s Becca,” I replied, realizing that I didn’t introduce myself. This guy made me forget everything. “I’m Hayden, by the way.”
“I saw that on the tag last night. I’m Gray.” We shook hands as I held back the scream that wanted to fill the shop. He took note of a lot last night, making me feel like he could be interested.
We talked the entire time we were in line. He waited for me to order so we could leave together, and I couldn’t wait to tell Becca what happened.
“I have to get this home, but could I have your number?” Gray asked as I smiled.
“Of course. Want me to put it into your phone?” I asked, and he smiled as he handed it to me. There was no lock on it, and I wondered if he was one of the guys that were open to those close to him. I had a few ex-boyfriends that were not like that. I entered my number and name, even sending myself a message, so I’d have his number. “All set.”
“Great. I’ll call.” His eyes locked with mine for a moment, and he grinned. “It was great meeting you, Hayden.”
“It was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to hearing from you.” He headed to the right, making me wonder how close he lived as he kept walking. I turned left to take the few steps to Becca’s place, seeing her on the couch as I walked in.
“That took forever,” she grumbled as I handed her the bag and a coffee.
“They’re popular on the weekends. During the week, for that matter, have you ever walked down there when Mari wasn’t here?” I asked, making her laugh.
“I know about the eclairs, don’t I?” Becca looked sad for a moment, and I knew she was missing Mari. Ever since they met at a festival in Seattle, that was it for both of them.
“So, guess what?” I asked, and she glanced at me as I joined her on the couch. “The theater guy was in line in front of me.”
“Are you serious?” She asked with wide eyes.
“I am. I crashed right into him.”
“Were you on your phone?” Becca mothered me constantly, and I rolled my eyes.
“I was, but he was barely inside with that line. Why do you send me there on weekends?” I turned it on her, and she shook her head at me.
“So, what happened?” We walked to the table and sat down, opening the bag to eat while we talked.
“We talked, and he noticed a lot of things the other night. Boy was he paying attention. We got to know each other, and he asked for my number.” I bit into a pastry and moaned. “That’s good. He was buying them for his grandma, the woman at the play. He lives next door to her to take care of her. Isn’t that sweet?”
“Family man. I like that. What does he do for work?” She ripped a piece of eclair, shoving it into her mouth as she stared at me.
“He helps out podcasts. It’s a home job so he can help his family.” I grinned.
“If he calls, you’ll go out with him?” She asked, and I nodded. “Invite him to the party!”
“Let the man call first. He might be in his house, realizing that he didn’t find me to be all he expected. He was quite chatty, if that were the case, but it could happen.” I didn’t want that to be the case but believed in being true to myself. If someone didn’t like me, that was their choice. I was kind to people and found myself helping them more than I felt I should, but it was in my blood. It got me screwed over a few times, but I took it as a lesson.
“You’re a gem. What’s not to like?” Becca argued as I laughed.
We finished our breakfast, and she took a call from Mari. I took my laptop to the couch, surfing the net as I finished my coffee. I thought about the depth of Gray’s eyes and his hair that hung in waves around his face. He looked like he should be on a beach in California, searching for the best waves. I was the kind of guy to work on my hair before I left the house and jogged the city several times a week to keep in shape. I could see that Gray kept himself healthy as well, wondering what his favorite activity might be.
I pushed the thought away since he needed to call for anything to happen. I had a busy life at the theater and friends to spend time with. I was not going to be the guy to pine away over someone that didn’t want me.