E l i z a b e t h

"Will that be everything?" I asked the guy in front of me.

He nodded his head with a friendly smile before I handed back his order of a chocolate chip muffin. He thanked me and I returned the gesture with a friendly "You're welcome". The customer turned around and continue walking towards the door.

My eyes fell back down to the small pocket on my apron where I rolled up the money he left me for tips.

He should be out the door by now, the customer, because I heard the little bell ring from the door. I became unaware of the area around me, but it was no surprise that yet another customer was already waiting in line again.

I ran a hand over the side of my face, placing a strand of hair behind my ear, before I got the chance to look up again.

All at once, my emotions came flooding all together at the same time as the familiar face peered over the register.

"Hi there." He smiled. Boy did he have a perfect smile.

"H-Hi." I stuttered. I was almost imitated by him. Shaking my head and replacing my somewhat-shocked emotion to the friendly cashier I'm suppose to have, I looked back up at the male standing in front of me.

It was him. The guy who drives me crazy with his orders, always giving me something new to drink. The guy who sits here and spends the entire afternoon reading or doodling in his journal. He's the only regular who not only don't I know what he likes, but whose name don't know either..

"What can I get for you?" I asked after noticing I've been staring for a while longer than I should have. Correction, I shouldn't be staring at at all!

"Hm.. Let me see.." He focused his eyes on the menu above me. "What haven't I tried already?"

"Beats me." I chuckled, holding onto the sides of the register screen. "I started losing track after a while." I joked.

"Oh." His eyes looked back down at me. "Is that so?" His smile became prominent.

"Your taste in drinks, well, it.. Varies." I joked around with him.

"What can I say?" He shrugged. "I'm a man of many options. How can someone stick to just one thing on the menu before trying out everything they have to offer first?" He questioned.

"Well," I continued, looking down at the register to see everything we had to offer. It's weird I know, but as much as I denied it to his face, I actually knew everything he had. And he had it all.. Two years gives you enough time to memorize an entire menu.

"Have you tried the ice tea lemonade?" I asked.

"Yes."

"What about our lava mocha?"

"Oh yes." He smiled feeling a little satisfied.

My eyes kept looking down the list in search for something that sounded unfamiliar to me ever giving to him.

"Uh.. It seems as if you've already tried everything on the menu." I replied.

"Not everything." Another voice cut in.

Both the cute guy and I looked back at each other a bit perplexed. My head turned to look around. The first side I looked out to, there was no one, so I turned to look to my left. A voice that didn't need identification for me to know just whose it was rang throughout my ear.

James was resting his elbows on the second cashier computer besides the one I was using.

"James, what are you-?" I didn't even have the chance to finish what I had to say before James cut me out.

"What kind of drink are you looking for today, my friend?" He asked back to the handsome stranger.

The blue eyed guy turned to look at both of us. A smile revealing his perfectly aligned and white teeth made my stomach flutter inside.

"Uh.." He scratched the back of his messy hair. "Surprise me." He shrugged.

James smiled and before I knew it he was already turning around to work on his mystery drink.

"I'm gonna go take a seat." He guy called back at me, hand pointing over his shoulder as he then begun to walk over to a small table besides one of the building's long glass windows.

I smiled back at him then looked back at James. The mystery drink didn't become much of a mystery as I soon noticed what he was making.

"You're going to give a customer your own special drink?" I asked.

"Correction, he's not just any customer.." James continued as he prepared the drink. "I've seen the way you two look at each other."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, leaning my shoulder against the wall.

James looked back at me and arched a brow. "I know you like the back of my hand, Liz. And I also know when you like a guy."

"Oh yeah?" I arched my brow. "You can tell when I like a guy?"

James nodded. "You start stuttering and say really dumb stuff."

"What?" My voice cracked. I stood up from the wall I was leaning against. "When did I ever say something dumb?"

James moved the cup from the machine and set it aside. "Oh, your taste in drinks, well, it.. Varies." He mimicked a girls voice with a hint of attitude.

"James!" I shoved his shoulder as he dropped the Hersey's drop into the hot drink.

All James did was laugh, not minding my actions he moved over to the counter and started swirling some whip cream over the top of the coffee mug.

"The guy likes you too, Liz." He stood up straight, the coffee cup bursting with smoke from its surface.

"And how would you know that?" I crossed my arms.

James chuckled, looking around before dropping his attention back to me. "What person do you know who orders everything off a menu before picking a favorite?" He arched a brow and waited for my response.

"Exactly." He stood tall and proud with the absence of my response. "Don't tell me you don't know what he's doing either. You're a fairly smart individual." He smirked.

Rolling my eyes, I soon became surprised with the sudden object I found pressing against my front. I looked down and fell in shock as the hot mug of coffee was placed in the palms of my hands.

Before I could utter the words out to my confusion, James began to speak.

"Talk to him." He brushed his shoulder against mine.

I spun around to follow him. A nervous look grew on my features.

"Jamie!" I called out.

James dismissed his exit with a peace sign in the air. He turned the corner and I watched as he opened the big black door into our break room.

I released a heavy grunt, looking up before recollecting myself into growing the balls to go back up to him. He's cute.. And really sweet! I get nervous around him and that's big because I don't really admit these kinds of feelings. The only other person I've felt like that with was Jack.

Oh.. That's right.. Jack..

I've completely forgotten about him. Well, not him entirely.. But the state he came to see me last night in. The blood.. His story.. I was scared for him even though he made it seem as if it was no big deal.

I wonder if he got home safely.. I never called to see if he made it back or if his wound got better. After all, I was the only person who knew at the time. I was the one who helped him.. I'm a little worried and mad at myself even that I didn't check up on him last night. He'd probably be bothered by it, like everything else I ever do. But it's like, I don't even care anymore. It worried me, especially since he was never so sincere with me before in telling me how none of this was my fault. I had to find out. Since now the thought is in my mind I won't be able to take it off until something is done about it.

I inhaled deeply. Pulling my phone out from my pocket, I unlocked it and opened it to my messages.

I was still holding the mug for the handsome stranger. Taking my time to type, I created a new message.

I fumbled with my thoughts a little. How can I possibly start a conversation with someone I don't even know how to start a conversation with?

After pondering for what seemed to be a minute or so, I finally came up with something I was finally okay with in sending.

Hey, how are you feeling?

I immediately hit the send button on the side before I debated the thought too much and began to stress about it. Sighing, I placed my phone back in my pocket and look back out in front of me.

The coffee guy with the blue eyes was right there. Eyes swirling around the page of his sketch book, following the trace of his pencil. He seemed peaceful. Though this place is usually quiet, I still wouldn't be able to create a sketch or anything like that. He on the other hand, he was the only person in the room. I can tell by the way he was sketching and how concentrated he looked in absorbing every detail his eyes skimmed upon on.

I stood up straight. I was planning on waiting for Jack to reply back but being in his presence before, I knew there was no way that'll be happening anytime soon. Therefore.. I walk up to Cute Coffee Guy.

The walk wasn't far. I reached his table and it was as if he was waiting for me because before I could reach him, he placed his book down and closed it besides him.

I smiled. "I want to apologize in advance for what you're about to taste."

"Oh my.. Will I regret this?" He joked back, eyes glancing from the cup of coffee to me.

"It depends.." I continued. "My friend made this. It's his special drink."

"Really?" He seemed rather interested in the subject.

I set the drink down for him. His wondering eyes reflected upon the new drink. You can tell he was the type of guy that loves to try new things from the way he didn't even deny trying it after what I told him.

He picked it up. Normally I'd leave by now but I just couldn't go without seeing his reaction first.

I watched as his lips met the edge of the cup, carefully taking a sip from it before swallowing it down.

"Mmm.." He softly hummed.

I awaited for his response. It was hard to tell if he liked it or not but for the strangest reason, I felt like it would've been the opposite of what I guessed.

"This is great coffee." His eyes wandered back over to mine.

"Are you serious?" I asked reassuringly.

"Yes!" He laughed, turning over to look back at the cup still in his hands. "I've never tasted anything like this.. I LOVE it!"

I couldn't help but laugh. My hand came over my mouth to prevent me from laughing too hard and scaring off my Cute Coffee Guy.  I just couldn't believe it.. He really seemed to be enjoying James' signature drink and that's not something I can say about a lot of people..

"You're the first person to ever say that about his drink." I smiled.

"You don't like it?" He asked after taking another sip from it.

"No.." I chuckled.

"Ah.." He took another sip. "You're missing out."

I shook my head alongside with keeping my smile. I was about to go on and dismiss myself before a rather intriguing action took place from the Cute Coffee Guy. He moved his sketchbook from in front of him as he got ready to put it away. I couldn't leave after that.. That journal is all part of his little mystery.. And I was intrigued.

"I hope you don't mind me asking but.." I searched in my mind for the right words to speak. I should've just stayed quiet. Crap, now he's going to think I'm weird or something.

He turned in his seat, looking up at me with an interested look in his eyes.

I grew nervous. "What is it exactly you do with that journal?"

My heart started beating harder. I shouldn't have said anything. I could see it in his eyes, he wasn't expecting my question.

"I see you've noticed." He chuckled, playing it cooler than I had expected.

"Well, it's a little difficult not to notice." I spoke in honesty. "You always have it with you."

The Cute Coffee Guy turned around in his seat, laughing before glancing back at me.

"Please, take a seat." He gestured with his hand to the seat in front of him.

I proceeded to the chair, pulling it out and taking a seat in front of him.

Boy was he attractive..

My eyes followed his every move. From the setting of his cup to the picking up of his journal, I watched it all.

"I don't really show this to just anyone.. But you left me intrigued with this new drink from your friend and if I don't say so myself, you have a lovely smile." He laughed, looking back up to me. Dark locks bounced as he shook his head and opened his journal.

He had me smiling the whole time.

My eyes watched eagerly as he opened up to the front page and handed it to me. Just as I expected, they were drawings.. But not just any drawings..

The first page held a very detailed drawing of the city of New York.

I understood the message right when my eyes laid on it. New York was an apple, bitten and being torn apart. The Statue of Liberty rested on top; buildings crumbling down in the middle of the apple. It was as if the city was being destroyed, and it is, just not that many people see. I'll be honest too, neither did I until I saw this drawing.

It was beautiful.

"You drew this?" I asked with wide eyes back up to him.

He just shrugged his shoulders. To him it seemed as if it wasn't his best work. "It's just a sketch."

"Yes but this is.. This is amazing.." My mouth fell in awe, glancing from the picture back to him. "You're really talented."

"Thank you." He chuckled, taking his book back and closing it up.

"Is that all you have?" I asked. He left me wanting more.

"For now, yes." He nodded.

"What!" I exclaimed. "You left me hanging!"

"Relax." He closed his eyes. "I'll show you the rest, when they're ready.." He teased.

"And when will that be?" I asked joking around with him, not expecting a real answer anytime soon.

The guy smiled as he looked down, piercing blue eyes making contact with mine before speaking again.

"Are you into art?" He asked me.

I nervously looked down to my hands where I started to fiddle with my fingers. "I mean.. I'm not as good as you."

"But.." He arched a brow, smiling back at me as he noticed the tone in my voice that could only tell him otherwise.

"I like it." I finally admitted, chuckling a little bit at the end.

"Well.. If you're interested, there will be a showcase at the Met tonight and my work was chosen to be displayed there." He answered.

"Are you serious!" I sounded shocked because I was. "The Met!"

He smiled, not taking as much pride as any other person would to have their work being displayed in the MET.

"That's really cool." I smiled.

"It's something, right?" He smiled back at me.

I felt my cheeks burn bright red with the look of his eyes concentrated on me. Beginning to feel uncomfortable with the current situation, I rushed to start off a new conversation; one that didn't involve staring.

"And will you be there too?" I asked in curiosity. "Or just your work?"

The guy smiled. "We will both be there, actually."

I felt really happy in hearing that.

"You should come." He offered.

Not being able to give him a for-sure answer, I sat utterly speechless as he dug into the pockets of his jacket. After patting himself down, he found what he we looking for and fished out in his hand two tickets. His hand reached out to me.

"I-I don't know what to say." I tried searching for the right words as I he handed me the tickets.

Getting tickets to the MET aren't all so easy being that it's one of the biggest museums of art and its here in the most populated city in the world. Not to mention, it's also very expensive for an average consumer.. In this case., me.

"No need for that." He smiled standing up from his seat with his journal in his hand. "It's the least I could do for the new coffee you gave me."

I followed his movements and also stood up from my seat. "Yeah, I still can't believe you enjoyed that.."

He shrugged his shoulders again, pulling out his wallet and pulling out a couple of spare cash. He smiled as he dropped the cash back in the table and put back his wallet from where he pulled it out from. "What can I say? My taste varies.."

"Oh no." My head fell into the palms of my hand as he quoted my "cheesy" statement from before. I was so embarrassed.

"It's okay." His hand reached for my arm.

I looked back up at him with the sudden touch. He remained his grip as he finished what he had to say moments after.

"I'm Finn, by the way." He smiled, removing his hand from my shoulder for me to shake in gesture.

Finn...

"Elizabeth." I smiled back while shaking his hand.

Our hands pulled apart shortly after that.

"It was nice talking to you, Elizabeth. Take care now." He smiled.

"You too." I was actually honest about that.

Cute Coffee Guy, now also known as Finn flashed me one last smile before maneuvering his way to the front door of the coffee house.

"I hope to see you at the Gala." He spoke up while pushing the door open. A small jingle rang through the store as he did so.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world." I smiled back.

A small smirk grew on Finn's features before he walked out.

I returned his wave goodbye through the glass windows of the shop along with a small smile. Not a moment was wasted after I watched him leave for me to get back to work. I pulled out one of the rags we carry in the back of my pockets and started cleaning the table we were just sitting at.

I collected the mug plus the money he left to pay for the drink. It was just being placed into my pocket when all of a sudden I felt a sudden arm wrap around my shoulders.

Normally, I'd react a bit surprised and scared. But I was at the coffee house and there's only one person in this entire world who does this kind of stuff to me.. Therefore, I couldn't help but just display a smile.

"I saw him give you something." The familiar voice of James Strider sounded through my ear from which he held his lips close upon.

"Stalker much?" I asked arching a brow.

"What was it?" He asked, not moving from his position.

Now this I was really excited to show off. If you don't recall, James is a huge fan of anything art-wise. Photography, paintings, sculptures; he's all about it. So to show him that I have tickets to the Met is seriously going to excite him.

I reached out to where I had previously placed the tickets; in the apron pocket with my money.

They were placed out in front of us, one behind the other. Immediately, he went into a state of excitement.

"Tickets for the Met." I smiled. "He's an artist and invited me to come see his work tonight."

"Just you?" His hands moved over to grip my shoulders.

This was my favorite part.

"And a plus one." I slid the other ticket away from the one in front.

I could just imagine the wide eyed look growing in his face right about now. Like a kid who just found a dollar under his pillow from the tooth fairy or something.. My point his, he was very happy.

"Oh my God..." He squeezed my shoulders. "The MET!?"

"That's exactly what I said." I giggled.

"Wow." He paused. Coming closer to me, I felt him give me a small smirk. "Would that plus one by any chance be a tall, handsome brunette with a killer talent of singing in the shower?"

I laughed with his comment.

"Maybe.." I teased, looking up at the roof of the shop. "Do you want it?" I asked looking up to my side.

"Do I ever!" He didn't hesitate a moment before taking it from my hands. Not only that, but his move felt rather warming as he hugged me tighter from behind and placed a kiss to my cheek.

He was a warm guy, James; humble too. With everything going on.. From Jack, to my friends, to my family.. If there is one thing I'm ever grateful for, it's James. He already had the ticket before I even had them. If anything, I'm just returning the favor.

"Mm... Thank you, thank you, thank you." He mumbled into my ear.

The vibrations from his voice against my skin made me giggle. Squirming up, I tried to push away from his rational kiss but instead, he surprised me with pulling in his kiss with me as I moved away. Holding me tighter, we both continued to laugh.

Not minding the world around us, or the people, we stayed playing our childish games.

Until..

"Get away from her."

Startled, James and I looked up to the entrance of the shop. Bewildered, yet shocked, my mouth fell in agape. Storming into the shop with his hoodie falling behind his head, drops of water covered him from the shoulders down, stood a tall male with a dark haze concentrated on us..

"Jack." His name fell from my mouth in a careless whisper.

Still, not moving from our position, James and I just stared at him.

I was so perplexed with what he was doing here. He was hurt, badly.. The only idea that came to mind that moment was that he was following me again.. Crap!

"Good morning to you too." James replied, not moving his position just to make Jack even more annoyed.

I looked back at Jack, noticing his features stiffen towards the look James gave him.

I didn't like what James was doing. He was playing his game and that's not the way to go. James is better than that.

"Jack.." I moved myself away from James' hold. "Hey." I gave him a small smile, sounding a little confused with my words towards his presence.

He didn't see past that. Usually he always pulls a stunt like this; but this time it was different.. Jack was infuriated and I think I know why.

"James?" I looked up at him. "Do you think you could give us a minute?"

I recalled the last time the two met.. Like always, Jack took charge and James stood up to his level. The heat in the room was almost unbearable and it was all coming back.

James looked at me then back at Jack. Neither man took another move, just kept staring.

I get where James is coming from, and as protective as he gets, he has to stop interfering with my life like this. I'm my own person and there's nothing more annoying than someone else telling you how to live your life.

"Please?" I reassured him, widening my eyes to emphasize just the way I felt about the situation.

James, knowing the person I am and being the only other person deeply familiar with the situation, he did as he was told.

He gave Jack another look of warning before looking at me and nodding his head. Digging is hands into the front pockets of his jeans, James turned hot on his heals and walked away to find something else to do.

Not a moment to spare I looked back at Jack. We were in the middle of the shop and getting caught by my boss wasn't something I was planning to do. My hand grabbed hold of Jack's arm, guiding him to the side where some empty tables were. We could talk here; but where do I start?

"H-How are you feeling?" I asked, placing a strand of hair behind my ear to look at him better.

Jack was still intrigued with anger by James as he didn't take his eyes off him as he did his job.

"Jack?" I called back to his attention.

"Who is that guy?" He asked quite quicker than I imagined. I expected him to ask about James one day, but not today and especially not so quick.

"James?" I reassured. "James is close friend of mine." My shoulders shrugged.

I noticed the look on Jacks face. It was a look I never pictured seeing, not with me and especially not towards James..

"Wait.." I little grin couldn't help its way into my features. Jack looked back at me, nostrils flaring and jaw tensing. Yup, I was officially amused. "Are you jealous?"

"What?" He was quick to squint his eyes.

"You heard me." I let out a small laugh, crossing my arms with the sudden feeling of dominance that overpowered my body.

"I don't get jealous, okay?" His tone was rather stern and official. "Wipe that thought off your head, Babe. You're not that special."

His sudden words hit me like a truck.

I was defiantly not expecting that.

As much of an Ass Jack can be, this must be his biggest dumb ass move yet. That goes for me as well. To think.. He was actually changing.. I was actually changing.. All for him.

"What are you doing here?" My blood started to boil, speaking to him in a stern tone.

"I was passing by." He retorted.

Wow, not even the same ol' I wanted to see you excuse..

"Ah-ha." I bit the edge of my lip.

My eyes trailed up and down his body. Still with my arms folded, I arched a brow. I clearly wasn't up for his ways anymore. The fun and games stop here, I'm crossing the line.

Not saying another word, I swiftly turned around and took a step forward and away from Jack. On my mind I was already besides James once and for all, but my thoughts were quickly interrupted as I felt a warm hand grip my own and pull me back. I crashed back into Jack's body with the force he presented.

Nervously, I trailed my eyes back to meet his brown ones.

"Where are you going?" He asked as if there was no clear reason to why I was leaving.

I looked back at him as if he was crazy. If he couldn't see what just clearly happened then I'd really be worried.

"Back to my job, Jack." I pinned my eyes back at him.

Pushing myself away from his body I begun to turn around again.

"Hold up." He spoke up. Of course.. I stayed.

In the moment I just stood there I noticed the dark circles under his eyes which became prominent in the late morning light. Taking in a deep breath, I tried to become more understanding. Remember Elizabeth, he got hurt.

"I just--" His hands ran through his messy hair. "I'm having a bad day." He sighed.

I can tell he wasn't making up a excuses and that sucked the most because now I really feel bad for him.

"That still doesn't give you an excuse to treat others the way you're treating me." I retorted.

Jack looked down and clenched his jaw. At that moment I was hoping for some type of apology, a move every guy should do after pulling a stunt like that. But no.. He just stayed silent.

There were no other words spoken by Jack in the whole minute we just stood there. Scoffing, I got ready to dismiss myself, being around Jack with this attitude after all I was trying to do was be nice is not what I need right now.

I was having a fine day before he showed up.

"Liz.."

He grabbed hold of me again, this time not stopping until he felt my body pressed upon his. My breath hitched in the process. I still wasn't used to his ways, and no matter how hard I wanted to stay away.. I just couldn't. He would make me feel bad for him all over again.

"Don't go.." His words mumbled in a small, desperate cry.

I left like trembling inside. His presence overpowered mine and I don't know if I can handle that yet.

"Jack.." My eyes looked down to his chest, fingers fiddling with the strings from his hoodie as I tried to entertain myself with something else as I spoke. "I have to get back to work."

I finally regained the strength to look up at him. When I did that, I witnessed the gloom look on his features.

"I want to see you again." His eyes met mine as he spoke. Pink, plum lips becoming desirable to my taste.

"I can't." I answered, shaking away the feelings around me. "Not tonight." I shook my head.

"Why?" His head dipped closed to mine.

My nervous eyes traveled back down to his chest. There was no easy way of saying this especially after seeing the way he treated James.

"I-I told a friend I'd go to their art show.." I finally spoke.

"You can't bring a plus one?" He gave me a half smile.

Oh if only he knew. I didn't mean it intentionally but I've always been an honest person and there was nothing to hide here.

Looking over my shoulder, my eyes, as well as Jack's, trailed their way back over to James who was standing behind the counter.. Dealing with customers with the friendly smile he always has on.

"Oh." The word fell from Jack's mouth.

"He's my friend, Jack." I looked back at him. "A heck of a good one too and these days.. I can't really say that about a lot of people."

I just wanted him to understand.

"You're a good guy, Jack.." I continued.

"No, I'm not.." He quickly cut me out.

I can't believe I'm about to say this.. Spill my heart out as if it was nothing.. It was something alright. I know I shouldn't be doing this but with Jack it's different, hard too, because I feel like he understands me.

"You've done things for me that no one else has done.. Including James." My hand gently moved up to feel his smooth jaw line. The sudden touch made him quickly look back at me. Dark orbs became concentrated on mine once more. "Deny it as much as you want.. But you can't tell me otherwise." I nodded.

It felt as if the room started spinning. Like it was just us two in the room. Like I said, every time he pulls a douche move.. He has me slowly coming back, an action I deeply feel like I'll regret.

"Liz!"

My mind snapped out of my present state. Both Jack and I flicked our heads over to where the shout came from. It was James and he was calling me over.

Being that my hands were still in contact with Jack, I felt his features grow tense. I turned to look back at him and arched a brow. Once I noticed he was relaxing again, I figured it was safe to say my final dismissal.

"I gotta go." My hand dropped.

Moving away from his body, I turned around.

"Stay out of trouble, okay?" I called back.

A small smile was forced into his face. Looking down and shaking his head he raised his eyebrows. "You too." He tried to softly laugh back.

Jack can be a lot of things, but everything I said to him was true.. I just hope he saw the potential that I saw.. What I know he has inside and can bring out.. He's good..