Aster hadn't heard from Fallon in a few weeks. She figured he was still recovering from his accident, which she understood. Even she was still pretty shaken up about it and she was not even close to being involved in it.

The most communication she had with Fallon was through his mother. The sweet woman would send Aster a message once or twice a week to check in on her. Of course, Aster lied and told her she was fine. Come on... The lady had her son to worry about. And, quite frankly, Aster had bigger fish to fry herself. Between balancing school, work, and being a volunteer Sunday school teacher, she had a lot going on in her life. Somehow, they were the perfect distraction for her. Well...except for work.

Aster had just finished wiping down a table in the small cafe she worked at. Oddly enough, it was the same place she first met Fallon. She landed the job and, so far, it was helping her get by financially. Mentally and emotionally, things could have been better. For a moment things did... until he walked in.

A little bell chimed when the door was opened up. Fallon came in with his leg in a brace and crutches under his arm. He had difficulty getting the door opened and his poor choice of words indicated that. Fallon let out a short string of swear words that made Aster cringe a bit.

"Need some help there?" she inquired while setting the rag down. She wasted no time going up to him and holding the door. What was he doing here?

"I got it. I did, but thanks," Fallon replied and found the nearest seat to sit in. He was quite winded. After finding his breath, he spoke again. By that time, Aster was behind the counter getting him a cup of water.

"You're just the person I wanted to see. I think? Aster, right?"

"Yes, that's me." Aster placed the cup before him. She noticed the bandages on his face were gone. There were a few scars, but he seemed to be healing nicely with the exception of his leg. What could she say?

Fallon chugged that water as if it was the first drink he had after trekking 40 days and nights around the city with his cumbersome crutches. Boy, was that water refreshing.

"Dinner," he abruptly spoke. "My mom wants to know if you want to do dinner. Just her, my dad, and me. If you want."

Aster took the seat before him and rested her chin in the palm of her hand. Dinner? With his parents? Wasn't that a bit too.. soon?

"Um... What day? I've been pretty busy lately..."

Fallon figured. He shouldn't have gotten his hopes up in the first place.

"Sunday at 7? It's her way of saying thank you... and mine.

Aster's eyes met his. Goodness, how could she say no? She found herself nodding and saying yes. She couldn't turn a thank you.

"Of course. You can tell her I'll be there."

Fallon internally did his little happy dance. Now, he just had to tell his mom he invited her over for dinner. He was sure she wouldn't mind, though. His mother loved having guests over.

"Awesome! I mean, cool. Good. Thanks."

Aster laughed a little and rose from her seat as another customer walked in.

"Someone's happy," she lightly teased and resumed her position behind the counter.

How could he not be? He hoped to make up for their first "date". He felt as though he owed it to her for sticking around when she didn't have to.

"Maybe I am," Fallon laughed. The ice was starting to melt. That was good. "Mind if I stick around? My mom has no idea I'm here and my ride went off to party."

"Not at all. We close in an hour, though," Aster said while getting the customer her typical order. She was a regular and Aster learned her irritatingly specific order: one iced caramel macchiato with extra caramel drizzle, three pumps of hazelnut flavoring, with a dash of cinnamon, whipped cream, and more caramel drizzle on top.

Fallon got as comfy as he could and lingered in the cafe. He observed Aster as she worked, not in a creepy way, but just to admire her. She was polite to the worst of customers and patient with the ones with detailed orders. She was beautiful and there was something deep within her he was drawn to.