Chapter 6: A long day

As he stepped inside the building, the smell of strong coffee permeated the air.

He kept walking towards the counter, skipping the queue. “I’m so sorry,” he said when he slightly hit an old woman giving her order.

The face of the barista behind the counter was in no way familiar, she wasn’t the one he was hoping to see. He looked around but couldn’t get Kathy’s face.

“Here sir,” Marilyn chuckled trailing him off his search.

He liked the way females acted cheesy when they saw him; like pronouncing words any worse would catch his attention. “Thanks,” he smiled and walked to a table.

He grabbed a chair and sat. Since he didn’t get her, he could definitely have his coffee and get back home to think; fucking Skull.

He raised the cup to his lips and tasted his coffee. It’s nippy and tangy aroma gave tingles to his nose.

He turned his head to the direction where Kathy and Mia sat and his gaze fell on Kathy. Her side view was incredibly perfect.

Her noise pointed, her hair left to fall on her back. Her persona was charming and he had to admit.

Observing for a little longer he noticed she stood up and how she looked around like she was expecting someone.

He stood up and made his way over. His stride was confident as he made his way effortlessly.

The moment Kathy saw him, she was momentarily lost in his dark and enchanting eyes.

His size was graceful despite intimidating, framing his broad chest that flexed under his hoodie. She gave a long immersed look and the moment she recognized his face, a frown appeared on her face.

“Fucking asshole,” she cussed in a whisper.

“Hey,” Stone greeted the moment he reached where she stood. Mia was still seated and unaware of the awkward moment. “Hello,” he waved to Mia.

Kathy stood still with her hands fisted, she looked like she was going to explode.

Stone’s appreciative gaze roved over her body. Her skin tight dress accentuated her slender curvy figure.

“I— I just.”

“Listen, I can’t have us go over that situation a second time. I don’t even know if I still got the job so do me a favor and leave me the fuck alone.”

Stone’s eyebrow arched in confusion.

was she blaming him for losing her job? “You caused it c’mmon," he said.

“Can somebody fucking tell me what the hell is going on?” Mia enquired looking discombobulated.

“Him. The one who made me lose my damn job,” Kathy blurted losing her patience.

“Well, kid you haven’t lost your job. At least not yet.”

They all turned to the direction of the voice and it was Mrs. Leeds.

“Your friend here asked me not to fire you, saying y’all are tight buddies who just got into a little argument, Right man?” She asked turning to Stone.

“Right,” he replied with a nod. Turning to Kathy he asked “Right buddy?”

Her mouth was slightly opened but she gave a nod. “uh—yeah. Right, sure.”

“I see you kind of have a date so see you later.” Mrs. Leeds said then left, leaving the fake buddies to figure themselves out.

“Never been this lost my entire life,” Mia commented.

“Neither have I.”

“I get it okay? We started off on a bad foot but we ain’t bad people. I am definitely not a bad guy and wouldn’t watch you lose your job for a bad day we both had,” Stone said.

“Right. Not a bad person either, take a seat,” Kathy offered and took her own seat. “Thanks... for the job.”

“You’re welcome. What’s your name buddy?” he asked smiling.

Kathy knew that was the most beautiful dentition she’s ever seen.

“Pyschopath,” she replied. “You called me that, remember?”

“Oh hell, I did?” he chuckled.

“I’m Kathryn. My friend,” she said pointing to Mia’s direction, “Mia.”

“Nice to meet you Kathy and….Mia, I’m Stone.” He extended his hands towards her and the smile returned.

Her eyes flickered in surprise at the mention of his name. “Stone? Like Stone Stone? Cold stone kinda stone?”

“That’s right.” He got the reaction whenever he told his name out. He hated being called Liam; it was only his mom that called him that.

It reminded him of so much, his weakness in particular.

“Nice,” Mia added after a long silence on her path.

It was time to leave, They chatted for a few more minutes before Stone’s phone jittered.

He apologized, took his phone and read the texts. It was from Core. A shipment had arrived and they needed Stone.

“Uh, I’m sorry ladies but this is really urgent and I need to get there right now.”

“Okay...”

He turned his gaze back to his buddy. “Kathy, do you think we can hangout sometime?”

Kathy held his eyes with hers for a minute. “Sure,” she replied. “Here’s my card.”

He stretched his hands to collect it and his lip formed a smile. “I’ll call you later,” he said and turned to Mia. “Bye Mia, it was nice meeting you.”

After he left Mia coughed and let out her expression. “Mannnnnnnn…he’s hot.”

Kathy rolled her eyes in response. "You don't have to scream."

"No fucking way man. I think I wet my pant thinking of what we could do," she said biting her lips.

"Girl no. Off limits."

"I'm joking," Mia laughed and took a last sip from her cup of coffee. “Doesn’t hurt to make new friends girl,” she added.

“Right. I thought of that too.”

"Let me know if you think of other things too."

Kathy struck her a look asking her to stop and they just laughed their way out of the building.

It was going to be a long day for Kathy but she was glad she didn't lose her job.

It was the highlight of her day but that wasn't the honest truth, meeting him again was