Chapter 2—Starbucks
Let's start before the ending. Let's start at a time where Leo DIDN'T hate the world. That is an easier time to explain. Leo woke up at 6:31, didn't curse, but cracked a small smile. It was Wednesday, his favorite day of the week. That was the day he got to see his beloved girlfriend. That's where I come in in this. I was Leo Blanchard's girl. And, I didn't mind the times when I wasn't. He picked up his phone and smiled at the screensaver. It was a picture of me bundled in a sweater. An embarrassed smile danced on my lips. I never liked having my picture taken. So, Leo treasured every one of them. He climbed out of bed and stretched out his long back. The scar down his back still remained. Every time I touched it, I cried. And I made him a promise. He changed into a navy tee shirt and brushed through his messy black hair. Then, he slipped on some Levi's and left the house.
Leo never stuck around anywhere for too long. I was waiting there at Starbucks. I hadn't ordered anything because I was waiting for Leo to get there. He made me promise always to order from him. Leo rushed through the doors and took a long look at me.687Please respect copyright.PENANABNzU5oCa3F
"Darcy...." He whispered, smiling softly. I waved sheepishly as he walked over. Immediately, he kissed my cheek, making me blush. Leo wasn't the reason I went to Starbucks often. The real reason was to grab coffee before my work. I was a writer, what Leo always wanted to be. That was why he liked to be around me. He dreamed of someday writing a book with me. But, that never happened. He loved the idea of dating another writer.687Please respect copyright.PENANAdoZTHtb57o
"Good morning," I remarked, sipping my hot coffee.687Please respect copyright.PENANAsqxps6iiAM
"Good morning, babe," I smiled. He tied the uniform apron around his waist and slapped on the hat over his tousled black hair.687Please respect copyright.PENANA1WnoXYNhcL
"Hold on," I said, taking his hat off and running my hands through that gorgeous hair.687Please respect copyright.PENANABAm7wvk6XV
"Better." He smirked and kissed me sloppily. Leo moved back behind the counter and started up my usual. I sat at a nearby table, twiddling my thumbs. I promised Leo every day I got to see him, we would write—at least for an hour. That was what he wanted. Leo needed an hour of silent life changing words to keep him going. I made a lot of promises to Leo Blanchard in my lifetime. My notebook was stuffed in my bag. His was there too. I would stay up some nights, memorizing his words written down. I memorized the way his handwriting worked and the way he bit his lip each time he got to a good part. Leo was a very good writer. He set the coffee down and joined me.687Please respect copyright.PENANAWs1cbWj4A7
"Alright, I have 6 hours here, an hour with you, and I need to go pick up groceries. That'll take about 2 hours. With an hour drive home, I'll be home around 4. That sound good, sweetie?" He asked. I smiled. "I can help. With the shopping and stuff. Just write down a list, and I'll catch up with you at around 12:30. Ok? It'll be fine."687Please respect copyright.PENANAXvMqwP55Tx
"Alright." Leo returned to serve customers, and I watched him, sipping the hot coffee.
Christopher Vermont fell into my life that day. I was pushing the shopping cart through the dairy isle. I was having a hard time navigating my way through Leo's fast scribbles on the list. Was it cottage cheese or cream cheese? I groaned in frustration. My arm were sprouting goosebumps from the chill of the isle. I was become hungry too. I left the buggy to look at the list in a better light. It helped nothing. As I moved to return, a body bumped into mine. I backed away, embarrassment swimming across my face.687Please respect copyright.PENANAfmctK7X0rs
"Sorry," I muttered. The face of an angel smiled. Dirty blond hair fell in front of his eyes. A pair of glistening milky grey eyes stared at me. And the skin seemed flawless. The thing that amused me was the Nirvana tattoo on the nape of his neck.687Please respect copyright.PENANAju5D2b5ymX
"No. It was my mistake, love. Sorry." I blushed again and moved back to the buggy. But right as I was about to leave, I stopped.687Please respect copyright.PENANAUgOp3FjUV5
"Um excuse me. But, I can't read my boyfriend's handwriting. Could you help?" The guy turned around.687Please respect copyright.PENANAJkgIuaI6LS
"Oh sure. That's–um–cream cheese. And I'm Chris, Chris Vermont." He held out and perky hand, and I shook it.687Please respect copyright.PENANAoJ5MQS85lJ
"I'm Darcy Brown. Thanks, Chris. I couldn't have done it without you." I teased, smiling.687Please respect copyright.PENANAMAw7pbD1uP
Chris smiled.687Please respect copyright.PENANAMaQv80G6eK
"No problem. See you around, Darcy." I turned back forwards and moved on. That was my first encounter with Christopher Vermont.