forum Romance in the Real World [Closed]

Started December 12, 2021 by @emilyevewrites group

tune

Eve shifted her weight from one foot to the other as the silence became deafening. Finally, she heard Selene's affirmative response, and Eve lifted her head with an expression of shock and a soft smile on her lips. But the other girl wouldn't look at her, so the momentary happiness faded from her face. Maybe she hadn't really meant it, she thought, locking her eyes on the lid of her coffee cup which was stamped with the All City logo.

When Selene's brother Joey began to speak again, Eve's dark eyes flitted up to meet his briefly. "I do," she agreed quietly. "It's really lovely here. And the members of the staff are very lovely."

Her eyes widened slightly at his offer, but she shook her head and caused the dark waves framing her face to sway slightly from side to side. "I can’t, really. I’ve overstayed my welcome as it is. I wouldn’t want to intrude any further into your evening,” Eve replied. "And I should be getting back to help Katherine close up. It was really lovely meeting you all."

With that, she headed out the door into the chilly evening air. It was only a few steps from the bookstore to the crosswalk, and she waited patiently for the light to change. She tugged up her scarf and exhaled a cool puff of air into the early night.

Joey slowly nodded as he watched both women become flustered by one another without even knowing. "Yes, they are lovely, one in particular I'm sure you're becoming quite fond of." He noted softly, chuckling softly when Selene's eyes widened, her cheek reddening in what Joey could describe as a mixture of embarrassment and anger, the latter most likely directed to him.
Joey waved a hand as he guided Kai to the front counter and set all the food down. "Believe me, I've known people to come in here and stay from open till close. You wouldn't be intruding on anything, isn't that right, Selene?" Joey gently nudged his sister, finally being able to get her out of her her own head, at least enough to look up and nodded, "No! Not at all. I- we would love it if you stayed." She agreed, flicking her gaze up to Eve's for a quick moment and offering a small smile before settling down to eat. Her small smile faded slightly when Eve mentioned she had to get back to work. "Ah, yes. Yes of course. I guess we'll see you around then." She nodded slightly and slowly began rummaging through the bags of takeout.
Joey waved as Eve left the store before immediate turning back to his sister and tapping her shoulder. "What are you still doing here?" He whispered-yelled,
"Eating, what does it look like?" Selene replied, brows creased in confusion, was she supposed to be doing something else?
"Oh my poor sister, no wonder you're still single. Go give that girl your number!" he urged, tearing off a piece of paper from the log book and scribbling Selene's number on it and handing it to his sister. "Go!"
Sele hesitated for a moment before she jumped up from her chair and ran out the door, searching for a few moments up and down the sidewalk before catching a glimpse of Eve at the crosswalk. She mustered up the very little courage she had and jogged towards her. "Hey, uhm Eve! I-I sorta forgot about this before," She stammered out, willing herself not to shake as she offered the scrap of paper. "Just to keep in contact, if ya want! I know you work at the coffee shop but if you ever wanna talk outside of work or something, you'll have it just in case, ya know?"

Eve's patience with the light began to dip into impatience after a few moments. Why wasn't it changing? She looked over and saw the lights for All City were still on. Good, so Katherine hadn't left yet. Eve was going to have a few words with her once she got back. Mainly about forcing her employer out of the store fifteen minutes from closing time so she could go on a–

Her eyes widened at her own thought process. No, it wasn't what she'd thought it was. She was just getting to know the girl who had come into her shop earlier. She was mysterious and alluring and really adorable. The woman smiled to herself at the words Joey had spoken, and she found them to be true. She was becoming quite fond of one of Seraphine's Indie Book Seller's employees.

Still, she'd needed to go. The situation had become oddly tense between Selene and her brother, and Eve felt too awkward to be involved. It still felt intrusive, even with how much Selene and Joey denied it.

The setting sun caught on a few of her dark brown flyaways and illuminated them so they looked almost golden. Eve shifted from foot to foot while she waited. Finally, the light panel showed the "Walk" sign. She took one step onto the street and stopped when she heard her name. She was glad the chilly air made her cheeks pink on its own. That way, as Selene approached, she had an excuse to hide her blush.

She listened to the other woman and smiled while reaching a gloved hand out to take the paper. Her eyes studied the number before looking back to Selene's face with a soft gaze. "Alright. Thank you. Enjoy your dinner," she remarked with an easy smile. With that, she hurried to cross the street before the light changed and she had to wait again. Once she was on the other sidewalk, she turned back to see if Selene was looking and give her a brief wave before striding back into All City.

Katherine was waiting behind the counter with a knowing smirk. "How'd it go?" she asked immediately, not even trying to pretend that she hadn't been waiting for Eve to return.

Selene dumbly nodded as she heaved in a much needed breath. "Thank you, have a great rest of your night," she smiled softly, wrapping her arms around herself as she only now realized she had ran out into the chilly night air without a jacket. Despite the cold, Selene didn't want to move, not until she knew for sure Eve was safe inside. She stood at the cross walk light, letting people pass her as the sign changed from walk to stop. About to head back inside, Selene turned but paused, glancing over her shoulder briefly only to find the other woman waving. Selene laughed and waved back before scurrying back to the warmth of the bookstore.
She slouched against the store door once inside, a giddy little smile played at her lips before she remembered she still had an audience. She looked up to find Joey smirking at her from the counter, Kai glaring disapprovingly at his boyfriend. "So, when's the first date.?" Joey asked, ducking and hiding behind Kai when Selene smacked his shoulder. "There is no date! a-at least not yet…we're just friends! I-I think!" She whined and settled back down in her chair. "We just met today, at least give us a chance to get to know each other." She mumbled through a bite of food, blushing furiously at even the thought of dating someone as incredible as Eve. "Besides, I'm not even sure she's into women. Maybe that just how she acts around all girls."
Joey rolled his eyes and began to eat in defeat, "Yeah, girls she likes." He muttered.

Eve shook her head and hung up her coat and scarf. "It was fine," she said simply. "Quit being nosy." After checking to make sure the paper Selene had given her with her phone number on it was safely tucked in her coat pocket, she paced over and came around the counter.

Immediately, Katherine frowned at her. "Eve. I love you. But could you get your head out of your ass? It's not a hat." (This line is sponsored by Pitch Perfect except it's not 😅)

The woman whipped around, her eyes blazing. "Excuse me?" she demanded. Sure, she'd known Katherine since high school, but now she was her friend's employer. And talking like that would give Eve plenty enough of a reason to fire her.

Katherine sighed tiredly. "Oh my God, couldn't you see that girl was fawning over you? She drew a gorgeous picture of you! Then, she came back to see what you thought of it! And she wanted you to go to her bookshop, which is conveniently located across the street. I had to basically shove you out of here to get you to go, and you come back all smiley and… oh my God, you're blushing so hard right now!"

Eve quickly turned away to hide the rising pink tinge on her cheeks. This time, it wasn't from the cold. "I-I'm not," she stammered. "It was purely cordial. She showed me around, but her brother and his boyfriend came back, so I didn't want to stay any longer. Now, could you help me close up? I don't want to have to pay you overtime."

(Thats a great quote? not quote? wonderful line 😂)
Once the three had finished eating and tidied up the shop, Selene headed her brother and Kai towards the door. "Take the night off, both of you. You've worked and annoyed me enough today, you in particular Joey." She gave Kai a gentle squeeze, sharing a secret eye roll with him before he took a grumbling Joey's hand and tugged him to the entrance of the store.

"Stay safe, I love you, see you two tomorrow!" She called, tugging the cardigan around herself closer as she watched the pair walk off into he night towards their apartment a few streets away. She smiled softly, her gaze sliding over to the coffee shop across the street.

Her thoughts wandered as she watched waitresses picking up the last of the coffee cups and plates left behind and the last patrons making their way out, arm in arm and breath clouding in the cold night air. For a moment she wondered if Eve had stayed to help close up or if she had turned in early and was already home. Before Selene could fall into the trance of searching for the woman behind the windows, she turned back to her own little corner of the world and turned the lights down low, the fairy lights and fake fireplace the only source of light within the store as she began looking over last minute inventory.

(It is! Sorry for disappearing… again 😅)

Katherine rolled her eyes, but she did grab a pack of Chlorox wipes and headed for the cute wooden tables placed around the small shop.

Eve stayed behind the counter a moment and glanced at her coat. Specifically, her gaze locked on the pocket with a little piece of paper in it. Sparing a quick look at Katherine to make sure the other woman wasn't watching, Eve reached for her jacket and took the paper out. She entered the number in her phone and slipped the paper back in her coat. For some reason, even though Selene's number was now listed in her contacts, Eve didn't want to get rid of the paper.

Eventually, the women both left the shop. Katherine turned off the lights while Eve waited for the door to shut behind them so she could lock it. Once a swift tug on the handle proved All City was closed for the night, Eve headed down the sidewalk to the apartment building right next to the coffee shop, and Katherine headed to the curb to hail a cab.

Eve made sure that her nosy friend was out of sight before looking over to the little bookshop she hadn't noticed until today. She took off the glove of her right hand and fingered the paper in her pocket. Something inside her, a little string, seemed to be tugging her in the direction of that bookshop.

But Eve shook her head and ignored it. Instead, she went back to her normal routine: heading upstairs, getting into her apartment, and putting on her comfort show, How I Met Your Mother. It was cheesy sometimes, but Eve liked it. She was specifically attracted to the different romances throughout the show. She still hoped that someday, somehow, she could find someone and end up like Marshall and Lily or Barney and Robin or Ted and Tracy.

(Its all good!)
It took Selene an hour to get through the new inventory meant for the upcoming week. Granted she did check hr phone every five minutes or so just in case she missed a message from a certain somone but eventually she settled with the notion that Eve probably wouldn't text her until the next day if at all. She shut the ancient tomb that was the inventory catalog and packed up her things in her satchel bag to head home for the night. She tugged on a thick cardigan and thre her bag over her shoulder before making one more lap around the store, turning off the all the lights before she locked up the front doors.
Thankfully, her apartment was only a few blocks from the store so it was easy enough to rush from street to street even through the chilly night. She dropped everything on her person the moment she went inside and practically made a b-line to her bathroom for a well deserved hot shower. Once she was more relaxed, Selene curled up on her couch, piling heaps of blankets ontop of her, ready to watch a movie before she headed off to bed. She put on Practical Magic, something easy since she didn't think she could focus on what was happening for long. Between the thoughts swimming in her head of Eve, the store, her family, and her desperate want to sleep, Selene didn't have the capacity to think on much else.

Eve entered her apartment with a quiet sigh. This was her peace. Her sanctuary.

Immediately, she hung up her coat and purse while slipping out of her boots. Once that was done, she made her way to the kitchen and heated up a bowl of leftovers from the night before. Then, of course, she sat on her couch and ate her dinner for one quietly and in peace with the familiar show playing in front of her.

But suddenly, she reached for her phone and instinctively clicked on the 'Contacts' app where Selene's number was already up and waiting. Eve hit the 'Message' button, and the beginning of a text thread popped up. At the sight of it, panic hit her.

This wasn't a part of her routine. Her routine was normal and steadying. It kept her safe. Secure. Away from anyone who could hurt her. But the longer Eve looked at the waiting keyboard, the more she debated herself. Finally, with her heart racing, she typed up a simple Hi, it's Eve and stared at it for five minutes as Barney, Ted, and Marshall argued in the background. Finally, she summoned up her courage and hit send.

Selene was in a state of carbohydrate handgover and sleepiness, having had enough energy to actually get up and make a late night snack but clearly not enough to bring herself to bed. She had been settled in the corner of her couch with a dozen blankets and her cats as she finished off the first movie of the lord of the rings. "3 hours down, 6 more to go," she murmured, choosing the next movie and scratching her cat's chin as she sniffed at Selene's bowl of ice cream, something she would consider and midnight masterpiece. In an ornate little bowl, Selene had two modest scoops of chocolate ice cream, crushed oreo cookies, brownie bits from left over brownies she had made the day before and sprinkles, all topped with a healthy serving of fudge syrup. She gently nudged her cat away and found a pillow cat toy filled with Cat nip and lavender more appropriate for her to play with.
As she was about to settle in and finish off her ice cream, she saw her phne light up underneath one of the blankets. At night, Selene kept her hone on silent since Joey liked to send random text at the ungodly hours of the night. She was going to ignor it, lie about being asleep tomorrow morning when he eventually asked why she never answered to his absurdly funny meme or about his essay long commentary on why 80s and 90s media is superior to modern media. But then she immediately thought of Eve. Surely she would be asleep by now, especially after such a long workday at the cafe. And what if it was her brother after all? Selene bit her lip between her teeth, working up the courage to politeply ignor whoever's message appeared on her screen until the next morning, or, arguably more pressing, answer a potential message from Eve. She paused the movie and hesitantly opened her phone. At the top of the screen a little banner read "Messages: Eve"
Selene nearly locked her phone trying to type in the password but eventually got it open. She read and reread the message and the sender, wanting to give some time in between messages so it didn't make it seem as if she was desperate. She smiled to herself and finally typed back "Hey, ya found me!" she paused and then quickly sent another message "I mean well obviously, I gave you my real number." She cringed slightly, already feeling her cheeks growing warm. She sighed softly and leaned back in her couch. She started the movie again but barely heard anything at all, too focused on her screen to pay any attention, much to the dismay of her attention seeking cat. "Anyways…what are you doing up so late? Shouldn't you be asleep by now after such a long day at work?"

Eve's hands started to tremble as she stared at the little gray word that had appeared under her message bubble: Delivered. There was no taking it back now… She began to hyperventilate as anxiety took over her body. A quiet whimper escaped her, and she curled deeper under her blanket. Back to safety. Away from the world and everyone who would hurt her. This was why she only lived in the pages. This was why she didn't date. This was why–

Her screen lit up, and Eve sat up slowly. She reached for her phone and hesitantly unlocked the screen. An enthusiastic text practically jumped off the screen at her, and the little "…" bubble appeared to signal that Selene was already typing up something else. She couldn't help the little burst of anxiety at the follow-up remark. What if Selene had given her the wrong number to mess with her? The "what ifs" began piling up in her mind, but they were just as quickly silenced by one other thought: But she didn't. This was obviously Selene texting her. Eve let out a long, quiet exhale of relief.

Though as she read over the two gray texts, Eve hesitated a moment. What was she supposed to say back? She was overthinking this – big time. Twice, she almost began typing, but she changed her mind each time. Eve was about three seconds away from turning off her phone and going back to watching her comfort show when another text appeared.

Eve couldn't help herself as she smiled. The words made her feel good like there was actually someone who cared about her. But still, a small part of her wondered if she still wanted someone to care about her. Sometimes, it was easier without someone who cared. Too quickly for her anxiety to stop her, Eve typed up a response and hit the little blue send button.

Can't sleep, so I'm watching my favorite show. And I could say the same about you. Why are you still awake?

Selene gently twined her cat's tail between her fingers and gave her all the pets she desired as she waited for her phone to light up again with a notification banner. It did! but this one was from Joey this time, another rant essay about god knows what. She furiously typed back "Talking with somone, go away. Love you" She barely looked up at the movie, trying to decifer where in the movie she was at before her sceen lit up again. Still not Eve, again just Joey. "ooh? you talk with people? i mean other than me…wait cute-coffe-girl-Eve????" Selene huffed a sigh of embarrasment and typed back. "yes I talk to people other than you. and yes…cute-coffee-girl-Eve." She bit her lip, her heart beating hard in her chest at just the thought of refering to Eve as cute. Yes of course Selene had thought she was cute, extremely so but somhow putting those thoughts out into the physical world, even just in text, seemed too real. She pressed send.
She qickly switched messages back to Eve, wondering if the message had sent or if Eve had gone to sleep. Under her message the little grey letters read read at 12:45. Ignoring her brother's banner text of "AWEEE!!!" and what she could only assume were an obscene abount of emoji's, she depated whether to send a goodnight message. Before she could, she saw the little bubble pop up indicating Eve was typing. She scooted up straight in her couch and leaned forwards, focused now on her phone. She smiled softly and started typing again.
"Ah I know the struggle, I thought being a night owl was cool back in highschool. Now I just have a consistantly screwed up sleep schedule. The mound of Ice cream I'm eating now probably doesn't help either but the damage is doen already, no going back now. What show ya watchin?"

Eve blinked in surprise as almost immediately, Selene began to type a response. Obviously, she was waiting for Eve’s texts. The thought took her by surprise. She was used to responding quickly then being gaslit for doing so. Countless others had made her play their games, and she wasn’t going to be too quick to decide about Selene. Eve knew her approach was slightly cynical, but it had kept her protected since her last relationship.

She shook her head and giggled quietly in response to Selene’s message. This girl was too interesting for Eve to ignore. If she wasn’t careful…

No. She would be careful. She had to be. After rereading the text three more times, Eve took a deep breath and typed out another response.

That is most definitely not helping, darling. I’m watching How I Met Your Mother

Once the message was sent, Eve felt stupid. The show was a romcom, and it embarrassed her for some reason to admit it to Selene.

Darling. The word was word stuck out to Selene, bold and colorful despite it just being white font on a phone screen. It filled her with butterflies and a sense of longing to hear the cute little pet name spoken out loud, specifically by Eve. In the privacy of home, under blankets and cozy warmth, sharing delicate touches and soft words.
Selene shook herself from the fantasy, her cheeks growing warm again. She had just met this woman earlier today, how had it taken this short of a time to already fantasize about her?
Selene glanced down at her phone wondering if it was worth answering now. Maybe she should stop before things got too… complicated. Somehow being complicated with Eve sounded nice for once.
"In my sleep deprived defense, dear, there was little chance I'd sleep without ice cream so what really would be the difference?"
"Oh! that's the one with Niel Patrick Harris and Bob Saget right? I've seen a few episodes here and there but never actually say down and watched start to finish. What's your favorite episode?"

Eve sighed and went back to watching her show. It was a good show, but a little old. She honestly wasn't expecting Selene to know about it since it had been almost ten years since the last episode of the last season was released.

Her phone lit up with another message, and Eve checked it. The first thing she noticed was the term of endearment Selene had used. Dear. Eve blinked quickly before realizing exactly what she'd said in her last message. She had been the one to start it by calling the other woman 'darling.' She hadn't even thought about it. She called nearly everyone darling. It was part of her British-ness.

But Selene had responded to it. If Eve was reading the message right, it seemed that the other woman might have even liked it. But did Eve?

She couldn't help her giggle at the second message. So Selene did recognize the show! She knew enough to know a delightful little detail, and that was more than Eve had thought she would know. Very interesting.

Immediately, Eve began to type up a reply, not even realizing her anxiety had faded the more she talked to this girl.

It may not seem like there could be a difference, but I promise you there is.

Yes! I'm surprised you know it! I love the episode where Ted teaches Barney how to date Robin. It's so fetching!

(I have plans now… 😏 Katherine and the other baristas could teach Selene how to woo/date Eve ;))

(oooh! Awe that'd be cute with akward Selene is yes!)
Selene's leg bounced anxiously, maybe she shouldn't have said that…the dear, part. Was it too forward? Maybe that was just how Eve spoke, terms of endearment thrown in randomly into regular conversation. She glanced away from her phone when she felt her cat lightly paw at her. "Sorry, baby. Come here." She gently scooped her cat up and gently settled her into her lap, letting her paw around before returning her attention to her phone, just in time to see a message from Eve pop up.

"Future Selene will deal with those consequences. For now, I doubt theres much that'll put me to sleep."

She quickly read over the second message, and, still not knowing much about the show, she quickly looked it up, not wanting to leave Eve on read for long but also wantong seems at least a tad bit knowledgeable about the show. After reading she decided against even semi lying and texted eve back.

"Ha, knowing might be a stretch. Joey and his bf like it so when I thirdwheel on their little at home dates I end up being forced to watch it. I'll admit that is one of the episodes I didn't watch but it does look interesting. It looks really cute!"

Eve was again surprised by how quickly Selene messaged her back. It was really like the girl was reading Eve's messages the second they came through and immediately responding. This sort of attention was something Eve was wholly unfamiliar with.

She chuckled quietly and shook her head at the response. After rereading it three more times, she was about to type up a reply, but then a second message from Selene came through. A soft smile broke out on her lips as much as Eve tried to hold it back. Hardly ever in the past did a partner show a genuine interest in what Eve liked. Most simply put on whatever show they pleased without consulting her, but the worst one told her that she was too into the romantics of a relationship and needed to grow up. Right before he tried to make moves on her, and she fled his apartment without looking back.

A quick shake of her head dismissed the memory from her mind. She didn't want to think about him, especially not when she was messaging Selene. So, Eve inhaled steadily and typed.

Please promise me that you'll find something that works. I'm sure future Selene will thank me 🥱

I've rewatched most of the episodes more than I care to admit. Though it is getting rather late. Future Eve doesn't want to fall asleep over the counter tomorrow, so I'll try to turn in for the night

Then, not knowing what possessed her to say such a thing, Eve sent a third little blurb of a text.

Will I see you in the shop tomorrow?

As much as Selene was giddy with delight at the prospect of texting Eve all night, she knew the girl was right. Future Selene, which was actually 6 hours in the future Selene, would genuinely be gratefull if she managed to get a few hours of sleep in now.
Alright, since you ask so nicely and said please, I'll try my best to get some shut-eye.😴
She smiled softly and eventually got off her couch, using her will to get back into something warm to guide her to her bedroom and into bed, all the while using speech to text to answer eve, her hands preocupied with balancing her phone and he cat.
I'll definately have to catch up then, most likely will start from the begining just so I get a sense of plot. And yes, omg please get to sleep as well, I didn't mean to keep you up so late!
She dumped her cat and blankets onto her bed and climbed in, not bothering with rearanging anything as she settled in for the night. She set a last minute alarm and was about to text a final goodnight when the third text popped up on screen. How on earth this simple text caused her heart to race when they had been subtly flirting and calling each other dear and darling for the past hour or so, she would never know. It was nice knowing someone, that someone being Eve, cared, even on a surface level, where Selene would be.
That depends if you'll be looking for me 😉 then what really is the point?
In hindsite, Selene would have died on the spot if she was 100% aware of what she had written and taken the time to think things through but she was tired and she honestly had no energy to sensor her inncent flirtations at this time of night.
But in all seriousness, yes. Theres no way I can leave Joey alone for five minutes in that store. I'll be there bright and early, who knows, maybe I'll pick up a few coffees throughout the day depending on if a certain barista is there.
But until then, Good night, Evey.

Eve read Selene's first message back and laughed quietly.

You'd better try! And don't worry darling. I likely would have stayed up this late anyway.

Before she sent it, she read it back over. Her eyes widened when she noticed her word usage again. Darling. She bit her lip and deleted the word before she sent the message. Once it was sent, she reached for the remote and turned off her TV. Then, using her phone's flashlight, she made her way from her little living room to her bedroom, where she collapsed on the downy mattress. "I've been waiting for you all day, my love," she mumbled into the comforter before stretching for her phone charger. She plugged it in, and just as she sat it on the nightstand, the screen lit up again.

Eve huffed quietly and sat up to read it. What she saw made her heart race. Maybe it wasn't the way Selene intended it to be read, but the way Eve processed it… the message back was incredibly flirty. She swallowed heavily, some of her anxiety returning. But another message came through… only to send her heart rate peaking again. Not great right before she was about to go to bed. She licked her lips, swallowed, and forced herself to type out a final message for the night.

Well I'm kipping down for the night. I'll see you tomorrow then 😊 Good night

Maybe it was a little shorter than Selene was probably hoping for and a bit blunt, but Eve hadn't realized what kind of territory they were straying into. She couldn't… She wasn't ready for another relationship. It was what she'd told herself for years now. Safety. Her routine, her house, her comfort, her patterns – they were all designed for her safety. Without waiting for anything in return, she shut off her phone, put it on her nightstand, and closed her eyes.

Selene would be lying if she said that she fell asleep immediately like she was told and didn't stay up nearly half an hour after she had gotten into bed, scrolling through the message thread over and over again. Was she reading between the lines and creating meaning that probably wasn't there? Maybe. Sprinkled in with embarrasment and regret woul probably be a bit closer to the whole truth. Maybe the last few texts were a mistake. Too flirtatious and forward. OF course Eve would be at the Coffee shop, why would it be any different? and of ourse Selene would be at the book store. Nothing would change even after they met. Only that they they were now aquaintences. barely friends. But didn't that small encounter mean everything changed now? Now Selene had something other than her bookstore to look forwards to in the day. Even if their little conversations went nowhere, Selene would always secretly search out Eve's smile among the barista's or strain to here her distinct british accent. It made Selene's heart ache just imagining their encounter to be a once in a life time thing. Besides they weren't even officially friends and Selene already was thinking in terms of a potential relationship. Frustrated mostly with her self, she turned off her phone, set it on the nightstand beside her and tried her best to go to sleep without trying to think of a certain someone.
~
The next morning, or in Selene's case, a few hours after she had officially gone to bed, she woke up to her alarm. She turned it off, debated whether to sleep in, thought it was a very bad idea in the long run, and instead got out of bed. Nearly two hours later, Selene was heading out the door, bright yellow raincoat draped over her shoulders as she ran to Joey's car.
"i should have walked." She groaned as joey batted his eyelashes at her. "that not an answer to my question, dear sister. now what did you and Eve talk about?" Selene gave a sharp glare and went silent as she tried her best to apply eyeliner on the bumpy car ride. As much as her brother annoyed her, he was the only one she could really talk to that would understand her on the same level. "Honestly nothing too out there. Mostly work, she loves the show you and kai watch, the mother one? and then procrastinating about sleep." She explained. Joey nodded with a grin. "So not only is she drop dead gorgeous, british, and knows how to run a busines slike a boss, she also has immaculate taste in tv shows. You can't let this one go, Selene. She's perfect. And she seems to really like you." Selene sighed softly and gave up on the eyeliner. "We're just friends joey. And i don't want to ruin what little connection we have already by assuming she wants to be in any sort of relationship, including with me."

Eve’s morning started off interesting enough at All City right when she walked in. She’d woken up off a solid four and a half hours of sleep and had thought about nothing but her conversation with Selene since she woke up. Had she misjudged the girl? Was she only trying to be friendly? Had it been the late night getting to both of them? The thoughts ran rampant in her mind.

By now, the Englishwoman was ready for her morning cold brew. But what she saw instead made her blood run cold. Two male customers were leaning almost halfway over the counter, waving their coffee cups, and yelling at the baristas on duty. Eve recognized Jenny, who the rest of the staff affectionately called Jelly or Jelly Bean, and Bea as the two on the receiving end of the men’s anger.

“Enough!” Eve demanded, not even slipping out of her coat as she rounded the counter and glared at the men. To her delight, she was taller than both of them, especially in her heels. “What seems to be the problem here?”

The men ducked back to their rightful side of the counter and glanced at each other. Obviously, neither of them had counted on the arrival of a third, taller barista. Finally, one of them spoke. “She got our order wrong,” he accused, pointing a finger at Jenny.

Jenny’s eyes were wide as she shook her head. “I-I-I-I didn’t,” she stammered. Bea wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders.

“She did,” the other man agreed. “We want a refund and free drinks.”

Eve’s eyes narrowed. “Let me see the drinks.”

The second man shook his head. “We’d like to speak with the manager. They-” a pause and pointed finger at Jenny and Bea “-said she wasn’t here yet. We’re not leaving until she gets here to give us a refund.”

Eve arched her eyebrows. “I am the manager. And the owner. I’ll only repeat myself once more. Let me see the drinks.”

The men exchanged another look before setting the cups on the counter. Eve took them, looked at the label, and dumped them both in the trash can. Both men opened up their mouths, but Eve was already prepared. “Get out,” she ordered coldly. It was nearly a snarl. “Or I will call the police. Don’t ever bully my baristas again. Find somewhere else to get your coffee order wrong.”

The men immediately headed for the door.

“Yeah, go to Starbucks!” Bea yelled after them.

Eve waited until the men were out of sight, then smacked her. “Bea!”

“Ow!” Bea moaned. “What did I do?”

Eve frowned knowingly. “You know what you did. Now go get the next customer.”

Bea sighed but went to do as she was told while Eve guided Jenny out of sight. She knew Bea was tough and could handle herself. Hell, she’d probably been arguing with the men before Eve arrived. But Jenny was the newest hire and the youngest member of the staff. It was her first job.

Once they were alone, Eve pulled the girl into a gentle hug. Jenny immediately burst into tears and trembled. “It’s alright, darling,” she murmured reassuringly. “It’s alright. They were arseholes, and they’re gone. Breath, darling, breathe.”

After a minute or so, Jenny settled herself down. “Stay back here for a bit,” Eve said softly. “I’ll come and get you if we really need you. Take some time. Bea and I are here.”

Jenny nodded, teary-eyed. “Thank you, Miss Springett.”

Eve smiled warmly and rubbed Jenny’s shoulder. “I’ve told you before to call me Eve.”

With that, Eve slipped her coat off, pulled her hair up, and went to take the next customer’s order.

This morning in particular was one Selene could genuinely say she was excited for. Of course she adored her job and would be forever grateful for the oportunity to do something she loved but this day specifically she always looked forwards to each month. Not only was she excited to see Eve again, it had slipped her distracted mind that today would also be the day a group of kids from a local school would drop by and visit. A while back when she had become owner of the store, she had decided to partner with local charities and schools to get her store's name out there and make connections with adults and kids alike, hopeing to offer a bit of a get away from their everyday lives. For around a year now, each month the local schools would bring varying groups of kids to her store and Selene would offer discounts or even have a freeby book day.
So the moment Selene could open the doors to her store she threw everything behind the counter and her and Joey got to work on displaying the new books, and making everything a bit more whimisical than normal, if that was at all possible. Typically, Selene found that yes in fact it was. With a huff, Selene took a step back and serveyed their work, straightening a few books here and there and adjusting some decorations before nodding with satisfaction. “Great, four down, two more to go.” She glanced over at her sibling and laughed when she saw his already forlorn expression. “Sel, six displays? last time we only did four.” He commented, despite his protests, already rumaging through more storage boxes of decorations. “Yep, some of the students mentioned wanting to see more genres so I added a few more, just to cover all the bases. She replied, helping Joey drag over the box. “Horror and I think more adult sci-fi?” She said, letting go of the box to bring over the stacks of books prepped for the display to show Joey who nodded approvingly “We can set these up and then maybe get a few coffees before the group comes in?” She suggested as casually as she could, all the while turning away and pretending to be hyperfixated on already fine decorations. Joey straightened and arched an eyebrow, already knowing his sister’s intentions. “Sure. I can order two coffees and you can talk to your favorite barista, right?” Without really thinking, a combination of excitement and lack of decent sleep, Selene replied with “Right!” and then paused and whipped around “I-I mean no! yes we’ll both get coffees. I’ll order mine and you order yours. Seperately. And if we happen to run into any barista, of course we’ll be decent human beings and say hi.”
Joey shook his head and laughed as he grabbed his back and the store keys before heading to the door. "Sure, now lets get going." He encouraged, holding the door open as Selene grabbed her bag and followed after.

The morning flew by in a oddly patterned combination cold brews and lattes and espressos. Finally, when a little lull hit, Eve braced herself on the counter and sighed.

Beside her, Bea turned toward her and spoke with uncharacteristic shyness in her voice, “Thank you for what you did earlier, Eve. Most places I’ve worked, the managers just sit there and take it. Honestly, there was one who even yelled at me in front of a whole store full of customers. I just wanted to say thank you for doing that for me and Jelly.”

Eve turned her head over and smiled softly at the short, blonde-haired, blue-eyed spitfire. She couldn’t imagine anyone yelling at Bea without Bea throwing her own two cents back in their face.

“You’re welcome, Bea,” Eve murmured. “I just did what I thought was right. I’ll always defend you, and anyone else who works behind the counter here.”

Bea grinned. “Well then, you’re a few long strides ahead of most other people who work in food service.” Then something behind Eve caught Bea’s attention, and her eyes lit up. “Jelly!”

Eve turned to see Jenny re-emerging from the little back room looking good as new. “Hello darling,” she greeted the girl with a smile. “Are you feeling better?”

“Yes, Mi— Eve. Thank you,” Jenny replied sweetly.

Eve nodded and turned to glance out the huge glass in the front of her shop. Without even trying, her eyes caught on Selene and Joey heading out of the book store and coming toward All City. Her stomach did a little flip, and she prayed that Bea and Jenny had no knowledge of anything that happened last night during Katherine’s shift.

"So are ya gonna ask her out on a date or something?"Joey seeme dset on the topic of Eve's and Selene's continuing realtionship dispite Selene's multiple attempts as they walked to All City's to divert their conversation elsewhere so eventually she indulged her brother. "She still does technically owe me a coffe date." She mutteredwith a half smile. "But its not a realy date. more just a time to hang out and get to know each other, without the lables of any sort of relationship except maybe friends." She waved a hand flippantly in the air and huffed a sigh. "Honestly I'm not even sure if there is chance since we're both so busy." Joey gently nudged his sister's shoulder. "you will," He reassured gently. "If she values a friendship with you then you'll both make it work." Selene smiled and ruffled her brother's hair playfully. "Alright, what overly sweet drink are you getting?" She asked, tugging open the door to the coffee shop. Unnable to help herself she scanned the shop, gaze immediately finding Eve at the front register and giving a little wave before turning back to Joey.
"In my defense…I actually don't have one it is very sweet but it tastes good so shush. You go first with your boring vanilla cinamon latte. I need to order for Kai anyways and they always want to try soemthing new so this might take a bit which I don't think will be a problem will it?" Joey smirked and waved Selene off towards the line while he found a place to sit and text Kai. She huffed softly and stepped into line, looking ove rthe decorative menu even if her brother was right. It was rare when she ordered something other than her latte.
"Hi!" She greeted brightly once she reached the counter meeting Eve's gaze for a moment before flicking up to the board, bouncing in place ever so slightly in indecision. "See I was going to get my regular pick-me-up, a vanilla cinnamon latte," She started to explain. "But, my brother thinks thats boreing so now I'm stuck." SHe paused her bouncing and nodded to Eve and tipped her head with a smile, forming an idea in her head. "I'm going to trust you just this once. Put in what ever order you recommend but don't tell me. I'll pay whatever it is."

Eve couldn't help herself. Her eyes kept glancing out the windows to track Joey and Selene as they neared All-City. Their body language with little gestures and nudges suggested some kind of casual topic. She couldn't help but wonder what they were talking about.

After directing the next customer to where Bea was waiting, Eve noticed Selene's wave. She was about to wave back, but the other girl had already turned away. Eve's expression dropped a bit, and she looked down so Selene wouldn't notice if she looked back over.

When she looked up again, Eve noticed Joey walking away to sit down on one of the leather couches lining the room. They were one of Eve's favorite things about the shop. But she was quickly distracted by Selene as the girl made it to her register. The bright greeting and little bounces of Selene caught the attention of Bea, who had just finished helping her customer and was handing the cup to Jenny to make the order. She smirked subtly and observed, much to Eve's irritation. Bea and Katherine could have been relationship meddling sisters.

Eve's expression faded into one of soft shock. The woman's smile was just adorable. And what she was asking Eve to do… She blinked a moment before realizing how stupid she must've looked and quickly glanced down at her tablet, which was waiting for the next order to be entered. "Alright," Eve murmured. But she hesitated and looked back up at Selene before confirming the order. "You're sure about this?"

"Oh, come on, Eve!" Bea urged knowingly. "Get the pretty girl her drink!" Even Jenny stopped to observe the scene after making the drink for Bea's last customer.

Eve flushed brilliantly and looked at Selene. "You're sure?" she asked again, quieter this time. There was a flash of shyness in her eyes as she waited for an answer.