Page 39 of Campfires & Canines
Heath glances at his watch. “Look, I have to go to work. Why don't you go see your friends?"
I take a deep breath. "I think I'm going to head into town. I'm supposed to call my therapist and this way I can do a video call. It'll be better."
"Great plan, kiddo. Take care of yourself."
"Of course." I trace the wood grain of the table until he disappears out the door.
This did not go how I pictured it.
A few more tears fall as I drive into town. But by the time I park outside Birch & Brew, I only feel drained. I check my face with the mirror in the visor. Dark circles stare back, but I’m passable.
The coffee shop is quiet, not surprising for late morning on a weekday. I order a punny latte and hover near the end of the counter. Three paintings hang on the far wall, a swirl of black and gray that reminds me of Slate's father's artwork.
"Hey, stranger." A rich voice wraps about me.
I turn sharply. "Oh, hey!"
His blue eyes are pools, his pale hair artfully swept back. It looks like bedhead, but I have a feeling he put significant effort into the style. He smiles, his teeth white and straight. His sculpted features look so similar to Slate.
"Fancy meeting you here." He walks over, reaching for a coffee mug already waiting for him. He thanks the barista with the universal bro nod.
"You know, this is only my second time visiting, and you've been here both times. You're making me think that you live here." It feels good to joke with someone without worrying about the future.
"It's got the best Wi-Fi in town," he explains. "Come join me." It's not an order, but his confidence draws me in. He’s the distraction I need while I wait.
"For a bit. I've got a video call in like twenty minutes." I grab my coffee and follow him.
Jasper settles at a little cafe table. His laptop is already sitting open, but he closes it and gives me his full attention.
"So, are you still in college? Or working remotely?" I ask.
"Maybe I'm moderating my wildly successful social media channels." He raises an eyebrow.
"Seriously?"
"Hell no." He laughs.
I wrinkle my nose. "I don't know, you could pass for an influencer."
"Oh really. What makes you think that?" He might be asking for compliments, but I'm not sure how else to answer.
"Everything, the hair, the eyes." I wave my hand.
He leans forward, his sly smile splitting into an amused grin. "Now you have to let me take you on a date. Or at least let me buy you coffee."
"I think I'm good on coffee." I deflect, lifting my cup. The idea of a date makes my insides squirm, and not in a pleasant way.
"Next time," he insists.
"So what are you doing? Sorry, you don't have to answer that."
"No, it's cool. I'm taking online classes."
"Oh. So I was right about college."
"Yeah, I'm taking my sweet time finishing up my bachelor's." Oh, so he probably is my age.
"What are you studying?" I tuck my hair behind my ears.
