I lift a shoulder and grab a new cup. “Satan and his band of misfits, maybe.”
My brother tips his head back and laughs, and I grin as we fall into the rhythm of getting the outrageous order ready.
2. Cass
I’d forgotten how crisp and ass-biting the winters in Adenbrooke can be. It’s very in-your-face, with the calming smell of snow and winter spruces, along with burning wood and fresh coffee. And the carb-dripping food you get here? It only adds a level of authenticity to the overall picturesque vibe. A trademark of sorts, meant only for this town.
11 years away from this place, and yet, my brain begins navigating the streets, shops, and bus stations with un-hiccupped ease. It kind of feels like I’d never even left.
Being a model, celebrity fitness trainer, and a YouTube influencer comes with its own set of opportunities. I have a solid career and financial stability, and I’m so fucking proud of myself for having achieved it all at the age of 27.
When I was offered a documentary series by Netflix three months ago, I jumped at the chance of unveiling more of myself and my personality to my audience and clients.Netflix is ahugeplatform, and the fact that I’m going to get my own show on it – it’s an accomplishment that’s beyond my wildest imagination.
I scratch my thick stubble and take off my black beanie, resulting in my shoulder-length hair to flow haphazardly with the icy wind. Sliding my hands into the front pockets of my dark jeans, I look around the large open space I’m standing in the middle of.
I’d told my manager, Amanda, that I wanted to film half the documentary in Adenbrooke, because I have so many memories and places here that I want to share with my fans.
The B&B we’ve booked for ourselves and the 34 crew members who will be helping me with the documentary, has amassive back area which is usually reserved for weddings and occasional town parties. I’ve decided to film bits of sit-down moments here, which is why the crew is currently hauling all the cameras and equipment out of our tour buses and onto the vacant ground.
“Randall, my man, what the ever-lovingfuck?” says one of the crew members.
I turn and look at Randall, who is covered in snow and is standing next to an empty table. He carefully places four large paper bags on it, and the kid next to him does the same.
“Thanks, Davis,” Randall tells him. “Couldn’t have done it without you, buddy.”
“My name’s Dave,” the kid corrects. “Where’s the $20 you promised anyway? I didn’t agree to help your whiny ass for free.”
“I’m sorry, but did you justcurse?” Randall asks. “Aren’t you 12 or something?”
The kid rolls his eyes. “15, actually.” He holds out a hand. “Money.”
My lips twitch. I quickly tie my hair in a bun and walk over to the table, just as Randall hands the kid the promised cash.
“Thanks.” He counts the money for good measure, then turns and walks away without a back-glance, leaving Randall dumbfounded in his wake.
I chuckle. “Only a few hours here and you’ve already been played,” I say.
He straightens, despite looking utterly disheveled. “Sir.”
I wave a hand at him. “Don’t go all formal with me, please; it makes me uncomfortable.” I glance ahead, and smile at Amanda when I see her walking over to me.
She jerks her chin at the paper bags, which results in her short, jet-black hair to sway to the right.
“Coffee?” she asks Randall.
He nods. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Will you distribute them among the crew? Ask for assistance so it doesn’t take long,” she says to him. “And don’t forget to grab your cup, too.”
He gives her a grateful smile, then pulls out two cups from the 3rdbag before placing them on the table in front of us. He then calls out to a couple of crew guys to come help him with the bags, and as they all go around distributing the coffee, I reach out a hand to grab my cup.
I’ve only just wrapped my fingers around it when my entire body stiffens, and my heart almost races out of my chest when I see the logo printed on the center of the beige Styrofoam cup.
How many times have I seen this logo?
How many times have I absentmindedly traced my fingers over it during study sessions at the café?
Fuck…
