I passed the first couple before grabbing a spare table in the sun at a rock-n-roll themed café. From my spot, I could see the walls and even the ceiling lined with signed posters and even some random musical instrument memorabilia. A middle-aged man in a Beatles shirt came over and handed me the menu. At any other time, I would have been afraid of him, with his huge muscles, heavily tattooed arms, and long beard, but when his eyes met mine, all I could see there was kindness.
“Morning.” He smiled one of those rare smiles that only people who actually liked strangers had. I found it fascinating.
“Morning.”
“Can I get you something to drink to start with?”
Quickly I opened the menu and scanned the drinks. Coffee. I needed coffee. “I’ll just take a large skim flat white and a super green juice, please.”
“No troubles. Coming up.”
He left me to my own devices, and instead of scanning the menu for breakfast, I people watched. Everyone was so different. There were families scattered about, mums trying to force food down their children’s throats while the kids seemed more interested in mashing everything into the highchairs. Beside me there was an old couple who obviously had made it tradition to come here every Saturday for breakfast. He read the paper while she sat with her face tilted towards the sun. Thankfully it had warmed up now the sun had broken through and it was a beautiful morning.
When my coffee arrived, I ordered my breakfast and leaned back in my chair. My mind was running away with me. What the hell had I been thinking throwing myself at Derek like that? It wasn’t me. It wasn’t even remotely like something I’d do. Yet I’d done it. My big breakfast arrived and I dived in, greedily stuffing my face. I managed to get down about a third before I thought I’d burst. After downing the last of my juice, I dropped some cash on the table and stepped back out onto the street. It was time to head home.
By the time I reached the front door every muscle in my body screamed in protest, reminding me I’d overdone it…again. After pulling double duty most of the week, teaching classes I usually didn’t teach, then a night out trying to walk in those ridiculous torture devices Josie referred to as shoes, then a really long run, it was going to take more than a steaming hot shower to ease the pain today.
After I’d bathed, I changed into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, grabbed my keys and phone, and headed back out the door. I mightn’t have to teach today, but the paperwork never ended. Thanks to Julie and Mackenzie’s illness this week, it’d piled up and now I was behind again. A couple of hours ensconced in my office was needed. Walking towards the tram station, I checked my phone, only to be surprised by the number of missed messages. No one ever messaged me.
Josie: U get home ok???
Josie: Mia??? Where R U???
Josie: Fuck me Mia! R U OK!!
Josie: I’ll call Mum!
I couldn’t help but giggle. If I’d have been ignoring her on purpose I’d find it hilarious. I love that she threatened to call Mum on me. Even after all these years, Josie didn’t realize that I was the responsible one. The one who followed the rules. The one who didn’t break curfew or go home with strangers. I wasn’t the daughter that caused Mum and Dad sleepless nights while they paced the house worrying.
As much as I enjoyed seeing Josie worried about me, I quickly sent her a text confirming I was home and alive. It didn’t take long before she came back with a typical Josie response.
Josie: Bout fucking time. I was going 2 have 2 come check on u.
Mia: Mum & Dad would love 2 c u.
Josie: Um not today.
Mia: ???
Josie: Sick.
Mia: Sick? Hung over? Or still drunk?
Josie: ???
Mia: Hahaha.
Josie: Shut up bitch!
Josie: What u up 2 anyway? Bring me burger?
Mia: Can later if u want. Heading 2 work.
Josie: WHY?
Mia: Paperwork. ?
Josie: Nerd.
Mia: Love you too. See u in a couple of hours.
Josie: Thanks.
Josie: & don’t forget my chocolate shake.
Mia: Never <3
The tram arrived and I was pleasantly surprised to see it was almost empty. Slipping into a seat, I put my ear buds in and settled in for the journey. Soon enough I’d need to concentrate, but for now, my mind could wander to the man with the hazel eyes that seemed to see straight through me. That thought alone scared the living shit out of me.
