I made my way around the white circular tables already covered in laptops, cellphones, and file folders, their occupants ready to take on the day now that they had their coffee in hand. I squeezed past a small gap in the second line.
Up ahead, I saw the counter was free. The barista called out “next” in a loud voice that didn’t seem to fit her gothic appearance of dyed jet-black hair and the look of slept-in eye makeup that really probably took her an hour to perfectits imperfectness. I took the opportunity and quickly stepped forward to place my usual order.
I knew full well that I had just pissed a lot of people off, but I didn’t care. I had more important places to be than they did. I could guarantee it.
I ordered my usual. The barista tapped my order into the computer nervously, avoiding the irritated gazes I could feel seething into my back. I drummed my fingers on the counter, wondering what was taking so long.
“Shit,” she whispered under her breath as her eyes scanned the screen.
She tapped at the buttons on the keyboard, her long black nails click-clacking quickly. There was a problem. I checked the time on my watch. I could afford a few extra minutes here. She explained the system was down and she would need to reboot it. I waved her off, putting her slightly at ease.
Stretching my neck from side to side, I turned and leaned against the counter, well aware of the growing annoyance of all the people I had just cut who now had to deal with another wait. I smiled slightly to myself. There wasn’t a damn thing anyone could do orwoulddo about it. I slipped out my phone and opened my emails, scrolling through the inbox that was already filling up for the day. I went through and starred the ones that were most important and ignored the rest.
I slid my phone back in my jacket and looked up to see whose morning I had ruined, only to find a woman looking back at me. I hadn’t noticed her before. Surprisingly. She was good-looking. A knockout really. Her light eyes peered up at me through her long, dark lashes. Her heart-shaped face was framed by her long, light brown hair that fell in waves over one shoulder. I smirked slightly at the way her eyes widened slightly, as if realizing our gazes had met. Flustered, she quickly looked away and pulled her phone from her purse.
I chuckled to myself, watching as she talked on the phone and carefully avoided my gaze. It wasn’t anything new to me. I knew the effect I had on women, and I usually took advantage of it when I was in the mood for fun. And that’s all it was. Fun.
I wasn’t interested in anything other than fucking and forgetting. I had a damn empire to run, and feelings and business didn’t mix. Not that I had really ever given the two a try. I didn’t have time to figure that out. Still, a man had needs. And women were often eager to meet my needs. I wondered if she was…
While the woman was distracted on her phone, my eyes traveled past her face to the chic suit that stood out from everyone else with its light blue color and the way it hugged her curves like it was a second skin. She was on the taller side with a tight body. She knew how to dress it too, from the fit blazer down to the fuck-me heels she wore.
I shook my head.
Not now. Not today.
The barista cleared her throat behind me. I reluctantly turned to face her.
“It’s working now,” she said, handing me back my credit card, followed by my drink.
I thanked her and walked toward the door, getting one more glimpse of the woman on the phone. I heard a few muttered vulgar words under people’s breaths as I passed. Nothing I hadn’t heard before. I smiled smugly to myself and walked outside.
My phone buzzed as I stepped onto the sidewalk. I pulled it from my jacket pocket and read the screen before quickly answering.
“Hey, Mom,” I answered somewhat warily.
“Hi, Chandler honey,” she said warmly.
“Everything okay?” I asked. It wasn’t like her to call this early in the morning.
“Oh, yes. Yes. I just wanted to wish you luck on your big day,” she said.
I felt my nerves calm.
“Well, thanks, Mom. I’m heading to the meeting here in a moment.”
“Let me know how it goes, okay?”
“I will. Love you.”
“Love you, too, honey.”
I ended the call and smiled to myself. I took a sip of coffee and went to reach for the keys in my pocket. I heard the ring of the bell above the coffee shop door and the next thing I knew, someone walked right into me, drinks in hand, slamming into me.
“What the fucking fuck?” I said loudly as the cold coffee seeped quickly through my suit and settled uncomfortably against my skin. The sweet smell of sugar and cream guaranteeing a sticky mess.
I swiped at my suit, flicking the caramel droplets to the sidewalk below, as if somehow it would salvage my brand new suit I had picked up from my tailor last night. I doubted Serge had this in mind for my first run in his latest creation. This wasn’t whatIhad in mind when I woke up this morning. And today of all days.
I had planned my morning to a T. Early wake up call. Morning workout. Cold shower. My usual breakfast of two eggs and wheat toast with avocado. Dress in suit, tie, wingbacks, Rolex. Call car from valet. Coffee shop. Arrive early for meeting.
