Eva POV

The next morning as I wait for the clock to say 7am I'm nervous as hell. What do I do if he says no? Even worse what do I do if he says yes.

I watch Lola put out the pastries and start the coffee with a shit eating grin on her face and it's all I can do not to throw up. Why did I agree to this?

"Good morning Miss Eva" a familiar voice says

Oh god, what is he doing here, he's never first which means........where is Joe?

"Good morning Lowell?" I say getting ready to take his order.

"My usual please" he smiles taking hold of my hand "please have dinner with me"

"Lowell I've told you......no" I say "now please stop asking"

"I'll stop when you say yes" he says "would you mind bringing the coffee to my table"

"Of course" I say not looking at him

I place his coffe on a tray with a spoon, sugar and his extra milk and walk over to where he is sitting all the while looking around for Joe but still no sign of him. I hope he's alright.

As I place the items on Lowells table I feel and hand on my hip and myself being pulled down only realising too late that Lowell has pulled me onto his lap

"Come on Eva just one dinner" he says as i try to wriggle free

"No Lowell, how many times do I have to say no now let me go" I say but he just tightens his grip.

"Give me one good reason why you can't" he says

"I......I'm married" I say without thinking "my husband won't be too happy about you treating me this way"

"Married?" He laughs "then how come I never see him in here"

"He comes in every morning" I say finally getting myself free "you just don't notice"

"Eva we both know you are lying now tell the truth why won't you have dinner with me" he says taking a tight hold of my wrists

"What's going on here? Are you alright babygirl" Joe asks and I feel myself breath a sigh of relief

"Who the hell are you?" Lowell asks

"I'm.........."

"My husband............he's my husband" I say linking my arm through Joe's the second Lowell let's go and hoping like he'll that Joe will go along with it

"Has he hurt you sweetheart" Joe asks as he takes my hands and looks at my wrists which are a little red "how dare you lay your hands on my wife"

"Wife......I.....I'm sorry I didn't know" Lowell stutters "it won't happen again"

With that he rushes out of the coffee shop and I relax before looking at Joe who is guiding me to sit down

"Thankyou" I say and he smiles

"No problem babygirl" he smiles "now are you alright, do you need anything"

"No thank you I'm just glad hes gone" I say "I'm sorry I panicked and didn't think before I said what I said"

"No need to apologise" he says "I'm happy to play your fake husband if it keeps him away"

"You're too kind Joe really" I smile "oh I should get your coffee"

"Don't worry Lola can get it for me" he smiles "you know what I drink right?" He asks

"Uh remind me again" she says giving me a look

"Sure, Venti caramel latte extra whip" he says

"Anything else with that?" She asks

"No that's it thank you Lola" he says as he turns his attention back to me and I see Lola give a an I told you so look.

"How often does he come in here?" He asks

"Every morning right after you" I say

"From now on I'm going to be extra early" he says "until he gets the picture and leaves you alone for good"

"Oh you don't need to do that Joe" I say "I don't think he will be anymore bother"

"I don't trust him" he says "and you shouldn't have to deal with people like that"

Lola brings Joe's coffee over and he takes a seat next to me. I watch as he lifts the cup to his mouth takes a sip and then licks the whip from his moustache.

I go to stand but Joe looks at me brow furrowed as I do.

"You don't need to be afraid of me babygirl" he says "I'm sorry if I came on a bit strong"

"Oh I'm not I just thought you would want to drink your coffee in peace" I say

"Not at all" he says "please sit with me"

I sit back down finding myself wondering what is going on here. And then he smiles at me and I instantly relax.

"Don't tell her I said this but Lola doesn't make my coffee as good as you" he says with a wink and I laugh

"I heard that" Lola calls out and we both laugh

"If it's ok with you I'd like to leave you my number" he says "If he ever comes in at anytime of day call me and I'll come get rid of him"

"Thankyou Joe, I really appreciate it" I say taking the napkin from him "I bet you do this for alot of people"

"No......you would be the first" he smiles "I need to get going but call me if you need me"

"Thank you and have a good day Joe" I smile

"No.....thank you babygirl" he smiles "see you tomorrow"