'A New Discovery'

"I'm glad you could make it, Florence." Sebastian who was seated on a chair stood up and extended his hand which I seized in a warm handshake, all the while wondering why he stood up to acknowledge my presence.

However, I placed my little black Gucci purse on the familiar yellow table of Alex's Coffee Shop and drew out a seat.

"Yeah." I sat in the chair and placed my hands over each other on my left thigh. Sebastian stared at me momentarily and as I raised my right brow in confusion, he let out a smile. Today, he's dressed in a pair of slacks and a large yellow T-shirt, and as usual, accompanied by his laptop which lay on a bag positioned on the table.

A waitress  approached us to take our orders. Her eyes were fixed on Sebastian in admiration as she opened her mouth to speak.

"Don't worry, we won't be needing anything." He fixed his eyes on her as she placed her notepad on her chest and chewed on the cover of her pen.

"Are you sure about that?" She seductively waggled a brow at Sebastian who scratched the back of his head in obvious discomfort.

This was something I disliked about some waitresses, they were so clingy, once they set their eyes on a particular handsome guy, they would do anything to get his attention regardless of the people seated with him.

"I'm totally sure the only thing we'll like is for you to leave us alone." I shot her a weak smile and she bowed her head in shame and hurried away.

Good riddance.

"Wasn't that a little bit harsh?" He asked.

"I thought I was doing you a favour." I replied with a scowl.

Actually, I didn't know why I did what I did, it didn't matter if the waitress had flirted with Sebastian, it was no business of mine. With the way I dismissed her, anyone would have concluded that he was my boyfriend or something like that.

I've been really cranky lately, so I guess that accounts for my spiteful speech.

"Jeez, calm down, thanks for saving me anyways."

I smiled in response and shifted my hands to the top of the table.  Sebastian tore his gaze from me and placed his left hand on his bag, he dragged open a zip with his other hand and retrieved a folded piece of paper. He examined it for awhile and returned his eyes to my face.

"I'm sorry for calling you out in the manner I did, but I just made an important discovery."

"What did you discover?" I enquired eagerly,  craning the upper area of my body forward. I could only hope his discovery concerned my sister.

He sensing my eagerness slid the paper toward me and I snatched it with my fingers.

"What's this?" I asked while unfolding the paper.

"Well," He joyfully rubbed his palms together. "We've finally uncovered the exact location of your sister's kidnappers."

The joy that surged through me was capable of tearing the coffeeshop down, but I managed to keep it down.

"Oh my God!" I shrieked and placed a hand over my mouth when I noticed the hush that fell upon all the people seated around us. Slowly, I looked around and caught the disapproving glances thrown at me by the men and women. Alex's Coffee Shop wasn't really big so if I say that all eyes were on me, I wouldn't be exaggerating.

"I'm sorry." I mouthed, just as my cheeks heated up in embarrassment.

To my relief, they all returned to their interrupted conversations. However, the elderly couple seated next to us mutually grunted in displeasure and returned to their boring conversation.

How did I know their dialogue was boring? I'm guilty of stereotyping at times, don't blame me.

This was the single reason why I hated coming to public places like this, I couldn't do a single thing and escape the scrutiny of nosy people. There were always the ladies analysing the overdressed and underdressed individuals, the elderly whose ears were perked up to catch even a whisper of a swear word and their eyes were always ready to criticize PDA. God! It all infuriates me.

"What are you thinking about?"

Glancing upwards, I met Sebastian's watchful eyes.

"It's nothing." I replied and tried recalling what we were talking about before I droned out.

"Please..." He pleaded just like Tamara when she chooses to be annoying. Lately, I've been detecting actions similar to my sister's in every one I came across, and I know it's because I miss her so much.

Groaning, I placed my fingers on my forehead.

"I was just listing out all the reasons why I hate public places."

"And pray, what might your reasons be?" He asked in a hilarious manner, his lips forming a smile.

"Nosy people, the judgemental ones, you know..." I searched  for other items to add to my list. Finding none, I huffed in frustration. "Don't tell me you haven't been publicly criticized."

He blinked at me and rubbed his chin just like the way Philip would when in deep thought.

Great, now I'm matching his action to Philip's too.

Sebastian burst into laughter like I had said the funniest thing ever. He only stopped when he caught the glare of the elderly woman and man from before. Gradually, the smile from his face faded and he sighed.

"Remind me to take you somewhere private when next we meet."

I attached a double meaning to his words and pursed my lips. He sensed my thoughts and his eyes widened.

"I... I didn't mean it like that, I..."

The beep of his phone was the only thing that rescued him from a stutter attack. He extracted his ironical savior from the left pocket of his trouser and tapped twice on its screen.

His eyebrows furrowed as his eyes travelled over the screen.

"Florence, I'm terribly sorry, I need to go." His voice was strained, laced with several negative emotions. I tried to decipher what the problem might be as he pocketed his phone and carefully placed his laptop in his bag.

"Is everything OK?"

"My sister was rushed to the hospital, she had an asthmatic attack."

He rose to his feet and I glanced at his face filled with sorrow. My heart went out for him in sympathy because I knew how it felt to have a loved one hospitalized, sick or even dead, even though we aren't laboured by the same sicknesses they have, we'll feel the pains as much as they do and will be ready to do virtually everything to save them.

My mind rapidly travelled back to the time mom was stabbed by an unknown person, I was terribly disorganized at that time and I know Sebastian is going through the same thing.

"Do you mind if I come along?" I offered, expecting him to decline. To my surprise, a brilliant, yet sad smile appeared on his face as he nodded in agreement.

"Sure, come on." He put his hands in the pockets of his trouser and waited for me to pack a few items into my purse. I refolded the printed coordinates and safely placed it inside my purse too. Looking myself over, I pushed my chair back and rose to my feet.

While Sebastian and I walked to the exit, my eyes travelled over to see the elderly couple happily waving at us, completely pleased at our departure.

Outside the coffee shop, Sebastian led me to a brand new Ford SUV. He unlocked the doors and we climbed into the silver car.

My phone rang and I checked the caller ID. Philip. I remembered our date scheduled for today. Surprisingly, I had forgotten about it as soon as I stepped into the coffee shop.

Guiltily, I answered the call.

"Hello Philip." Sebastian briefly glimpsed at me before starting the car.

"Florence, where are you? I just arrived at your house."

What will I tell him?

"I met up with Sebastian at the coffee shop, it has to do with the case we're on, I'm so sorry."

He hesitated for a long time before I heard a little rustle in the background.

"It's okay, I'll stop... "

"He had a call that his sister was suddenly rushed to the hospital, I'm accompanying him there." I prepared myself for a verbal attack but it didn't come. He took a deep breath in, probably not pleased with my decision.

"Do not fret yourself too much, call me whenever you're back, see you then, okay?"

I inhaled deeply and smiled in relief, glancing at the people the car drove past.

"Okay."

He hung up and I placed my phone on the console beside me. With my hands still perched on the console, I glanced up at Sebastian who met my gaze and rapidly looked away.

"Are you OK?"

"I think I am."

He replied and drove his car into the driveway of the hospital we arrived at.

Somehow, I had a feeling that he wasn't telling me the truth.

......................................................

Hey Cupcakes!

Did you enjoy this chapter? If you did, what about it did you enjoy?

By the way I'd really appreciate it if you check out my other book, Twisted. Don't be afraid to share your thoughts with me.

Did I really forget to tell you guys about my birthday coming up on the 24th of this month (April)?  I may not throw a party or something, but your well wishes will go a long way in thrilling me.

Well, I suck at long notes, so I'll leave you to enjoy the rest of the book.

Tris. ❤❤❤❤