The early afternoon sun filtered in through the wide windows, casting the shop in a warm golden glow. The scent of fresh pastries mixed with the earthy aroma of coffee added to the cozy vibe. The cats ran around the shop, chasing after a ball. Adrian had finished the first slice of cake and was now on his second slice.
He couldn't remember when he had last spent time like this. Even when he was recovering in the hospital, every waking minute was spent working.
"So, did you just move here?" Felix asked as he wiped down the counter. "I've not seen you around before."
"Yeah," The man said, leaning back on the stool. The cat on his lap purred, annoyed that he moved his hand away. "I came over from the Third Coast."
"The Third Coast… Oh, Chicago." Felix's brow lifted. "That's a big jump," he said, leaning over the counter. "Going from a bustling city with many beaches to sleepy mountainous Ashvale. Why'd you do that, though?"
"I wanted a change of environment, lived there all my life," he said, shrugging. "Plus, rent was getting too high, and I couldn't find a job that paid enough."
Felix hummed in understanding. "Yeah, the rent is pretty affordable around here. The houses aren't as modern, but they are all in good condition. And the people are very welcoming and nice, which is a plus. What type of job are you looking for?" He glanced over, voice light. "I know quite a few people."
The man tilted his head curiously.
"Trust me," Felix added with a small smile. "If I refer you, you'll definitely get the job."
"I thank you in advance, then," The man said, chuckling softly. "Something fit for college dropouts. Preferably, with housing is included."
Felix blinked, his gaze turning thoughtful. Then his lips curved into a grin. He laid his arms on the counter and rested his head. "How about my shop?
The man looked up, surprised.
"My house is just behind the shop. I have a few empty rooms. They're spacious, clean, with queen-sized beds and individual bathrooms. You can even choose the view you like. Comes with delicious meals cooked by yours truly, too." Felix added with a wink.
Adrian lowered his gaze. This man is quite welcoming. They had just met, and he was already offering him a job. Most people would be cautious, especially in small towns like this. Felix, however, had no reservations.
But it felt nice, for the first time in a long while, he felt like he was just a man. Not a leader. Not someone who had to plan deeply before making any decision. Just someone doing him a favor, not because they want something from him in return, but just because he looked like he needed it.
He should say no. He was just supposed to do a quick check and go back to his own world.
But he wasn't ready to say goodbye to the warmth here.
"The perks you're offering are quite generous. What would you need me to do?"
"Well," Felix said, counting on his fingers, "I need a waiter, someone to help with the cats, and an extra hand around the cafe when I'm coaching the kids, they can be quite a handful."
The man stared at him, a strange emotion flickering in his eyes. "Aren't you afraid I might be a bad person?"
Felix tilted his head towards the cats, who were now chasing each other around the shop. "Cats can smell bad vibes," he said lightly. "And they seem to like you. Besides," he added playfully flexing his muscles, "I might look weak, but I can protect myself."
The man raised a brow, unconvinced.
"I'm serious!" Felix protested.
He reached under the counter and pulled out a small black object. Holding it up, he pushed a button, and a loud electric buzz echoed across the room, making the man jolt upright.
"A teaser?" he asked
"Yep," Felix grinned proudly. "It can knock down a 7-foot-tall man."
"Tasers are that powerful these days?"
"Well… not all. But this one I got through a special channel." He giggled and stroked it lovingly before sliding it back into its drawer.
"Also—" he looked at the man seriously. "Are you a bad guy?"
Adrian was choked.
Was he?
As much as he tried, he still had blood on his hands, the people who came after him, the people harming his men.
But he had never hurt the innocent.
He had never harmed someone who didn't deserve it. That was one line he refused to cross.
The man looked at him.
"No," he said quietly.
"Okay," Felix nodded with an easy smile. "I believe you. So… do you want the job?"
This was his chance, his final chance to decline. He should say no and leave. He had a mission waiting for him. He needed to deal with his uncles as soon as possible.
He opened his mouth to reject the offer.
"Thank you," he said instead. "When can I move in?"
Felix's grin widened, lighting up his whole face. "As soon as you like! I could go with you to pack up if you want."
Adrian nodded slowly. He could delay his departure for a month. All the plans were already in place. He could further investigate Felix and also protect him, as Jack had requested.
"Oh!" Felix said suddenly. "What's your name, by the way? I can't believe I never asked."
The man looked at him for a beat, as if weighing something again. "Adrian Stone"
"Adrian," Felix repeated it softly under his breath.
"Yes.." Adrian answered.
"A nice name," he said warmly, "It suits you."
Adrian blinked, a little thrown by the unexpected compliment. This Felix is quite strange, his thought process is unexpected.
"You think so?"
"Yeah." He held out a hand solemnly. "Welcome aboard. I'm Felix Rees, your new boss."
Adrian shook it, his grip firm, and the same spark from earlier travelled up his arm.