Later that evening, Lucian returned to the café.
Rain tapped softly against the windows as he stepped inside brushing water from the sleeve of his coat. The warmth of the room wrapped around him instantly coffee, quiet music low conversations
Normal
Comforting
For the first time in weeks lucian felt himself relax
he scanned the room once
No Eva
A strange disappointment settled in his chest though he quickly ignored it.
He moved toward the counter.
the usual? the barista asked casually
lucian paused
I've only been here twice
the barista shrugged with a smile still counts
lucian gave a faint smirk
Maybe this place was becoming routine
he took his coffee and sat near the window, watching headlights smear across the wet streets outside
People moved constantly in this city rushing somewhere
searching for something
lucian wondered how many of them actually found it
Thinking too hard again?
The voice came suddenly
lucian looked up
Eva slid into the seat across from him, setting down her notebook
No dramatic entrance
No explanation
Just Eva
like she had always belonged there
you disappear a lot Lucian said.
She leaned back
and yet you keep coming back
That isn't an answer
It wasn't supposed to be
lucian shook his head slightly almost amused
eva opened her notebook sketching absentmindedly while they talked.
What do you draw all day? lucian asked
"People mostly"
and what do you see when you draw them?
Eva looked up briefly
"The parts they hide"
That answer lingered longer than it should have.
Before Lucian could respond the café door opened again
A woman entered shaking rain from her umbrella before walking toward the counter
Lucian recognized her immediately
Vida.
She hadn't noticed him yet
eva glanced toward the counter too.
that your employee? she asked.
Lucian nodded slowly
new analyst.
She looks observant
lucian looked back at eva
you say that like it's dangerous
Sometimes it is
Vida finally turned and spotted Lucian by the window
For a brief second, surprise crossed her face
Then she walked over.
Mr. Rodsfield
Lucian nodded
Vida.
Her eyes briefly shifted toward the empty seat across from him before returning to him naturally.
Didn't expect to see you here she said
Likewise
Vida smiled faintly
This café's one of the few quiet places left in the city
Eva quietly watched the interaction chin resting on her hand
then she suddenly stood
I'm getting another coffee
she said
Lucian looked at her.
You just got here. I'll survive the journey
She walked off toward the counter
Vida sat down carefully across from lucian
For a moment neither of them spoke.
Then Vida glanced toward Eva's notebook left on the table.
You know her?
Lucian followed her gaze.
A little.
Vida nodded slowly
She seems familiar
Lucian frowned slightly
Have you met before?
I don't think so
Vida replied maybe I've just seen her somewhere.
Lucian looked toward the counter where Eva stood waiting for coffee
Something about the scene felt oddly distant for a second.
Like watching a memory instead of a moment
Then Eva turned and smiled at him from across the café
And the strange feeling disappeared instantly.
Vida noticed Lucian staring.
You okay?? she asked
Lucian blinked once
Yeah
But for the first time since meeting Eva
he wasn't completely sure.