Three People, One Table

"That's my drink," Persephone said softly. "Excuse me." She tried brushing past him - which was not an easy feat being surrounded by furniture and other patrons. They made direct eye contact as their bodies came into contact with each other.

Persephone inhaled sharply at the proximity of this man catching a profound whiff full of his cologne. "You smell really good." She told him, as she pushed against him to get through.

She reached the counter for the steaming cup of coffee and walked back to her table.

The handsome stranger was still there ushering people away from her table.

"Thank you," she said as she sat down on the cushioned green-colored padded bench.

"Don't mention it," he said with a half-smile and a twinkle in his eye before walking away.

Persephone had intended to invite him to share a table, but he left before she so much as opened her mouth. Unwillingly, her gaze remained on him- following him as he made his way to the end of the line.

"Excuse me, Miss?" She heard a soft feminine voice coming from the right.

Persephone turned to the sound. A woman in her 60's stood above her. She had shoulder-length white hair and a gracefully aged gentle face with the kindest light-blue eyes looking back at her. For a fleeting moment, Persephone had the distinct feeling she knew her but quickly brushed the thought away. After all, she hadn't been in Seattle very long, and she had not had time to acquaint herself with anyone other than the financial advisor she just met with.

"Hi," Persephone responded, knowing she looked a little perplexed. "May I help you with something?"

"Do you mind sharing your table?" The woman asked at once. "Unless you're expecting company?"

Persephone motioned to the wooden chair across from her. "I'll save it for you after you've placed your order."

The woman quickly removed her raincoat and placed it on the back of the chair, however, the next move surprised Persephone. The woman came behind the table and sat her slightly rounded body next to Persephone on the padded bench.

"I'm meeting someone- my order is being taken care of as we speak," she pointed to the baristas and quickly looked back at Persephone. "You don't mind if someone else joins us, right? Seeing that there are two extra chairs and all," she motioned across from them.

Persephone's eyes followed the motion. "Of course not," she said jovially. "I'm not staying very long." She took a cautionary sip of her drink only to find it too hot for her taste. Definitely delicious- but still very hot.

"Heading to work?" The matronly woman asked.

Persephone shook her head as she grabbed a napkin and gently dabbed her lips. "No - just anxious to get home."

"Oh dear," the woman covered her mouth with her right hand. "I hope it isn't because of my intrusion?" The woman tried to stand but had a little difficulty.

Persephone quickly placed her hand on the woman's arm as if to halt the movement. "No!" She exclaimed. "That's not it at all," she reassured her. "I'm new to Seattle, I meant to go home, rest a little and then get lost in the city to familiarize myself with it."

"Aunt Micaela!" A voice boomed near them.

Persephone turned to her left, only to find the handsome man with the deep blue eyes staring down at the woman sitting next to her. He placed two cardboard cups on the table.

"Hello, my love!" Persephone noticed this time around the older woman managed to stand with ease. She walked to kiss the man on the cheek, then turned her attention back to Persephone with a huge smile. "I'd like you to meet my godson, Chris Ericson. "