FOUR - SKYE

Skye

Working at the coffee shop on Monday mornings was such a hassle. It used to be easy when I had early college classes - just show up and listen. But this job was completely different. I had to keep refilling drinks, carrying heavy buckets of ice, and getting ready for the busy morning rush. Luckily, I wasn't alone; Mandy and I were doing the morning shift together.

Mandy and I were like two totally opposite people. But she had been my best friend for a long time. She was quiet and shy, never wanting to be the center of attention or cause any problems. She would patiently listen to my stories, even though she would sometimes give me annoyed looks at the reasons behind my actions. Despite trying to keep me in line, she was really good at giving sensible and straightforward advice.

Mandy had taken a different path in life - she was going to graduate school. My dad helped her get a job at the café to help pay for her studies. When my dad found out about Mandy's plans, it caused a lot of drama. He kept making me feel guilty for over two months before finally giving up and focusing on something else. In the meantime, Mandy and I worked together and I really valued our friendship and being able to spend time with her.

With a quick peek behind me, I gently placed the tray of muffins on the counter. Turning my attention to the display case, I carefully arranged each muffin, one by one. The cafe was really particular about how the pastries looked. The stripes on the muffin wrappers had to match perfectly, and everything else had to be neatly organized without a single crumb out of place. Some might find this level of detail boring, but I didn't really mind. It gave me a sense of purpose and something to focus on.

Mandy, as she set a coffee pot in motion, expressed her confusion, "I still don't get why you're here. Instead of earning very little money organizing muffins, you could buy, like, fifty of these cafes."

I flashed a smile and replied, "Well, I actually like it here. It makes me feel more grounded, less like the privileged kid who relies on her dad. Plus, he's less intense with me when I'm working like any other employee. Sometimes, he still treats me like I'm fifteen, though."

Mandy couldn't help but chuckle. "Skye, hate to break it to you, but this is your very first job, and you're twenty-one."

I retorted with a slight edge, "So what? I went to college to gain skills and get a good job, not end up behind a coffee shop counter."

"Well, if you could just make up your mind about what you really want to do," she prodded, playfully poking my side, "you could break free from this place. With your Ivy League education, the world is your oyster. Just figure out what truly excites you, what motivates you to find work – and I don't mean shopping sprees."

I responded with a smile, "I will, eventually. For now, I find comfort in simply being part of society."

As I finished arranging the last muffin on the rack, my thoughts wandered back to Derek. I knew Mandy would give me a hard time about my impulsive choices, but she was my closest friend, and I needed to share this with someone. My emotions were bubbling up, ready to burst. In that moment, I pondered about my future, my father, and Derek. I didn't want to keep that unforgettable experience to myself; it was the most intense intimacy I had ever encountered. What I needed was guidance, someone who could offer honest advice from their perspective. I knew Mandy was that person. Throughout our years of friendship, she had always been truthful with me.

I struggled with the decision of whether or not to bring up the topic. Despite my efforts to keep myself busy while getting ready for the café to open, it was futile. My mind was consumed by the memory of the incredibly passionate and satisfying encounter I had on Saturday night, leaving me feeling heated and restless just from thinking about it.

Sunday had presented its own challenges as I felt a surge of electricity through my chest when I locked eyes with Derek from across the room. I forcefully pushed those feelings aside, determined to focus on my work. As I poured a customer's coffee, Derek had an irresistible charm as he walked through the lobby, his hair perfectly styled, his smile warm, and his gaze fixed on me. The only thing that momentarily cleared my mind was watching him leave with my father, a stark reminder of the need for discretion on my part. Regardless of the situation, my father must never find out.

Among a stack of dishes by the sink in the back, I contemplated my next steps. I couldn't bear to keep this bottled up any longer. It was driving me to the brink of insanity. Even if Mandy decided to tease me mercilessly, I knew I had to confide in her. Gathering my courage, I returned to the front of the café and sat down beside her.

I gently placed the tray down and turned towards her, feeling an urgency in my words, "There's something I need to tell you."

Curiosity sparked in her eyes as she responded simply, "What is it?"

Casting a cautious glance around, I lowered my voice and confessed, "Last night, something unexpected happened at the pool. Derek was there when I arrived for a swim. We started talking, flirting a little, and before I knew it, there was this undeniable connection between us. It wasn't planned; it just happened."

As I revealed this, I could sense the thoughts racing through Mandy's mind. Her silence spoke volumes, her eyes reflecting a range of emotions. There was a hint of apprehension, followed by a touch of excitement, and then the emotion I anticipated the most: disappointment. To ensure our conversation remained confidential, she urgently grabbed my arm and pulled me aside.

"You must never tell anyone else about this," she warned. "Do you understand?"

I let out a sigh and replied, "I do. I just needed to confide in you, to lighten the burden. Honestly, Mandy, it was the most incredible intimate experience I've ever had."

She responded with clear annoyance, "Who cares about intimacy? What we're talking about here is your relationship with your father and his reputation."

I lowered my gaze and explained, "I get that, but it's more than that. Derek is genuinely funny, kind, and incredibly attractive. When he looks at me, I feel like I'm the only girl in the room. I always have. Yes, he's serious when it comes to business matters, but he also has this captivating charm that's hard to resist. Whenever we're near each other, I can't help but smile."

Mandy responded, her tone filled with disdain, "I don't know, Skye."

"I've had feelings for Derek since I was a teenager," I confessed. "I just want to see where this could go. If it's only a physical connection, I'll enjoy it for as long as it lasts and then move on. But who knows? It might develop into something more meaningful."

"He could be the perfect match for you, and your dad would still go ballistic," she commented, shaking her head.

"That old man needs to back off," I retorted, annoyance creeping into my voice. "It's my life, and he doesn't get to control it."

"Well, he does control the money, so he does have some leverage," she pointed out.

"I won't let my father's wealth dictate my life forever," I declared, shaking my head. "One day, I'll be independent and self-sufficient."

"I admire your determination, but starting off by getting involved with your father's best friend may not be the best approach," she advised, glancing towards the elevator as people began to descend. "We'll talk more about this later. Can you grab another bucket of ice?"

"Of course," I replied with a smile.

Carrying the bucket, I headed towards the back, but my mind remained fixated on Derek. It was a struggle to focus on anything else. As I moved, my phone buzzed in my pocket, and I eagerly retrieved it, a grin spreading across my face as I saw Derek's name lighting up the screen. Quickly checking to ensure Mandy wasn't approaching, I answered the call.

"Hello?" I answered, my heart fluttering at the sound of his voice. "Hey there," I replied, trying to maintain a composed tone. "What's up?"

"I was wondering if you're free," he said, his words filled with warmth. "I've made dinner reservations for tomorrow night at the Lovehouse. How about we meet there to keep things discreet?"

"Absolutely," I replied, unable to hide my genuine excitement. "That sounds amazing."

"Great," he responded. "I won't keep you from work any longer. Have a good day."

Ending the call, I held my phone close to my chest, feeling a surge of anticipation. Sharing the news with Mandy was tempting, but I knew she would disapprove. Taking a few deep breaths, I finished filling the ice bucket before returning to the front of the café. Dinner with Derek at the Lovehouse. It was bound to be an unforgettable experience.