Chapter 14.

The sound of the bell chimed throughout the cafe signaling a new customer's arrival. The strong scent of coffee lingered in the air as I opened the door to find a joyful Daisy adding the freshly made muffins and cookies in the display of glass. Toby, the man who ran the register was recounting and organizing the cash register from what I can see from here. He stood up straighter and smiled warmly at me as I approached the counter.

"Hello, McKenna. Welcome to Cathy's Cakes & Coffee." Toby is a blond haired man with bright green eyes, fresh out of community college. He had long wished to go to the university to pursue his career as a business major, however, while dreaming was easy, fulfilling those dreams is not. Universities cost a lot and Toby unfortunately didn't have the money he needed which is why I decided to sponsor him but my parents death happened and I couldn't visit anymore.

"Hey, Toby. How're you doing?" I waved at Daisy who is on her way to the kitchen. She smiled and blew a kiss my way before entering the kitchen. Daisy is the daughter of Cathy, the owner of the shop. She is also the one managing the business as her mom recovers from stroke. Cathy is a very sweet old lady who is very friendly with everyone. I made a mental note to ask Daisy about her before I leave.

"I'm alright. What can I get you guys today?" I turned to Dixon who has been staring at me the entire time. However, instead of feeling creeped out by his stare, I felt unbothered, in fact I felt safe and warm. I immediately matched his stare. His pair of grey eyes stared at mine deeply trying to convey so many things that words couldn't say and I just couldn't understand.

"Excuse me, please. I'll like to know what your orders will be." That seemed to break us out of the magical trance that we appeared to get into, every time our eyes meet. I felt my face turn slightly red in embarrassment as I moved my eyes away. Dixon cleared his throat and spoke.

"I'll have the Pumpkin Spiced Latte and..." He looked towards me waiting for my order.

"I'll have one Pistachio Rose Latte with a Raspberry Swirl Loaf, please." I said just as Toby punched in some random things into his screen. He opened his mouth to say something, our bill I guess but Dixon interrupted him by passing him his credit card.

"It'll be right out in a minute, sir." He sent the order to the back where Daisy prepared it while we waited in the corner for our orders.

"Why did you do that? I wanted to pay for it. I brought us here so I have to pay." He rolled his eyes.

"Did you seriously think that I'll let you pay the bill on our first date?" His eyes were as wide as saucers as he realized what he said. "Not like it's a date or anything, I just thought since you're here and I'm here and we're alone, it can be called a date, right? I couldn't possibly call it a date, I mean you're not even into me and I wouldn't want to put you in a tight spot knowing you're in love with someone else. that will be weird and awkward...like super weird and....."

I busted into laughter as I couldn't hold it in any longer. He stopped his rambles immediately I started laughing. I wiped the few tears that managed to escape.

"You're so cute, Dixon." I said still chuckling.

"Shut up, please." He said and I immediately noticed his ears turning pink. Is he like blushing?

"Awww... Are you blushing?" I asked the question that came in mind first. The bell behind the counter dinged and Toby rushed to the small window that separated the back kitchen and the front cafe, to pick up our orders. The fragrance of the Pistachio Rose Latte spread around the whole room, making the room smell more floral and delicious. Toby took the drinks and a small bag with the loaf in his hands and made his way to us. With a soft smile on his face, he handed over the goodies to Dixon while I collected the bag.

"Have a nice day, Sir. McKenna." He said before nodding at me. He turned to leave but I called him back.

"Toby, here's my card. You have to call me okay? It's really very important." I said handing him my business card specially made by Luke.

"Ohh, okay." He said and left. I looked towards Dixon who seems to be shooting lasers at Toby with his eyes. I nudged him with my elbows before using my head to tell him to follow him. We sat at the seat beside the window. If there's one thing I love about this cafe, it's the wonderful view of the sunset at dusk which is one of the reasons why I always came to watch the sunsets here every other day.

I took my seat after Dixon, being a perfect gentleman that he is, pushed the chair in. He set my drink in front of me, the fragrance immediately feeling my nostrils. I felt my mouth water waiting to taste this heavenly goodness. I couldn't resist the moan that escaped my lips as I took my first sip. I unwrapped the loaf and took a bite. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the way it melted and kissed my taste buds.

"That good?" He asked with a smile playing at his lips. I absolutely forgot that I was with someone. I'm used to enjoying these treats alone cause Jason almost never really comes here with me. He always comes alone though, I always thought that maybe he doesn't want to be seen with me but I guess I'll never know now.

"Sorry, I'm not used to coming here with someone." I said wiping my mouth with the napkin.

"I think it's cute."

"Like your rambles kind of cute?" He groaned and covered his eyes with both hands as I giggled.

"You're never going to forget that, will you?" I shook my head.

"Nahh, there's no fun in that." I said still smiling. I have always felt so safe around Dixon, I feel like I can be myself without the fear of being judged but I can't be in love with him or possibly even like him. Jason is my one true love, I felt that when we were still together but what are these feeling whenever I'm around Dixon. I cant explain them, it's like a magnetic field pulling me towards him and no matter how hard I try, I cant seem to stop the attraction.

"McKenna, you okay?" I jumped when I felt his hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry to have frightened you but you weren't responding to any of my questions."

"I'm sorry. Was thinking about something. What were you saying?" He looked at me like he doesn't believe me but I'm definitely not telling him I was thinking about him. Thankfully, he dropped it.

"I said don't you feel like there are lots of unanswered questions concerning your parents death? I was reading the letter he sent me again and I just sensed something doesn't feel right. There is a but to this story." I nodded in understanding.

"You're right. I didn't really feel like anything was wrong until I received that letter. I may not know my father that well but I do know he's not the type to just type a letter and send to anyone except it's really necessary. What do you suggest we do?" I asked him.

"I feel like he has a plan. He wants to achieve something from all of this and I know for certain that your dad is a really good man which means whatever he has planned is a good thing." He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. He bit his lips as he looked me in the eye deeply.

"I think we have to do what he said to achieve the expected results. We have to date."