102

MAXINE

I stopped in front of the cafe and read the sign. It was Howl's Cafe. I had managed to get a hold of Mark and convinced him to see me. It had taken a lot to make him come here today. I hoped he was here.

As I pushed the door open and walked in, the scent of cinnamon and roasted beans filled my lungs. The bell at the top of the door rang, signaling my entry.

My eyes scanned the small crowd in the interior and landed on Mark who was hunched over a steaming mug of coffee. I walked over to him and slid into the worn leather booth across from him.

Mark glanced up, surprise flickering across his face before settling on indifference. He hadn't noticed me until I was seated opposite him. I must have thrown him off.

"Maxine," he acknowledged, his voice flat.

"Mark," I replied. "Thank you for coming."

"Don't thank me for anything yet. I only agreed to meet you. Nothing more." Mark countered gruffly before taking a large gulp of his coffee.

"I came here to negotiate," I said, skipping str