2. First meeting

Delilah

"Good morning, Madam Edna," I greeted with a smile, settling into my usual spot at the small coffee shop she owned in Roseville.

Roseville might be a small town, but it's often considered the heart of the people and a hub for business.

Madam Edna approached me, her steps slow. "What do you want from me so early in the morning?" she hissed playfully, her tone filled with affection. I couldn't help but giggle in response.

"I'm here for your delicious coffee, as always," I replied, knowing that her brew was the best way to start the day in our beloved town.

Madam Edna chuckled, her wrinkles deepening as she smiled. "Ah, my loyal customer. You know how to make an old woman's day. Coffee, coming right up."

I watched as she bustled behind the counter, her movements slow but practiced, a testament to the years she'd spent serving the people of Roseville. The comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee began to fill the cozy space.

As she handed me a steaming cup, I wrapped my hands around it, savoring the warmth. "Thank you, Madam Edna. Your coffee is a treasure in this town."

She patted my hand gently. "It's always a pleasure to see your bright face, dear. Enjoy your day."

With a sense of contentment, I took a sip of the coffee, feeling grateful for the small moments that made Roseville feel like home.

After finishing my coffee, I made up my mind to visit my boss. Perhaps we could finally reach an agreement. I worked at the local Roseville bar, and we had a little issue when a client attempted to harass me by touching my behind. I might be a busybody, but I know how to protect my dignity. With no money to my name, it seemed like the right time to reach out to him.

I took a deep breath and my gaze drifed around the coffee shop. Something or, rather, someone caught my attention. I reached for my phone, a smile playing on my lips, and dialed my father's number. "Hey, Delilah, my daughter. Tell me you've got a new lead," My father's impatient voice came through the phone.

I kept my eyes on that particular spot and replied, "I guess I might be visiting that fancy restaurant very soon. Meet me at Madam Edna's coffee shop. I'll brief you on the operation." With that, I ended the call, grabbed my bag, and headed towards the his seat.

"This is going to be interesting."  I muffled, putting on my cap and face mask as I walked towards the figure.

"Hello, is it okay for me to join you?" I uttered. The man was a bit taken aback from the way his brows were creased together.

"Sure." He said. I did a little clearing of my voice before sitting down together with my cup of coffee that has turned cold.

Okay, maybe it was weird for me to just ask him whether I could sit. The man will probably look at me like I'm crazy. With the face cap and face mask. But who cares.

"Dammit, Dixon! You will pay for wasting my precious time," he hissed out. By the looks of it whoever he was talking to on the phone was frustrating his life.

"Locate me within thirty minutes or forget you have ever known me," he grumbled dropping the phone on the table with a loud thud.

"Looks like the person from the other end is frustrating your life. Sorry for butting in." I apologize even though it didn't reach my heart deep down.

"No it's fine. It was my assistant. He is giving me a terrible headache. He was supposed to meet me here yet he's coming up with all sort of excuses." He answered reaching to take a sip of his coffee. That was when he realized the cup was empty.

"Damn I didn't even know I finished the coffee." I waved my hand and got the attention of the waitress.

"This is actually the best coffee you will get here. You can go for three cups in one sitting without you noticing."

There was a hint of an amused smile on his face that had me wondering what I needed to do to bring him on board. "Two cups of coffee please Leah." I said to the young girl.

"Hope the two cups are not for me alone?" He asked his eyes glancing at the phone he dropped few seconds ago.

"Of course there are. I'm not a mind reader but I could tell you really enjoyed the coffee. So think of it as a kind gesture from me."

The man suddenly folded his arms and leaned over the desk. I could swear my heart nearly dropped with the way his eyes were fixated on me as if tying to read something from my eyes. "You have a beautiful eyes."

Damn my heart nearly stopped beating. It took me a moment to blink my eyes. Could it be the man was also trying to get me on board? Did I really made a good choice by sitting in front of him?

I opened my mouth to say something but no words came out. The man's lips curved up into a smile. "I actually appreciate your help but how should I take something from you when you're hiding your face beneath the face mask. I'm sure the way your eyes are shining, you'd have a glowing features."

Okay, I was very much sure I was getting myself into trouble. Maybe he wasn't the right candidate. "Are you trying to flirt with me? A total stranger?" I finally muster up the courage to say.

His eyes didn't waver on me. My palms were sweaty and I prayed for nothing more than for my father to arrive so I could get a distraction and leave. Because the way the man was staring me down e wasn't ordinary. "Why? You don't like it?" He asked. Just then the coffee arrives and he leaned back but his arms were still wrapped around his chest.

I cleared my voice. "I guess you're new here in Roseville." I diverted the question.

"Actually yes. I don't know much about this town but I heard of their great setting for business. Which is why I'm here and then someone is there wasting the precious time I have." He hissed through gritted teeth. Even with the way my heart was still thumping, I managed to crack a smile.

"And I think that someone won't be able to arrive here within thirty minutes, the Roseville main entrance is blocked at this hour of time. Due to construction. So you will have to be patient."

"I don't have that patient in me." He mumbled which I was able to hear. I took my time to collect my thoughts before dropping the next bomb. "Why don't I accompany you to find a place? It will save you time and since I'm a permanent resident."

Please believe me. I pleaded inside.

"It's okay if you don't trust me. I actually have a cold which is why I'm hiding my face underneath the face mask. I wouldn't want people to get in contact with it." I added biting my bottom lip inside.

"Well...I won't say no to a beautiful woman showing me around the great Roseville. Anyways, I'm Liam."

"Liam Nero." He forwarded his hand on the table.

Damn.

"Lily Richard. It will be an honor for me to be your tour guide here." I shook his hand and also took off my face cap. "Welcome to Roseville, Liam."