A Chance Meeting

Tick, tock, tick, tock...

The steady ticking of the clock echoed over the gentle hum of patrons' conversations.  Clinking of glasses and laughter drifted over to her booth from nearby tables.  The café was busier than usual this time of night.  The booth next to hers was the only available seating and she was thankful it wasn't taken yet.  She only had a few days left to finish the numbers for the centennial.  The last thing she needed was a group of drunken couples sitting next to her, shouting their love to the world.  Star speckled eyes swept the dining room as she lifted her coffee to her lips and took a sip, dark and bitter.  How nice it must be to not have a care in the world.

The door chimed, warning another arrival.  A whispered breath lifts from her lips, narrowed gaze watching the door.  She prayed to all the Gods that it was someone getting take out so she would remain in her placidity.  A shadow of a man slipped across the threshold, pausing to let golden eyes scan the room.  She knew of him, remembered the whispers in the Courts.  Her friends had all lusted after him, few getting what they desired.  She hadn't offered more than mild interest when they'd been younger. Nothing more than passing glances and polite greetings when necessary.

He dressed that night casual attire, a stark contrast to her own outfit.  It was odd to see him out of uniform, so informal.  Faded blue jeans and a black t-shirt faded to a grey.  How curious it was to see the way their new home changed everyone.  Turning her attention back to her screen, hands moving to pull dark curls into a messy bun, she furrowed her brow.  Would these damn figures never sort out?  Resting her head on her hand, she crossed her legs, a heel dangling off her raised foot.  For the hundredth time, she wished she'd worn something other than her little black dress. 

Tugging her skirt down, she let out a soft sigh.  The ticking of the clock soothed her nerves like the metronome that sat on her piano.  Movement caught her attention and she lifted her gaze to see the man sliding into the booth next to hers.  Their eyes met and she pressed her lips into a thin line.  Tilting her head slightly, she studied him for a moment.  He'd best not be waiting on company.

Bzzt. Bzzt.

Her phone vibrated, pulling her attention away.  Quirking a brow, she picked up the device and scanned the message her friend had sent.

You'll  never guess who I'm with.

A pause and then another.

Altheorn Alise.  You remember him, don't you?

Her brow furrowed in confusion as her gaze flicked from the screen to the man in front of her.  He seemed alone but looks could be deceiving.  Glancing over the dining room, she texted the woman back.

You're with him right now?  Where are you?

She didn't have to wait very long before she received a reply.

He saw me walking down the street and dragged me along to some club.  I don't the name.  See?  I told you patience pays off!

She laughed as she read the response, an amused gaze cast in the male's direction.  Of course she couldn't know he was sitting across from her.  Should she say something?  Leave it be?  Setting down her phone, she picked up her cup and took another bitter sip.  A brief pause and she was speaking.

"You must be very talented.  In two places at once now?"