Okay, this is the second thing for my 12 Days of Christmas Shot. This will be a three-shot, so the next chapter will come tomorrow and then the next day. Then, I'll upload another one-shot. I am currently working on some HOC drabbles and the last few one-shots for the 12DOC. I also have a few new one-shots coming out that I'll most likely be uploading after Christmas, but I'm not sure.

This is Finding Love in a Coffee Shop Part 1, enjoy!

"What are you doing this Friday?" Amber Millington asked, steering left, grey eyes twinkling.

Mara Jaffray looked up at her best friend from the book she was reading and raised a skeptical eyebrow. Hesitantly, she replied, "Nothing…why?"

"Oh, no reason, just wondering," The blonde let out a soft giggle that told Mara she was up to something.

"Amber, don't set me up with anyone. Please."

"Oh, come on, you need a boyfriend." Amber whined.

"Which I can find in my own time," Mara retorted.

"But, sometimes people just need a little push—hey, what happened to the coffee shop?"

Mara turned away from her friend and looked out the window as the building dashed past them. The small coffee shop, Classy Brews, was her favorite place to go and work. The elderly couple that had run the shop was always there for her if she needed a motherly or fatherly figure and now that the shop was gone she couldn't help but wonder what happened to them.

"I don't know. I hope Missy and Andrew are alright." Mara sighed sadly.

"You'll have to check later," Amber told her as she pulled up in Mara's driveway.

"I will. Thanks for the ride. Love you." Mara gave her a side hug.

As Mara exited the car, Amber called after her, "Call me about Friday!"

Mara looked back at her through the closed passenger seat window and stuck her tongue out at her childishly. With a quick wave she hopped up the steps to the front door of her small, blue, two-story home. She unlocked the door and stepped in, shivering against the sudden change in temperature. She took her winter coat off and hung it on a rack as she heard a meow come from the kitchen. Mara peeked in and smiled softly.

"I'm sorry, Pepper. I'll get you some food." She bent down and picked the tabby cat up and scratched her ears.

Setting her down on the counter, she filled the food and water dishes. She grabbed her laptop and took a seat on the bar stool at the counter. She reached down and opened the small drawer below the countertop and leafed through the papers. Her eyebrows scrunched as she went over the stack a third time. Realization dawned on her and she gasped, slapping her forehead. She hopped off the chair and ran to the door, shrugging into her coat and slipping her purse over her shoulder.

"I'll be back, Peppermint!" she hollered and received a soft mew from the cat.

She snuggled into her purple coat and locked her door, stepping out into the cold morning air. Running to her car, she slid in and started it, flipping the heat on high. She pulled out of her driveway and cruised down the road until the coffee shop came into view. In place of Classy Brews was another café, A Cup Above. Through the glass doors, Mara could see that the décor of the café was almost the same as Classy Brews had been. The tables were made of oak wood and the chairs and booths were dark green and red. The light fixtures were a glowing, dark gold and the walls were decorated with paintings of people and landscapes. She parked quickly and hopped out, hurrying to the double doors.

The doors were locked and it was about ten minutes until it opened. She shivered and knocked quickly and hopefully loud enough for whoever was in the backroom. A shadow stepped out of the room and as he approached the door she could make out his features.

He was about six inches taller than her 5 foot 4 inch frame and he had a kind face. His eyes were a glowing brown and his hair was a light brown, cut short and spiked up. His nose was thin and had a few freckles sprinkled across the bridge.

He unlocked the door and held it open for her. "We're not open yet, but it'd be very ungentlemanly of me to leave you out in the cold for ten minutes."

His voice was low and soothing and Mara felt his calmness wash over her. She gave him a smile.

"Would you like something to drink?" he asked with a smile, two deep dimples appearing on either of his tan cheeks.

"Yes, please. And I was also wondering if the old coffee shop's lost and found was still here?" she asked, following him to the counter.

He walked around to the other side and nodded. "Yeah, it's in the back, did you need something?"

"A notebook, blue with Mara printed on the front."

"I'll go check. And while I do that, why don't you decide what kind of drink you'd like? I'm guessing you're Mara?" his smile still in place.

"Yes, Mara Jaffray," she nodded, holding out a hand for him to shake.

"Aaron Sanders," he took her hand in his and kissed her knuckles. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You too," she bit back a giggle.

"Aaron, stop flirting with my costumers." A voice called from the back.

"Oh, come on, Jerome, she could be The One, and you won't let me find out?" Aaron whined, heading for the back.

"Yes, because the last girl you dated, you had said was 'The One' and you broke up with her, a week and a half of getting laid, later." Jerome replied.

"Shh!" Aaron hissed.

Mara frowned, looking up at the menu.

"What can I get you?"

She looked away from the menu as a tall man stepped out of the room. He was about 6 foot 2 inches and had pale skin. His hair was a dirty-blonde and was brushed forward to hang over his forehead, giving him a fringe. His eyes were a pale blue and darkened a shade when they landed on her. He wore a white button-up shirt with a blue tie, looped loosely around his neck. He licked his thin lips and stepped up to the counter, towering over her. She craned her neck to look into his eyes and felt her blood rush to her cheeks.

She unconsciously ran a hand through her raven black hair and pressed her lips together. "What do you recommend?"

He smiled and turned around, pointing at the menu. "The Peppermint Coffee is my favorite, perfect for this time of year, in my opinion."

"Alright, I'll take one of those." She smiled back.

"Coming right up,"

When he entered the back room, Aaron exited with a quick shove to the blonde's shoulder. He held up a blue spiral notebook.

"This it?" he grinned.

"Yes, thank you so much." She took it from him and pushed it into her bag gently.

"You're so welcome."

"Here you are."

A coffee slid in front of her and Aaron stepped aside as Jerome pushed him. Aaron's eyes narrowed at Jerome and his lips thinned into a tight line.

"That'll be £2." He said.

"It's on the house," Jerome told her with a smile. "Don't worry about it."

"Oh, no, it's fine. I can pay—"

"No, you don't." Jerome stopped her before Aaron could open his mouth. "We're not open. We aren't selling anything yet."

Mara's cheeks warmed when he winked at her.

He ran a hand through his hair and continued, "If you keep coming in before we're open, your orders will continue to be free."

Mara giggled. "You could go bankrupt."

"I'm just trying to get you to come back so I can see you again. Please don't protest." He whispered, leaning on the counter.

"Alright, I'll come back. I'm Mara Jaffray, by the way."

"Jerome Clarke." He replied, holding his hand out.

She placed her hand in his warily, expecting him to be like Aaron and kiss her knuckles, but he just shook it with a smile.

Mara jogged up to the door and knocked, Jerome appearing from the backroom in seconds. He smiled and opened the glass doors for her and she marveled in the warmth that surrounded her. She requested a coffee and took a seat in the corner of the room. It had been several days since Mara had first come to A Cup Above.

As quick as he always was, Jerome was back and a moment and set the mug on her table along with a slice of pecan pie. He took a sip from his coffee mug and sat across from her.

Mara looked up at him from her laptop with a small smile, taking in his appearance. His blonde hair was combed back, giving Mara a perfect view of his eyes, paler than usual, while wearing a black and white striped long sleeve shirt. His clothing style was always sophisticated and Mara thought it fit the coffee shop décor perfectly.

"Not to pry or anything, but what are you doing on there?" he asked with a chuckle.

"I'm a writer," she replied, scooping a small bite of pie into her mouth.

"What do you write?"

"Um, nothing interesting…just whatever I feel needs to be heard."

"You're Jack Jackal." He stated.

"What? N-no I'm not." she stuttered, closing her laptop.

"You're also a really bad liar. Jack Jackal said the exact same thing last week in the article 'The Importance', and I quote, 'I write whatever I feel needs to be heard.'" He added with a smug smirk.

"Please don't tell anyone," she whispered with pleading eyes.

"Of course, you're a fantastic writer by the way."

"Thank you." she blushed.

"Mara Jaffray!" a shrill voice screamed, the bells over the glass doors jingling violently.

Mara bit her lip and closed her eyes. "Oh no…"

Jerome's eyes landed on the blonde in the doorway and stood up slowly, tip toeing away from the table. He felt sorry about leaving Mara but—

"Jerome Clarke?" she said incredulously.

He froze and turned to Amber and Mara who was now looking up at the two.

"Hey, Amber," he waved slightly, his shoulders hunched uncomfortably.

"You were about to run away from me," she glared, and then a big grin grew on her face and she ran up to him, throwing her arms around his neck.

"Ow, Amber, that hurts." he choked out, prying her arms off him.

"Oops, sorry," she smiled sheepishly and continued with a grin. "Alfie will be so excited to know that you're back in town. He's missed you so much."

"I decided to stay for good; I don't have anywhere else to go." Jerome shrugged, stuffing his hands in his jean pockets.

"Fantastic! Now, Mara," she turned to her best friend. "What's this I hear about you standing Mick last night?"

"Oh, right, that was last night. And need I remind you, Amber; I didn't want to go out on that date in the first place."

"I have a wonderful idea," Amber announced suddenly.

"What?" Jerome asked warily, taking his seat across from Mara.

"Alfie and I are throwing a Christmas party next week. You two should come." she suggested.

"I'm already coming." Mara reminded her.

"Parties aren't my thing, but I'll come, I'd like to see the gang."

"Yeah, the whole gang is going to be there."

"I'll be there." Jerome smiled and stood when a customer entered the shop.

"No, wait, Jerome," Amber tugged on his arm and turned him back around. "I want you two to come together."

"Um, Amber, we're not—" he started to protest and gritted his teeth when he heard the woman tap her foot impatiently. "This is not over."

"Amber, we're not a couple. Jerome doesn't even like me like that." Mara whispered as Jerome darted behind the counter.

Amber took Jerome's seat and shook her head at the raven haired girl. "You told me what he said to you the first time you two met. I think he does like you. I saw the way he was looking at you. You like him right?"

Mara blushed and took a sip of her coffee. "No."

"You're an awful liar, Mara."

"Told you," Jerome called from the back.

Mara's eyes widened. He could hear them? She bit her lip and took out her phone, sending Amber a quick text.

Fine, I kind of like him, alright?

Amber's reply came in seconds.

yes! i new it! r u gonna ask him 2g2 the party?

Mara mentally winced at the spelling and grammar mistakes and replied.

No, if he wants to go with me, he can ask me.

Mara! u ask him. i no Jerome. he wont ask u unless he nos u like him.

"You're not one of those girls are you?"

Mara looked up at Jerome curiously. "Those girls?"

"That texts her friend when she's sitting right across from her." he explained, pulling a chair up to the table.

"No, I'm not." she replied, putting her phone back in her purse.

"So what was so secret that you had to text each other about it?" he smirked, leaning back in his seat casually.

"Shouldn't you be working?" Mara blushed.

"It's my break, Aaron's got it covered."

"So, Jerome, have you found a girl you could settle down with yet?" Amber asked pointedly.

"No, Amber, I can't say I have." Jerome answered after a moment.

It didn't go unnoticed by Amber, or Mara, the way the blonde had paused and his blue eyes had flitted to Mara quickly. If you were anyone else you wouldn't have seen it, it had happened so fast. Amber also realized that Jerome had purposefully sat closer to Mara, though acting as if he just slid into the spot.

"Well, you should look harder." she looked at Mara quickly, hoping Jerome would pick up on the silent message.

Jerome swallowed and looked away from the two girls. "Oh, look, my breaks over. I'll see you two later."

Without waiting for a reply, he shot out of the chair and hurried to the backroom.

"Amber!" Mara scolded.

"What?" the blonde asked innocently. "I need to go, I'll call you later. Don't tell Alfie about Jerome, I want it to be a surprise when he walks through our front door. He's going to be so happy! Hurry up on Jerome; I don't want to have to send you on another blind date after what happened last time. Love you." she went to the counter and ordered a coffee from Aaron quickly and Mara turned back to her laptop with a roll of her brown eyes.

Amber slipped into the backroom, without Mara's knowledge, and snuck up behind Jerome, tapping his shoulder gently.

He jumped and turned around, glaring at her instantly. "Amber, I understand that we haven't seen each other in years, but that doesn't mean you can come back here without my permission."

"Do you like Mara?" she asked, ignoring his scolding.

"What," he asked tiredly, running a hand through his hair.

"It's a simple question; I don't need to repeat myself."

"Amber, I've only known her for a week and a half. You can't expect me to start liking her in that time."

Amber raised an eyebrow and planted her hands on her hips sternly.

"Fine. I sort of like her. Are you happy now?" he grumbled.

"Ask her out. Take her to the party. Are you the same person you were three years ago? Yes, you are. I know you, you won't ever change. Jerome, you and Mara are the perfect couple. Trust me on this one. Trust me. Mara loves everything that I remember you loving. Um, those artist people you like. You know those dead guys. Uh, Pesto—"

"Picasso." Jerome corrected in a monotone.

"Whatever. And that Michael guy—"

"Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Dai Jin, Jacques Daret—yes, Amber, I know the names of all the artists I like." He cut her off again.

"She also loves poetry. William Shakespeare, William Wordsworth, Edgar Allen Poe, everyone you like. My point is you and her have so much in common. And on top of that, I saw some serious chemistry between the two of you. Please, give this a chance. I know what happened between you and Grace really messed you up. And what happened with your parents. You don't trust easily and I get that. But, give Mara a chance. She's not a heartbreaker, I promise you. She's had her heart broken just like you."

"I just don't want to take the risk of falling in love again." Jerome whispered.

Amber bit her lip and held back from wrapping him up in another rib-crushing hug. Instead, she placed her hand on his shoulder and looked him in the eye, seriousness hard on her flawless face. "I will never set you up on another date again, if you take Mara out once. If you decide that you just can't deal with being around someone you have feelings for, fine. Just try."

"Never again?"

"Never."

"Alright, fine, I'll ask her out next time I talk to her."

"Great," she grinned and hugged him softly. "It's good to see you again."

"You too," Jerome hugged her back and then pushed her out of the room.

Amber tip toed past Mara and slipped out of the café unnoticed. Jerome left the backroom and found Mara waiting patiently at the counter. He took a deep breath and smiled at her.

"What'll it be?"

"A Jasmine green tea, please," she replied, handing him some money. "The shop's open, I'm paying."

Jerome sighed and took the money from her and handing her a cup a minute later. As she turned away to sit back at her table, Jerome stopped her before he could tell himself not to.

"Yes?" she peered at him curiously.

"Um, forgive me; I'm a little out of practice but…" Mara's head cocked to the side in adorable confusion, at least that's what Jerome thought. "Would you like to go out with me sometime; maybe tonight, if you're not doing anything?

Mara licked her lips and glance down at her shoes with a blush creeping onto her cheeks. She looked back up at him and brushed some of her hair out of her face. "Sure, I'd like that."

"Great, um, would you like me to pick you up or…?"

"If that's alright, here's my address." She scribbled on a piece of paper quickly and handed it to him before walking off.

Well? What'd you think of it? I got the idea from a story on Wattpad called Finding Love in a Coffee Shop. It's by one of my favorite authors on Wattpad. You should check it out, it's awesome!

REVIEW!

Next chapter is up tomorrow!

As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—eternal life. -1 John 2:24-25

Love y'all! Happy 2nd day of Christmas!

-Rachel