Morgana rested her hands on her swollen middle as she sighed in discomfort. She couldn't fathom why her child loved coffee. No, her darling daughter loved Starbucks… black without sugar and cream. During her pregnancy, Morgana craved coffee. Usually, Morgana loathed coffee with a deep passion. Morgana couldn't resist coffee when Vivian sent a craving to her mind. As any good mother would do, Morgana batted her eyes at Merlin. Merlin texted Arthur to meet at the local Starbucks.
Morgana happily sipped her brew. Starbucks was jam packed today. Morgana squirmed uncomfortably on her stool. Most days, they sat at a comfy table, and chatted about Arthur's worrisome love life. Merlin and Arthur surrounded her as they attempted to chat, and protect her belly from elbows.
"Should we leave," Arthur inquired sweetly.
Morgana shook her dark head. "She likes it hot."
Arthur didn't know what to make of his niece. She appeared to have her parents wrapped around her little unborn fingers. Arthur grinned as Morgana rubbed her tummy. A baby would be a blessing in the family. Their father needed a bit of joy in his life.
"Pardon me."
It was soft, almost meek… tender voice that caught his attention. It's soothing and gentle like an angel touch. Wait a minute… what's an angel touch?
Morgana looked around his shoulder at a small brown woman with long dark curly hair. A friendly smile on her pretty face. Her deep brown eyes full of innocence. One of those girls that should live at home until she marries.
"Yes," Morgana responded.
"My name is Guinevere… just call me Gwen. I noticed that you're expecting," Gwen rushed. She exhaled to gather her thoughts. "You really look uncomfortable. Just reading a bunch of reports at my table. Making a few recommendations. I can do it at the bar. So, would you like my table?"
Arthur and Merlin exchanged looks. Was she for real?
Arthur noticed her lavender tee molded to her flat tummy and full breasts. She's so tiny. Her face is makeup free, flawless skin. She's rather young. She has the girl next door prettiness that lures men into her tiny little palms, not I. Well, I'm the Big Bad Wolf. I'll steal your sheep and eat your grandfather. Flitter away little butterfly.
"Thank you," Morgana murmured." We both thank you."
Gwen pointed to a table in the corner.
"I need one of you to stay on the chair. I have to go back, and clear my papers. I don't want to lose this seat."
"I'll stay,' Arthur volunteered.
"Thank you."
Arthur watched Gwen gathering her papers; she smiled at Morgana and Merlin as she shoved things into her bag. Arthur didn't know why he kept staring at her. She wasn't his type. Far from it. He had a rule about his women: tall, blonde, big breasts, nice teeth, good bodies, and gone in the morning. Her smile was amazing; it made her eyes shine with joy. That tee hugged her breasts, and they were quite ample. He could see a soft side. Whoa, the girl is just being sweet, and I'm acting like a jerk. Take a cold, Shower Pendragon. Why do I keep staring at her? Ignore her… she has cooties.
His heart pumped faster when she bopped towards him. He noticed that she didn't walk.
"Thank you so so much," Gwen gushed. Someone released wedding butterflies in her tummy. Yes, I rhyme. Blondie is yummy. Those eyes are amazing. I can't look in into his eyes. I'll giggle.
"No problem."
Arthur didn't mean to slide so close to Gwen when he rose from the chair. His fingers brushed her wrist. Gwen trembled slightly from his touch. Arthur blinked once, and he hurried away from her.
"Thank you, again, Guinevere."
"No problem. It's Gwen."
Arthur grinned. "You're special, Guinevere. Anyone can be a Gwen. You're a Guinevere."
"Oh."
Gwen sat at the counter, swinging on her bar stool. Morded rushed over with a Venti green ice tea. He placed on the counter for her.
"No charge, Gwen."
Gwen batted her eyes. "No, you could get fired."
"Everyone loves you… even the rich blonde customers."
Gwen blushed. "I'm not his type."
"Sweet is everyone's type."
Gwen loved speaking with Morded. He was a great 16 year old kid. His parents were insanely wealthy. Morded was neglected. Somehow, he applied for a job at Starbucks to talk to people. He swore that his parents didn't even know.
Gwen watched Morded's eyes following Sophia. Morded had a bit of crush on his fellow barista. Gwen encouraged the boy to ask her out. He was much too shy to ask her. He just did most of her work. He gave up shifts to work with Sophia. He switched his schedule around with his other coworkers.
"Did you ask her yet?"
Morded lowered his head.
"I just can't."
"Timing."
8888
"Arthur, stop staring at Gwen."
Arthur scowled at Merlin. "I'm not staring."
"She's a social worker at a hospital… don't know private or public. She volunteers at a community center in a lower income area of the city. She lives with a friend. She's not dating. She's very sweet and appears to be genuine. She's lovely. Stay away."
Arthur clenched his teeth. "Not interest. She's too short. Too sweet. Too young. Too thoughtful. Too nice and sweet. She can't be real. I like my women-"
Merlin frowned, and shook his head. "Dumb… you could have a nice girl. No, not until you say goodbye to your playboy ways."
Two Days
Arthur stared into Morded's familiar blue eyes. I know this kid from somewhere. It's not from buying overpriced coffee drinks.
"I know you."
Morded shrugged as he wiped a counter. "Not possible."
Arthur grinned as a light flicked on in Arthur's mind. "You're parents are Morgause and Lot."
Morded's blue eyes widened in shock. "So, what about it? They are in Monte Carlo for a vacay. Left me at home."
"I would like to purchase Gwen's drink for a few days as a thank you for giving her seat to my sister."
"No."
"Look, I don't want her address or number. I just want to purchase her drinks. To say thank you."
Morded shook his head. "No. I know that look on your face… you want in her pants."
Arthur smirked. "She's not my type."
"That's why you're a fool. Stay away from her."
"I'll call you parents."
Morded frowned. "Fine." He didn't want to deal with Morgause and Lot.
Arthur handed Morded his card.
Morded smirked as he purchased a gift card for Gwen. He marked her name on the card.
"I took 200."
"Fine."
"Should have taken five."
"It still would have been fine."
Morded looked at Arthur with a hard glance. "She's nice. Gwen is not part of our world. Leave it at the drinks."
"Just a thank you."
What are the odds that I'll meet the love of my life at Starbucks? I just know her name, and nothing else. It's just a thank you."
Morded didn't believe Arthur because he could recognize the signs of a crush. He turned sad eyes upon a laughing Sophia.