[1]
It was a rare instance when something outside of his computer screen caught Elliot Alderson's attention. However, today was different.
Perhaps it was the shouting that caught his attention. Maybe it was the loud rain that coated New York City during the spring days.
"Stop following me! No is no!" A woman shouted in an irked tone.
She stomped towards the coffee shop as a male followed after her.
"Babe come on! Cara Mia!" He said in a petty attempt to imitate Gomes Adams when reaching for her hand. Elliot's large eyes remained focused on the scene outside the window from the inside of the warm, dry coffee shop.
"Enough!" She snapped tugging her arm back to her body. The rain continued pouring around the couple.
"Please!" she pleaded. "Just leave me alone..."
Elliot couldn't see her face, as her back remained facing him. But he could see the expression of defeat in the man's face as he turned away and left.
She entered the shop closing her baby blue umbrella. Her head lowered and her lips drawn upon a serious line. Her hair was a pretty orange color, and it frizzed at the ends due to the terrible weather. With her shoulder's hunched and head lowered she didn't catch the attention of many inside of the small business place. Her face remained invisible to him. She approached the counter and sucked in a deep breath.
"Hi! Good afternoon!" She chirped in a joyful tone as her emotions rapidly shifting.
"How are you today-" she rolled her weight forward leaning over the counter reading the baristas name "-Mallory." She said with a bright smile.
Mallory simply returned the greeting with a more than annoyed expression. The dark bags under her eyes became more prominent with her foul mood. The stranger seemed immune to the bored glare and remained eager for her- "Chai Latte, please."
"Coming right up." She retorted in a draining sigh. The barista charged her.
"Wait-! You forgot my name, my name is Bo." She offered kindly.
"Good for you." The other retorted rolling her eyes.
Elliot looked at her this is when she gave up, it had to be. Nobody could remain that optimistic after facing Mallory the barista's menacing death glare. To his surprise she pulled out a five from her purse and tipped it in her jar.
He brought his knuckles to his lips. Now he was intrigued.