Disclaimer: I do not own anything you recognize in this story apart from the plot.
Austin walked into the cafe, already seeing the seemingly never-ending line up ahead. He had a long day ahead of him, and the sight made him want to groan out loud. Well, maybe he did. A rather loud one at that. What! You can't blame the guy for wanting a nice cup of coffee before work. Though he loved his job, working as a record producer for Starr Records, it sometimes became rather overwhelming. Apparently his emitted sound of distress caught the attention of a few of the awaiting customers in line, and they glared at him accusingly.
He rose both his hands in the air a little, in a 'hold up' way and his expression gave away some of the annoyance he was very apparently feeling mixed with a sheepish one.
"Sorry, sorry", he said defensively, muttering about since when it was a crime to be expressive. Wasn't America all about freedom and blah blah blah, Oh, give him a break!
A rather nice gentleman in front of gave him a sympathetic smile. "I feel you, buddy. The fact that why in the hell would people let newbies work on a busy weekday is still beyond me", said gentleman spoke understandingly with a touch of annoyance and disbelief at how people were so stupid in this smart era.
Austin just nodded and looked ahead, noticing that the line was getting shorter. Finally, he thought, ready to get on with his life, well, not before getting that delicious Frappuccino of his of course.
He heard similar sighs of relief as his own and glanced at his watch impatiently. Come on!
When he was just a few persons behind his turn, he saw something that threw all his impatience and annoyance out of the window before you could say 'pancakes'. The most adorable brunette, possibly the prettiest, he had ever seen, was helping all the customers, after sending the flustered newbie inside, assuring her that she would handle it. He watched, mesmerized, as she swiftly moved around the small space, alternating between taking orders and bustling about. He made his way to one of the tables nearby, finding himself wanting to watch her for a bit more before heading off. Someone would come to take his order eventually. The way she moved about as she knew the place like the back of her hand, which she probably did, and tended to all the customers with a bright, white smile had him completely captivated. Damn, was it him or did the lighting increase about a dozen times more?
Unfortunately for him, he was interrupted by someone who was passing by, a lady friend to be precise, who began to engage him in small talk. Darn it, he thought, as he tried to be responsive to his colleague's banter.
"Oh my God, Austin! It's been soooooo long!" He listened as she added some (okay a lot) of unnecessary emphasis on the 'so'
"Don't you remember me? Cassidy! From Marino College! We went there together!" Truth be told, Austin wasn't in touch with anyone from high school or college, apart from his best friend Dez, since he moved out to New York from Miami to pursue his dream in music. Though he didn't make it as a performer, he landed a pretty kickass job at Starr Records, one of the biggest musical franchises in the country.
"Uhhh.. course I remember you Cass! Who could forget such a pretty face like yours?", he replied smirking. Hopefully his attempt at flirting himself through his lie would get him off the hook. He wasn't lying when he said that her face was pretty. Long blonde hair that reached the middle of her back, and greenish-blue eyes gave her quite the stark. She was pretty, yes, but not as gorgeous as the brunette he had decided to show up late to work for. Speaking of which, he turned casually to look over Cassidy's shoulder to search for the petite beauty. He was met with a different employee in his sights. Sighing, he listened back to Cassidy, deciding that he would stay for a bit and then leave, he was going to be late anyway.
Zoning back in, he realized his small attempt at flirting seemed to have worked quite well, since Cassidy didn't suspect a thing. She returned his smirk with one of her own and replied,
"Always the charmer, Austin Moon. You seem to have gotten even more, uh, fine over these three years", in a sultry voice.
Austin just smiled back, deciding that he would get something out of this at least.
Cassidy took his smile as one of encouragement and thought of taking a step. "So, Aus", he mentally winced at hearing Aus but went along anyway, "What say you and me come back at this café by say, 6 this evening for a date? How's that sound?" she shot, winking.
Woah. That was unexpected. "Um, sure Cass! Maybe we can catch up then, cause I really, really need to get to work now." He gave up in his attempts to score the brunette's attention and decided to head back. Maybe he'll see her in the evening again. Stop that! He was coming to have a date with a wonderful young lady (whom he might still not know) but his thoughts wandered 'elsewhere'.
Cassidy let out a squeal of delight, elated at scoring a chance with former 'it' boy of Marino, and gave him her number, asking him to text her when he'd arrive.
Austin's day at work could not have been longer, he thought with a sigh, what with being reprimanded for arriving late by his boss and him looking shamefacedly back. Though he was really close with Jimmy, and looked up to him as a friend, Jimmy did not like slacking off. That's why Austin was let off merely with a warning, but that was a sign that he didn't want to happen again. At least he had something to look forward to, Austin assured himself though it wasn't much.
Reaching the café, adorably named Jitters (1), he found a table near the window and seated himself.
He sent a text to Cassidy, letting her know that he had reached and was waiting for her. He began to look around for the someone whom he was partly here for, but told himself to get a grip.
A few minutes later, Cassidy walked through the door, in her skinny jeans, a sweater top and boots. Austin looked her up and down and thought that this would turn out better than he thought.
"Hi", she breathed, sitting right across from him.
"Hey", he smiled back, turning on the charm.
"So, tell me Aus. How's everything been for you?", she enquired.
Mentally wincing at Aus (again) he replied, "Not much, actually. I've got a pretty amazing job here and I live together with my best friend. You remember Dez, don't you?"
She laughed, "That weirdo? You still hang out with him? It still fazes me how someone like you is friends with…that. Oh, no offence to him though."
I take offence to that all right. Clenching his fists, Austin replied "I'm sorry Cassidy but Dez is practically my brother. I'd rather you don't speak of him that way", he said calmly though he was raging inside.
"Oh. I'm sorry", she said, shocked at how things were turning out. Suddenly, she received a text and opened it up to check it.
Meanwhile, Austin just looked around, trying to entertain himself till Cassidy was free. As he watched a particularly large fly enter a woman's mug, he was interrupted by the clearing of a throat. He looked up to see the face of the person whom he had so desperately wanted to see, which was quite pathetic on his part.
"Hi!" she said in a perky, bubbly voice. Not the kind which cheerleaders put on that makes them sound like overly elated perky robots (albeit they were hot) but a one which sounded like bells ringing and his favourite song playing (though listening to her voice might have replaced the position of his favourite song)
"So, what can I get you today?" she smiled. Austin read the nametag pinned to her uniform, which was a cute striped frock that ended in between her thighs, topped with an apron with the café's logo and a smiley face, and it said 'Ally'. Austin and Ally. Hmm, it has a nice ring to it.
He smiled, "Hey there! Yeah sure, I'd like a BLT and the lady here will get…" , he turned to Cassidy, only to find her still on her phone. "Um Cassidy? W-what would you like?"
Cassidy looked up startled, "Oh, u-uh I'll just get the same thing Austin's having", she replied distracted.
Ally smiled, a little confused as to why 'Cassidy' was on her phone, ignoring the gorgeous boy in front of her. If it was her in the girl's place she would have never let her eyes of him, the way his own sparkled and that platinum mop hair on his head which was perfectly messy and which she wanted to run her hands through and- woah. Hold up girl. The Ally train's moving way too fast. She shook her head and smiled, "Coming right up!", walking towards the kitchen to give the order. Ally didn't miss the way Austin had looked at her when he had arrived earlier in the café. She saw him sit down and almost went over to get his order, momentarily forgetting that she was in the middle of attending several other customers. After a few minutes when she called over her co-worker to handle the rest of the crowd, hoping that the blonde cutie was still there so she could go up to him, she was disappointed at what she saw. He was there all right, but with another beautiful blonde which made her feel insecure. Was that his girlfriend? Or just a friend? Who was she kidding, either way she had nothing over the blonde. But, as she passed the table from behind Austin, she overheard their conversation, feeling a bit guilty as she did so, to find out, much to her joy that they weren't in fact, in a relationship. When Cassidy (re)introduced herself to Austin, she saw the clueless expression on his face even if it was for a flash. When she saw that Cassidy took no notice of this, she was a bit surprised, but still proud of herself for figuring him out. Who's better for him now, bitch. The thought crossed her mind before she could control it. Who was she to judge a person. Anyway, she was a bit disappointed when she saw Austin leaving but told herself to suck it up and go about her work. It's not like she actually could do anything about her momentary feelings.
That evening after dragging herself through the entire day, she was set to leave but saw blondie enter. To hell with going home. However,Cassidy showing up wasn't expected by her, but nevertheless, she walked over to their table, feeling warm inside when she saw Austin's face light up on seeing her, replacing the bored expression he had earlier. Maybe he feels the same. She was getting her hopes up too high. When he opened his mouth to respond to her order, she was momentarily lost in the smooth, silky tone of his voice. This guy is too good to be true. Damn you (C)assidy. After leaving with their order, well, his actually, she sat down on one of the stools next to the counter and watched her best friend do his thing. Elliot was a few years older to her, but they had a certain connection, and she regarded him as a big brother as well.
Meanwhile, Austin was bored out of his mind. All Cassidy had being doing apart from the few unpleasant lines they had exchanged since the beginning was stick to her phone. At least she wasn't blabbering about nail polish and other girl stuff he had no capacity to understand. But then, he'd rather take that than sit like a complete, freaking tool.
He looked over to the counter where Ally was sitting and saw her laughing and chatting away to some guy. He felt a sudden bolt of jealousy course through him at the sight. From the other side, Ally was watching him being ignored and decided to go over, taking his order. Might as well take a chance.
"So, Austin, here is your order. And for the lady as well", Cassidy didn't even look up from the overly bright screen.
"Wait, how do you know my name?", Austin asked a little surprised. He didn't remember mentioning it to her. Unless she asked about him around. Did she like him too? Oh god, she thinks he has a girlfrie-
"I remember your girlfriend mentioning it earlier", she said, the word 'girlfriend' leaving a foul taste in her mouth.
Now he sounded downright desperate. "Oh. Heh-heh", he laughed awkwardly. "She's not exactly my girlfriend." Ally giggled, and suddenly that was the most beautiful sound he had heard in his whole life. "So, you look like you're having a riveting conversation with, uh, that chair in front", she smirked.
"Eh. I'm having a pretty good one right now", he said winking.
"Wow. Your date is sitting in front of you and you're hitting on your waitress?", she laughed.
"What date?" he replied, smirking. Suddenly, Elliot called Ally over for her weekly Friday night performance.
"Be right back", she winked at Austin. Where had this sudden burst of confidence come from?
Austin watched as Ally bounded on stage. He couldn't wait to hear her sing. Her speaking voice alone was so beautiful and he wondered what her singing voice sounded like.
"Hellooo guys!", she smiled around. A few of the regulars cheered back, and Austin joined in. Seeing that, she got an extra boost of confidence. "So. I'm singing one of my own pieces for you tonight. It's called Parachute. I hope you like it!"
Ally got behind the baby grand and began gliding her fingers smoothly across the keys. A few lines into the first verse, and Austin was already smitten. Her voice was smooth, honeyed and unlike anything he'd heard before. Plus, she wrote her own songs and played instruments? Where had she been all his life?!
He was so indulged in her voice that he didn't realize she'd finished singing and was heading off-stage.
In front of him Cassidy scoffed, "What, is this some random street concert shit?" Damn, this girl just knew how to piss him off.
He suddenly snatched the phone from her, determined to find out why she'd been ignoring him all night. Reading through her conversation, he found that she had been texting her ex and was already making plans to meet up with him later that night.
"I-", Cassidy began, but Austin cut her off.
"Just go", he sighed. Meanwhile Ally watched and thought, Good riddance.
Austin got up and went to sit over next to Ally.
"That was some performance up there", he complimented.
"Thanks", she blushed. "I just recently wrote that."
"Now that I'm finally free", he began "Sup?", he ended in true Austin Moon fashion, complete with the whole hair flip.
"Wow. Are you always this bad at flirting?", she questioned, amused.
It was Austin's turn to blush. "Hey, in my defence, girls never seem to mind what I say as long as they get some of this fine ass", he countered defensively, lightly patting his butt in the process.
Ally just blinked, wide-eyed. "That was…something", she said, trying to swallow a laugh.
"So tell me Ally, is that guy your boyfriend", he asked, pointing to Elliot.
Ally burst out laughing. "A-Austin, he's my bestfriend. And he's gay"
Elliot walked over and winked at Austin looking him up and down. "I gotta say Ally, you have fine taste in men"
Austin looked like he was about to choke. Ally swatted Elliot's arm, "Shut up Lio! Leave the guy alone", she chuckled.
After Elliot left, Austin was still a little pale. "Come on, 'Aus', it wasn't that bad" , she said, still laughing.
"Hey, hey, hey, you try fending off the somewhat sexual advances of a gay guy when you're a straight one tryna' get some with his best friend!" Austin couldn't help but notice that her saying his name in that manner was endearing instead of annoying.
Ally's laughter cut off abruptly and she turned bright red.
Austin chuckled fondly, ruffling her hair, "Now who's the flustered one?", he commented, winking.
"But that's- you're-I-unghhhh", she somewhat replied, embarrassed.
Austin on the other hand, was finding it difficult to control his laugh on seeing her in this state. He swallowed the laughter but still kept a wide smile on his face for her sake, deciding to spare her. Ally looked over to the watch and saw that it was her time to leave. Sighing, she turned to Austin.
"You have to leave, don't you", he deadpanned.
"yeah", she replied, wincing.
"Since you're leaving my extremely pleasurable company in half, how bout we continue this session later on, hmm?", he teased, though remaining hopeful.
"L-Like a date?", she said, shocked.
"If that's what you want it to be", he winked back. Ally blushed and said "It's a date then. But where?"
Meanwhile Austin was having a hard time concealing his joy at the fact that he had scored a date with her.
"Since it would be pretty douche-y of me to bring you to a place where you already work", he gestured aroung the now empty café, "how bout we go get ice-cream and then go to the park?", he asked, shyly.
Ally thought he was adorable. "The park sounds perfect", she smiled.
Then, slowly rising from her chair, she gave Austin a smile and then bashfully leaned up to kiss his cheek.
"Night, Austin", she said leaving him with a goofy smile as she walked out the café.
"Tut-tut-tut. What a shame", Elliot commented regretfully, as he eyed Austin. On the other hand, Austin, though freaked out, couldn't help but smile as he too, exited the place.
Being late totally paid off.
AN: Sorry if that was too long or boring, but I didn't want to make this a very fast paced clichéd oneshot. Clichéd, yes definitely. Oops.
I took the name 'Jitters' from The Flash, so I don't own that either. (P.S. who watches The Flash here?! Tell me what your favourite part is, and what you think is going to happen next!)
R&R!
-R