The shop that Cordelia had in mind was located only a few blocks from the park, so the trio decided to walk rather than drive. Initially, Misty lagged a few steps behind to give the mother and daughter some privacy, but this was quickly changed when Olivia reached back and pulled her up to join them. Once she was instep with the two other blondes, she took a moment to get a better look at Cordelia. She had the most beautiful brown eyes that Misty had ever seen. They were closer to a chocolate brown, unlike the lighter shades that Misty was used to. She had full lips, which Misty may have lingered on a little too long. Her musings were interrupted when the object of her thoughts announced that they had arrived at the shop.
"I found this place a couple of years ago, and I swear they have the best coffee and tea around," Cordelia remarked as she lead them through the thick wooden door.
Misty was immediately hit with the smell of coffee mixed with a uniquely earthy scent. She looked around, taking in the warm colors and general atmosphere of the coffee shop. The chairs looked to be made of leather, well-loved from several years of use. The shop's walls were covered in various tapestries, with a dark grain wood peeking out between the cracks. Misty quickly figured out why the shop was the other woman's favorite and she had yet to partake in any of their beverages.
Cordelia turned to the woman behind her, studying her for a moment as she took in her surroundings. She appeared to be younger, standing a few inches taller than Cordelia. She had unruly blonde curls that she continuously had to push out of her face. When she finally took her eyes off of the ornate tapestries, Cordelia was met with a blue-green gaze.
Clearing her throat, Cordelia blushed and turned her eyes back to her daughter who was bouncing eagerly at her side. "Can I please get the hot chocolate with the marshmallows in it like last time Mamma?"Olivia asked. "Sure you can baby, just make sure you are careful with it. We wouldn't want to get burned again would we?". At this, Olivia looked sheepishly to the ground, twirling her foot around innocently. "No Mamma, that hurt," Olivia replied.
Misty watched the whole exchange with a small smile on her face. She couldn't figure out why, but the small family in front of her had already weaved their way into her heart. She chose this moment to step up to the two blondes and take a better look at the menu. "I would definitely get the chai latte if I were you," Cordelia stated, "it may be one of the best things I have ever tasted".
Misty smiled at her. "Really? I thought you were more into coffee?" she said. Cordelia smiled back at her. "I never said that I didn't like tea, I just prefer coffee," she said. "Well if that's the case, I guess I'll take your word for it. I'll have one of the chai lattes in whatever size your getting," Misty stated. Cordelia stepped up to the counter to order, glancing back to see that her daughter had returned to talking to the Cajun woman. She turned her head back around when the barista gave her the total.
"That will be $9.75 please," the barista stated. "Here's a ten, keep the change," Cordelia replied as she stuffed a few dollars into the tip jar. "Your family is really cute," the barista smiled at her. "Oh, their not. Well the tall one isn't. The little one does belong to me, but we just met..." Cordelia rambled, tripping over her words. The barista just smiled apologetically and handed Cordelia her receipt. Cordelia turned around to see that her daughter had dragged Misty to one of the small tables toward the back. She was animatedly talking about something to the wild haired blonde, who was paying very close attention to everything she was saying. "Am I interrupting something?" Cordelia asked.
"I was just telling Misty about the last time we came here and I spilled my hot chocolate all over the table and then I burned myself," Olivia said. Cordelia remembered their early conversation and was hoping that it didn't happen again. "Well honey, why don't we change the subject then," Cordelia said. At this she turned to Misty, "So what brought you to the park this morning," she asked.
"Oh, I'm at the park every morning. Sometimes it's to read or listen to music, while others it's just to get away for a little while," Misty replied. Cordelia could understand that. The city could get pretty hectic, especially with all of the tourist in town for the upcoming Mardi Gras parades and parties. "So Misty, when you aren't in the park entertaining my child, what do you do?" Cordelia asked.
Misty smiled at this,"I own my own flower shop, I've always loved plants and nature and I finally found a way to make a living out of it. Also, owning my own shop isn't so bad, that's why I'm able to do this right now with the two of you," she finished. With her bohemian style and wild curls, Cordelia believed that the profession fit her. She also had an air about her that just exuded nature. She seemed to be in her element at the park, surrounded by the trees and the mossy old benches. A flower shop definitely fit Misty Day.
"Well, that sounds much more fun than what I get to do every day. When I'm not taking care of this little munchkin," she said as she pointed her thumb at Olivia, "I'm taking care of a house full of teenage girls. I'm the headmistress of Miss Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies. Don't get me wrong, I love the girls, but they can be a little much, do you know what I mean?" Cordelia asked. Misty knew all too well what she meant. She was never the popular girl in high school, choosing to keep mostly to herself. She could only imagine being in the same house with some of those girls from back then and what it would be like. Cordelia, she decided, must be a saint.
"What do you mean when you say 'Exceptional Young Ladies'," Misty asked. "That's a complicated question, and maybe someday I will answer it, but I can't right now," Cordelia replied. "It's for the girls' safety. You seem like a really nice person, and I don't think you would do them any harm, but I just can't take any chances," Cordelia continued. Olivia, who had remained silent up until now, chose this moment to chime in. "I like living with the other girls, they are really nice to me. Even Madison who all of the other girls call a bi…," Cordelia quickly placed her hand over her daughter's mouth before she could continue. Cordelia turned red, "Remember, we don't say words like that," she scolded. "Sorry Mamma," Olivia replied, blushing. Misty watched the whole exchange and couldn't help but let out a small giggle. They were just so darn cute. Maybe being interrupted at the park this morning wasn't so bad after all.
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Chapter 3 will contain the rest of their coffee shop conversationand whatever I come up with to follow that haha. I hope you enjoyed this update :)
