Thanks to all who have read my story so far. I hope you continue to enjoy "After Hours". Thanks to those who reviewed, it is much appreciated.
Carrie's Café was a small, quaint little shop tucked in the middle of a moderately busy street. Specializing mainly in teas and coffee, she also offered simple foods in a cozy- lit atmosphere. It was quiet this evening. Hardly anyone was there, which made it nice for having a quiet, intimate chat. Lucas assumed that was why Jeanette had chosen it.
Gazing around at the small tables covered with red tablecloths (red tablecloths were in at the moment) and cozy booths, all with candles on the table, he felt glum. He traced the rim of his coffee cup waiting, just waiting for Jeanette to speak.
Jeanette, who sat sedately sipping her tea, was the opposite of Lucas right now. She was tall and thin, with pale skin, long crimson hair, and emerald green eyes, and wearing a long purple dress with a matching headband. She smiled at Lucas with a light in her eyes that could only be described as puppy love.
"Are you hungry, James?"
"Hmm?" She had pulled Lucas from his reverie and now he was uncertain. "What did you say?"
"I asked if you were hungry."
"Oh, oh yeah," he picked up the small menu in front of him, glad to have a distraction. "Let's order something."
They sat for awhile, studying the offerings. Lucas decided to give the chicken and leek pie a try, it couldn't possibly be worse than at Grace Brothers, while Jeanette chose the seafood salad. The waiter came and took their orders. After he left came the hard part – the conversation. Lucas was sure he knew what conversation it would be. Jeanette gave him a kind, friendly smile (the one he was sure she was perfecting for her practice) and began her questioning.
"So, how was work? I assume it must have been very tiring because you haven't said much since I arrived."
There was Jeanette, always had to explain every little thing. Nobody ever just felt anything or said anything just because. Christ, she may have been training to be a psychiatrist, but was it really necessary for her to analyze everything that was ever said or done?
"It was… frustrating. Had several customers come in who I thought were going to be really good sales, but bought bugger all. And I woke up late so I wasn't on time and got harassed because of that. So that was my day, how was yours?"
She gave him a disapproving look when he said he was late, but didn't say anything. "My day was alright. I turned in my project for abnormal psychology today, so I'll have lots more free time now. I also spoke with one of my counselors today and found out that I qualify for the medical school of my choice."
Lucas smiled at her. "Good, good. I'm happy for you." And he was.
Jeanette's smile widened. "Thank you so much. I know the last few weeks have been hard on our time together, but it will get better." She looked down as if she were marshalling her thoughts in preparation to say something difficult. "I was wondering if you've given any thought about… last night?" Yep, she had brought it up.
"Yes, I have."
She looked up at him. "And?"
He sighed. "And you said that you wanted to try to help me so, what did you have in mind?"
A look spread over her face that was pure happiness mixed with determination. Oh joy! He had become her new project. It had begun.
"Great. I'm glad that you've chosen not to run anymore." Spoken like a true psychiatrist. "But James," she said, taking his hand. "This is a process that could possibly be painful for you, but I promise you the end result will be extremely rewarding. What I need from you is a promise that you will trust me and see this through to the end."
He wanted to laugh at her. He truly wanted to laugh in her face right now, completely denouncing all her faith in him right in front of her. But he didn't, he couldn't. His mother may have failed him in many ways, but she had raised him to be a gentleman. Well, somewhat at least. Other than breaking it off with her right now, the only other thing to do was to let her try – and fail. Truthfully he really didn't want to break it off with her, she was nice and he did like her.
"Alright," he said, shaking her hand. "Let's do it."
Jeanette had wanted to get started that very night, but Lucas begged off. It had been a hard day and he was tired, too tired even to replenish the gin supply. Still, that hadn't stopped her from bombarding him with suggestions and theories during supper. He had barely tasted his pie in his haste to eat and leave the place. When he got home his mother was in usual form. Demanding to know how his date went (she never even asked about work), then stopping him to question or to nag.
By the time he got to his bed he fell into it face first without getting undressed. He rolled over and set his alarm for a little earlier so he could have a bath in the morning. Then he closed his eyes, opening them only when it occurred to him that he was still wearing his shoes.