Chapter Ten

The Man with Blue Eyes

Happy Tenth Chapter!

Make sure you leave your reviews to let me know if I should be doing something differently with this story line. I'm certainly open to ideas and suggestions!

I also apologize for the sudden change in scenery from last chapter. Truth be told I began writing this story when The Originals first came out and weren't living in the Compound. I only just realized it until now, so don't worry if it's now talking about the compound rather than the house. Just trying to go with the flow.

The large faced, grandfather clock struck noon in the parlor of the Mikaelson compound. Eve had been nestled in the corner of the couch with a worn book in her lap. She'd gone through the collection in the personal library happily settling with a book she'd never read before, but seemed interesting. The book was Pride and Prejudice. As she read she felt as though she'd been transported to another world; a kinder world. One she wished to live in again.

Evangeline glanced up as the clock struck and had suddenly reminded her she had a grumbling stomach having not been fed since 8:00 that morning. She closed the aged book and stood, walking the book back to its place on the shelf, taking care that she wouldn't lose her place. After it was secure on the shelf she walked back to the couch and picked up the blanket she'd used to warm her always chilled feet and neatly folded it into a square, resting it on the arm rest.

As much as her brothers would prefer, she did not want to stay in the house today. The sky was gorgeous and she wanted to enjoy a nice lunch in the shade outside one of those little cafes that always looked so inviting when she'd pass by in car. Guilt began to rise in her chest as she thought of simply leaving the compound on her own without telling anyone, but if she were to tell anyone then they'd accompany her. That was what she didn't want. She was a woman, not a child, she didn't need a babysitter. After a little more convincing she picked up the little purse that contained the money she'd need and headed out the door.

Feelings of excitement and worry swirled in her stomach as she walked down the main stretch of Bourbon street. It really was a gorgeous city with so much life and culture, she could now see why her family had chosen to settle here. A realm of supernatural entities and superb jazz, what more could they ask for? She soon came upon the little café she'd noticed before, but Nik was in too much of a hurry to stop. She entered the little place that was busy with customers and waitress trying to keep up with the influx of lunch goers.

Eve stood patiently in line, trying to ignore a man in front of her who constantly stamped his foot and checked his watch. Why was everyone in such a hurry? She understood the urgencies of lunch breaks and returning to work on time, she was adamant about arriving to her destinations on time, but she noticed this form of impatience even from tourists who were on vacation. The idea of never slowing down left a distasteful film in her mouth. When it was her turn, she asked what the barista recommended for her to try, having not much experience with lattes or cappuccinos. A voice sounded behind her.

"That would depend if you have a sweet tooth" the deep voice said.

Blinking in surprise by the unexpected answer, she turned her head to see over her shoulder. Behind her stood a tall man dressed in a dapper suit and tie. His dark hair was slicked back and parted to the side, looking clean and comely. Though it was his face that drew her attention immediately. Those eyes, as blue as the arctic, and that face as chiseled as a Greek sculpture. His lips curved into a rather attractive smile and she couldn't help but stare in awe for a moment before being brought back to reality by his smooth voice again.

"If you were to prefer a sweetened taste I'd say a Caramel Macchiato. Assuming you like caramel, that is."

"Yes, sir. I should think I do" she paused, thinking back to the lesson in modern day behavior by women her age, fully aware she didn't sound from this century. She pursed her lips into a thin line, she'd have to watch more movies if she were to fit in with society properly.

There was this slight glitter in his eyes, humor perhaps? She watched him as he stepped forward and took out a crisp twenty from his billfold and handed it to the barista. "A Caramel Macchiato for the lady, added extra whip topping for the occasion. For myself a dark roast coffee plain, please." It didn't occur to Eve that he'd just paid for her drink until the steaming cup was handed to her.

"Oh, you didn't have to pay for my drink. I have money" she said furrowing her eyebrows with concern, she knew her family had plenty of money and didn't need anyone to aid them in finances.

The smile that graced his lips before appeared again and she was glad for it. There was a sensation of something warm in the pit of her stomach for those curved lips. "I'm aware," he said simply, "Give it a try. I think you'll like it."

Eve looked down at the steam billowing from the little opening in the lid. She placed her pale pink lips against the lid and allowed a small portion of the contents enter her mouth. It was scorching and delicious at the same time. She looked up at him to find him studying her with an interested expression, as if he were an artist observing a formation of nature "You're right. It's very good."

"Would you like to sit?" he asked politely, gesturing to an empty table in the corner of the café. The building had dispersed tremendously as those on lunch break left and tourists preferred the outside seating. She followed his hand to the table holding her steaming cup careful to not let it spill. She wondered why someone would choose a hot drink on a hot day. Yes, it was savory, but she couldn't see the reasoning. Wouldn't they prefer cool water?

"Thank you" she said as she smoothed her white, flower stitched patterned dress from behind, and sat down in the chair he offered. "What occasion is it?" she asked then "You told her 'for the occasion'. So, what is the occasion?"

He smirked slyly, "Meeting you, of course. I'm Ian. You are?"

A light pink blush spread along the apples of her cheeks. Meeting her was an occasion? "Evangeline," she said softly in a hushed voice, suddenly feeling very shy, "Though, you may call me Eve if you wish. I mean… you can if you want to." Curse her for reading Pride and Prejudice before leaving.

Ian raised a brow and smile, "I like Evangeline, actually. It's… unique. Originality is hard to come by these days."

"Oh, I'm quite Original," she grinned widely at her own inside joke, "Thank you. For paying for my drink. You didn't have to, you know."

"I know," he shrugged, "But I have learned from my own experience to never pass an opportunity that might be worthwhile."

What did he mean by that, had he thought she might be worthwhile? She gazed at him, studying his handsome features. He was easily the most beautiful man she'd ever laid eyes on. "That's good advice I suppose" her eyes casted downward to her hands which lay folded on the table politely, her long dark eyelashes brushing her the tops of her cheeks. She glanced up, catching him watching her again.

"You stare at me. Why?" she asked. She wasn't anything extraordinary to observe for so long. She was pretty, yet plain; simple.

With a shrug of his shoulders he leaned forward, his long index finger tapping against the brim of his coffee lid. "I suppose I'm trying to understand why you're so different from everyone else here. I can't say I've met someone who's struck my interest so… instantly."

"I've struck your interest?" she asked in surprise "I'm not very interesting. You'd soon find that and find yourself bored."

"Somehow, I doubt that" he smirked crookedly, it was a nice smile, one that could bring a whirl of butterflies in her stomach. "It's because you think you aren't interesting that makes you more interesting," he furrowed his eyebrows and tilted his head to the side, "I simply wanted to learn your name, and perhaps…" he picked up a napkin from the holder and then removed a golden ballpoint pen from his breast pocket, "take a chance to see what might happen." He scribbled a ten-digit number and passed it to her.

Eve looked up as he stood from his seat, coffee in hand listening as he spoke "I'm a firm believer in chance. Unfortunately, I need to be somewhere right now, but if I get a call tonight," he tapped the napkin with his phone number, "It will be a chance worth taken." He smiled once more before nodding to her politely "I hope to hear from you soon, Evangeline."

She watched him as he walked out of the place. She continued to stare even when he was well out of sight, her mind racing. Never had a man been so forward and yet so gentleman like towards her. They were either gentleman or not. There was no in-between from her experience. She looked down at the phone number, a slow smile touching her lips. A soft sigh of content escaped her chest as she sat back in the chair and crossed her ankles under the table, taking another sip of the still steaming beverage in her hand. His fine-looking features etched into her memory for future pondering of what might be.