A/N This little drabble is loosely based on an experience I had in England this summer. Except of course I was not with John Bates (more's the pity).
Anna and John were heading home from a hike with the dogs in John's Range Rover. They were both enjoying these sorts of days that happened more spontaneously now that Anna was remaining in the house even when John was staying. She supposed she should feel guilty for not doing any homework today, but there was plenty of time for that tomorrow once John had headed back to London.
"Shall we stop in at the next Starbucks?" John asked with a big smile, "I could use a coffee."
"And I could use an iced tea. I'm parched," Anna agreed.
John's face fell immediately and he glanced quickly at his companion before looking back at the road, "You can't order an iced tea." He looked horrified.
"Why not?"
"It's not British."
"I'm not British!" she laughed.
"I am and being a gentleman, I'll be forced to order for you."
She couldn't believe his pained expression.
"I tell you what...I'll order for myself. And I'll use my very best American accent while I do it."
"But they'll know I'm with you."
"Oh my god! I can't believe you're making that big of a deal out of this."
"You don't understand. We don't do iced tea here."
"I tell you what...I'll pretend I don't know you. I'll even make a big deal of it. 'Oh my god!' " she mimicked herself, exaggerating a star struck attitude, "Aren't you John 'Fricken' Bates? You're my favorite. Can I have your autograph? Can you sign my cup?"
John chuckled, "Alright Cheeky Monkey, that's enough. Besides, you won't even have a proper cup for me to sign. It will be one of those ridiculous plastic things. How am I supposed to sign that?"
Anna shook her head in wonder, "You let me choose the paint color in the bathroom in the house you own but you won't support me in ordering an iced tea?"
"It's not British."
It was quiet for a moment as the pair of friends contemplated the conversation they were having.
"I've got it," Anna grinned, "I'll order a hot tea… and a glass of ice!"
"Oh my god," John said in horror, "that's even worse!"
The car was filled with the sound of Anna's laughter as they pulled into the Starbucks parking lot.