Guys, I'm thrilled so many of you are following the stories but I miss getting reviews. Feeling a little lonely here... Hope you still like the fic!
"It's February already ?" Chad exclaims as he's catching up on paperwork. Sonny, who's been counting the days since he met Will, smiles and says "Time has flown by since we've opened. Things are really good. We should have Valentine-themed day, don't you think ? Maybe, with prizes, or a funny way of passing romantic messages... ?" Chad thinks this over "Humm... We'd better be really original. Wait... What would we want to do to impress Abby or...?" Chad stops, embarrassed and looks down. "Sorry, mate, I didn't mean to..." Sonny answers "No, it's OK, no problem. In fact, it makes it even easier..." He closes his eyes and pictures himself seated opposite Will, holding hands. He's taken aback by how easy it is to imagine, he can almost feels him on his fingers. They've ordered coffee and Chad comes with... two cups and Will raises his and... something's written on the saucer with thin chocolate strokes that have been frozen solid. "Thanks for making my life so perfect. Sonny." He bats his eyelids to slowly come back to reality and tells Chad, who's won by the concept and they brainstorm on.
The 14th is there and Sonny, Chad and two other baristas are running around nonstop. The saucer idea is a hit and has circulated, plus the music and decoration are seemingly ideal in creating a romantic atmosphere. A few singles still come in, their nose towards the floor to grab coffee, and Sonny feels less lonely. One of them is Cam, the ER doctor, who's on good terms with Sonny, though they don't meet much, what with their respective workloads. They recall the pre-opening party and Sonny jokingly offers coffee with a side of pizza, as Cam seemed to love it. Cam smiles with a faraway look. Sonny asks kindly " Hard day to go through, hey ?" Cam sighs and says "More, this year, in fact. I've been replaced in somebody's heart and don't stand a chance anymore..." He gives an oblique look toward Chad and Sonny, astounded, connects the dots. He's missed the boat here. Must have happened before he came to Salem. He scowls, unsure of how to react but Cam goes on, still oblivious " When he left her for Mel, I dreamt of a second chance. Her mother told me about a baseball game and once my shift ended, I asked a colleague who was driving there to give me a ride, so that I could... bump into her and Will, like in a random encounter, you know ? But I was too late and... I couldn't find her..." Sonny frowns at Cam's change of tone but at this moment, Will comes in and makes everyone else fade. Sonny gives Cam a clumsy tap on the arm and turns to the man of his dreams.
Five minutes later, Brian makes a remarkable entrance. He walks with confidence and Sonny expects to see him with a date, but he's on his own, comes straight to Sonny and lays his hand on Sonny's shoulder. "Sonny, let's not beat about the bush. Do you have a date tonight ?" Sonny answers, surprised "No." "Then, it's your lucky day, because neither have I and I have great outing ideas..." Sonny is astounded. He carefully looks for a kind way to let him down. "Hum, actually, tonight we stay open late and I'm closing. Also, hum... I'm flattered, but..." Brian blinks but regroups in seconds "Ok, well at least I've tried." He doesn't order anything and storms out leaving Sonny feeling silly standing with a cup in is hand until he remembers who it is for. He goes to Will who's in a cheerful conversation with Chad about his date with Abby later. Sonny stands, waiting and Chad gets the message and leaves quickly. Sonny puts the cup down in front of Will and eases himself on the opposite seat, giving out a sigh of relief. "God, that feels good, I couldn't feel my feet anymore!" Will laughs "The price of success ?" Sonny smiles "Exactly!" "Speaking of success, it seems Brian had none with you, just then. Did he ask you out ?" Sonny is exceedingly ill-at-ease as he answers "Yes... but I consider him a good friend only, so..." Will smiles again and adds "Monsieur is picky, then ? I know lots of guys who would kill for a night with him." Sonny swallows hard and asks with feigned aloofness "Is he your type ?" Will's eyes seem to jump out of his head. He laughs out loud "No, not really. I admit he's attractive, but way too arrogant and..." That's when he looks down and stops talking to brush a finger on the white china, looking intensely pleased. "'Your friendship means a lot to me' … didn't I write that once ?" Sonny is beaming "Well, Valentine's day is also a good moment to celebrate friends and tells them how important they are to us." Will looks at Sonny's eyes and says "Indeed. Thanks."