Rachel served Ryan his usual coffee, the man standing across the counter looking like he was quite enjoying himself while texting on his phone. She didn’t exist to him right now. She’d be lying if she said that it didn’t hurt her pride. She wanted him to at least give her that handsome smile of his. He owed her that much for all the free coffee he was getting. She placed her hands on the counter, tapping away at it with her nails. The sound caught Ryan’s attention and by the looks of it he caught on quickly. He had the decency to look embarrassed about his behavior as he pocketed his phone.
“Sorry, I was caught up in something.”
“Oh, I could tell.” She told him, not being able to hide the sass in her voice.
Instead of his handsome usual smile, he showed her his awkward, little smile. He reached for his coffee and sipped carefully from it.
“Amazing, as usual.” He mumbled, trying to break the tension between them.
She rolled her eyes at him, “Cute, I’ll let it slide this time.”
“Oh, you think I’m cute?”
The hardness in her eyes didn’t fade as she glared at him, “You know very well most women like to appreciate your looks.”
“I’m hurt though, I’d like women to like me for my personality.”
She pointed at the cup which he placed upon the counter, “You know what? Grab your coffee and get out of here, I’ve had enough of you this morning.”
He tried to give her the puppy eyes, which didn’t work. Ava made her immune to the puppy eyes. Somehow her daughter who could barely sit up and scoot herself across her bed figured out how to get her way with her daddy and those around her. The little girl was quite a pro when it came to manipulating those around her. Her behavior was almost frightening, really. Ryan’s look did absolutely nothing to her.
“I’m sorry that might work on Naomi, but I couldn’t care less.”
“You’re really pissed this morning.” Ryan sighed, “I’m sorry I treated you like all these other rude people who only pay attention to either their phone or tablet.” He gestured around the room, “I deserve your sass since I behaved like them.”
She pressed her lips together, not wanting to laugh at that. He insulted most of her customers and by the looks of it, they were quite offended by him. It was the truth though. Everyone who drank their hot beverage was either scrolling down their phone or tablet. No one was communicating nor paying attention to their surroundings.
“Fine, apology accepted.” She whispered, “Please, stop insulting my customers.”
He smirked, “Thanks, so how is Ethan doing? I heard he collapsed back at Boston.”
“Yeah due to exhaustion.” She told Ryan, “He is fine though, he just needed to rest.”
Ryan nodded, “I see, glad to hear he’s okay.”
He sounded sincere so she didn’t tease him about it. Her eyes wandered to the entrance as she watched a young woman with sleek dark brown hair, a pair of designer glasses and amazing high heels approach her. The woman swayed her hips from side to side, making it look like she was participating a runway show. Ryan who also observed the woman looked impressed by her. Rachel had to admit that even though she couldn’t see half the woman’s face she was gorgeous. The woman stood beside Ryan, her perfume dark and sensual.
“Rachel King?”
Rachel awkwardly brushed her hair behind her ear, “Yes?”
The woman lowered her glasses, a grin spreading across her face while she looked like she was the happiest woman on the planet.
“Maddison Hunter.” She introduced herself, “I wanted to see for myself what kind of woman is marrying my little brother. Like your hair, a lot.”
Rachel felt even more self-conscious about her look then. She threw on a pair of jeans and a flowy lilac top, not really bothering with her clothes that morning. It had been chaotic with Ava being moody and not wanting to eat or bate. Maddison who looked picture perfect made her feel like a failure as a woman. She trailed her eyes away from the curious looking woman, running her fingers through her short locks occasionally.
“Thanks.”
Ryan spoke up, giving her time to pull herself together. He held his hand out to Maddison who for the first time seemed aware of the handsome man standing beside her. The woman trailed her eyes from his perfectly gelled hair to his expensive Italian leather shoes. When she met his gaze again it was easy to tell Maddison Hunter liked what she saw.
“Ryan Parker.” He introduced himself confidently as he shook hands with Maddison, “The man who your brother hates without a valid reason.”
Maddison laughed, “Charming.”
“I try.” He reached for his coffee and held it up, “Thanks, Rachel. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome.”
Maddison watched Ryan walk out, “That’s one beautiful man.”
Rachel laughed, “Don’t say that in front of Ethan. He’s not a fan of Ryan Parker.”
Maddison met her gaze, “I thought the guy was joking about that. What a way to introduce yourself.” She looked impressed, “You’re friends?”
Rachel sighed, “We are, to Ethan’s dismay.”
Maddison ignored her words completely and leaned forward, “Is he single?”
Her dear fiancé would freak out if he knew his sister was interested in Ryan Parker. He tolerated her friendship with the man, he’d completely lose it if his sister started chasing the man.
“I think he’s single.” Rachel told her, trying to brush the subject off as quick as possible, “But he did tell me there is a woman in his life who he’s interested in.”
“That doesn’t mean anything.” Maddison laughed, “His feelings can change if he’s chased by the right kind of woman. Him being single means that I can actually make my move.”
“Maddison, I’m telling you Ethan won’t like that.”
Maddison shrugged it off, “Since when do I care what Ethan thinks?” She asked, the question making it painfully clear what kind of relationship those siblings had, “The only reason I’m trying is that my mom made it clear Ethan is marrying a nice girl and that his daughter is so freaking cute.”
Rachel had no idea how to react to that, “Thanks?”
Maddison smirked, “No need to sound so unsure, you’re not only a nice girl you’re also very attractive. How about we do lunch? I want to get to know you a little better.”
The woman strolled in and took charge, reminding her of Ethan. They were definitely related because her fiancé could push his way into someone’s life like that as well. When she really looked at Maddison she tried to see similarities to her husband. There were none though. These two didn’t look related at all.
“I can do lunch.”
“Great!” Maddison shoved her designer glasses back upon her nose, “Then I’m heading home first, I need to greet mom and spend some time with her as well. Not to mention the luggage I’m dragging along. See you at one?” Maddison reached into her bag and pulled out a business card, “We should have each other’s number in case something happens. Text me your number, okay?” She then waved and left Emma’s Haven.
When Maddison was gone Rachel felt like she could finally breathe again. That woman was overwhelming to hang around with. She needed to prepare herself mentally for their lunch meeting. She didn’t want to feel emotionally drained the rest of her day. She reached for the business card and saved Maddison’s number, sending her a text just like the woman asked of her.
***