A Second Chance

Dinner With A Friend

Chapter 43

The wind blew softly outside. The sun hidden behind the clouds. Though many people had work everything seemed at peace today. It was quiet and it was not often that it's quiet when you live in a city.

Caden was looking for his keys like any normal morning. It was his day off so he did not need to go anywhere yet. Though later that night he was invited over to Anderson's for dinner. Caden did not want to be rude and be late so he was going to go ahead and find them. Though he questioned if it would do any good.

He ended up finding his keys next to the coffee pot. Good he wanted some anyway. He made himself some coffee and sat on his couch, letting the hot cup warm his hands. He thought about turning on the TV but there was nothing ever good on to watch. Caden decided to just enjoy the silence.

His heart felt heavy knowing there were things that needed to be said if Caden and Amari were to remain partners. Mainly being that he has had four others before her. Valerie did not know and she left when she found out. So maybe he should just tell her and watch har leave. He did not want her around anyway..

Caden has not seen Valerie around in a LONG time. It was strange how someone's silence could hurt you more than their words. He was positive she still worked for ARRO so she must just try extra hard to avoid him. He still missed Valerie. He hated to pick favorites but he can't lie that he did favor her the most. Caden would say that he was in love with Valerie but love is a strong word.

When Caden's coffee was gone he stood and dressed for dinner later that night. He grabbed his keys and left his apartment. He needed out of his house. He needed something to distract him and keep him from thinking about his partners.

He honestly was not sure where to go. There was a new coffee shop near his house. He did not really need anymore coffee but maybe he would just go check out the scene. Yes, Caden felt that was a good idea. The drive was not far and he parked next to a car that somehow felt familiar. The place was not very big and was not very busy.

He walked inside. The place was warm and welcoming and the satisfying smell of coffee filled the place. He should come back here some time and try some coffee because he just really didn't need anymore caffeine. A person had walked up to the cash register though.

"Can I get you something?" The woman asked nicely.

"No thank you." Caden declined the offer.

"Hey Rogers!" Someone called him.

He turned around to see Amari sitting at a small round table with an open book in her hand. Caden knew he saw that car somewhere before it was Amari's. He must have seen it around work. He walked up to the small table.

"Hello Shields." Caden greeted.

"Hi Rogers." She sat the book down on the table.

"What brings you here?" Caden wondered.

"My car." Amari joked.

Caden chuckled at her joke never really seeing her humorous side before.

"I just like this place, friendly people, nice and quiet, and it has coffee." Amari explained seriously this time, taking a sip of her beverage.

"May I sit?" Caden found himself asking.

"Of course." Amari assured him, gesturing toward the empty seat across from her.

Caden sat down in the chair in front of her. He was not sure why he wanted to sit here with her, since he has tried so strongly to express he wanted nothing to do with her. Maybe he just really needed some company. Amari closed her eyes listening to the wind chimes outside of the coffee shop.