It All Started with the Wifi Password

~PART THREE~

Callie, who had been waiting patiently for Mason's arrival was surprised and shocked to see him enter the Starbucks at noon with another girl hung around his arm. She looked down, embarrassed he had caught her staring, internally yelling at herself. Someone as handsome as him had to have been seeing someone, even if Callie hadn't seen her before.

Mason was confused. Instead of being greeted by Callie's warm smile, he saw her staring at her fingers as he and Vanessa approached the counter. Something wasn't right, that much Mason could tell. When he and Vanessa decided what they would order, the blonde beauty in front of him finally looked up. But her face held a forced smile, one that didn't reach her eyes like usual, and instead her eyes held, from the looks of it, jealousy and hurt.

Of course Callie was jealous and hurt! For the past fifteen minutes and in the process of nearly ruining another batch of freshly prepared coffee, she had yet another day dream about Mason and her, only to have him come in with another girl, one that was more his speed. She was beautiful, after all, with her dark raven hair, high cheekbones, and slender body. Callie felt she had already lost the contest to the girl standing in front of her, the one with a smirk on her face as she stood tucked into Mason's side.

The girl spoke for the both of them, and Callie quickly wrote down the order. "I'll get two Iced Lattes for me and my boyfriend, and two grilled chicken sandwiches, please."  Callie's heart fell when she was only able to confirm that Mason was taken. She silently proceeded with writing the names on their cups, assuring them in a monotone voice that their orders would be prepared quickly, and helped them finish paying.

Mason, on the other hand, was shocked. Who had said anything about them dating? He only agreed to a friendly lunch break to the Starbucks a block away from the office, mostly to stop by and see the girl working behind the counter. As soon as Callie began preparing their order, Mason pulled Vanessa aside. 

"Since when did I agree to date you?"

Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Look, I couldn't have that girl looking at you like that. I had to say something to get her to keep her eyes off what is mine."

Mason ignored the last part, but Callie had heard it over the pouring of the freshly brewed coffee. Had her infatuation with him really been that obvious? Of course, she'd been stupid to think he could ever like a nobody like her. She realized that she would only succeed in getting more hurt if she continued to listen in on their conversation, so she tuned them out.

"How does she look at me?" Mason had never really noticed anything before. Hadn't she always smiled the same way at everyone that came in? Well... he doubted she had their order already behind the counter, and blushed at the sight of them. Maybe they could have a connection.

"Like you're the highlight of her day. Like you're the newest purse on a rack that she just wants to get her hands on. It's not like she knows you, not the way I do. It's disgusting and revolting, honestly." 

When Callie announced their meal was ready, she didn't make eye contact with anyone, and slowly wished them a good day, hoping that she would have time to clear her mind. When they had finally finished their meal in the back corner and left, Callie let out a sigh, before glancing around to see the still steaming tall cup of dark black coffee with a bit of cream sitting behind the counter, untouched.