Coffee and Books 1

Chapter 31

Author's note:
Just to be sure, a small trigger warning for (minor, if there is such a thing) sexual assault before starting this chapter.  Proceed with caution if you fear this might trigger you.

I don't know what I expected, after leaving Loki standing in the garden like that. But it's been six days and I have not heard a word from him. I have not seen any of the other Asgardians either. This sucks. I feel heartbroken and I have done this to myself.
But, I try to keep my head high, at least in public. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. If not, well... then I'll get over it too. At least, I hope so.

I'm back to work now, although I have to be careful with carrying heavy trays. I'm mostly behind the counter, making coffee and manning the register.

"I'm soooo looking forward to tonight!" Lisa says happily, joining me behind the counter. "Marc will be here after closing, he's gonna make us dinner. And then we can put on our dancing shoes!"

One of my favorite bands, The Slackers, is playing The Bell House in Brooklyn, NY. And Marc, being a fan himself, got us tickets to the now sold out concert.

"I can't wait either!" Despite feeling so low about Loki, I'm actually looking forward to go to the gig. It'll be nice to clear my head. And tomorrow's sunday, so I don't have to worry about working the next day.

While Marc does the dishes - did I mention he is a great guy? - Lisa and I get changed. I choose dark skinny jeans, an emerald sleeveless top and a pair of flats. We're standing next to each other in front of the mirror in the bathroom.
"Did you hear from Loki yet?" Lisa asks, putting on mascara.

I have told her about meeting him at the Asgardian apartment complex. When I got home that day, I was a mess, it was a total relief to talk about it. Lisa shares her parents' opinion that hanging out with Loki isn't without dangers, but she also understands my feelings. So I tell her I have not heard from him. "I'm afraid I messed up."

"You don't know that. Maybe something came up. Or he just doesn't take this kind of thing lightly and it takes him some time," she suggests.

I shrug. "I wish he came after me right away, after I walked out on him so stupidly."

"You can reach out to him, if you want?" Lisa says, putting away her make-up.

"I don't know..." I hesitate. "I don't want to be pushy. He knows where I stand. I guess it's up to him now. Maybe he has already made the decision he doesn't want to see me anymore," I add, emotion thick in my throat.

"Nah, I don't think so. I've seen the way he looks at you. But it's Loki, who knows what's up."

And then we change the subject, because it's gonna be a good night and I don't want to spoil the fun by thinking to much of what I should have or could have done.

The band that night doesn't disappoint. It's a great show and I'm really enjoying myself, singing along to their songs and dancing with my cousin, her boyfriend and his friends. Three friends of Marc came to the gig too and the guys are making sure we always have a drink in our hands. Two of them I have seen before, but one is new to me.

"I understand you have seen them perform in Holland too?" he asks me, leaning close because of the loud music.

"Yeah! I've been to many gigs over the years. It's great to see them perform here in New York."

I am trying to remember his name. Will, or Bill, something like that. When he introduced himself I couldn't really hear it over the music.
He's been friendly all night, talking and dancing with me, and maybe even getting me a little drunk. I don't know exactly how many beers I had, but it's time to switch to water. Bill or Will is having none of that, bringing me a new beer.