Haven't Had Enough → Chenry

? Chapter Three

     I surveyed the shop until my eyes landed on a secluded little table in the far corner that seemed to be calling my name. I set my things down on it and pulled a pen out of my pocket. This was definitely a Penbrooke-material writing atmosphere.

     I busied myself with my writing for a few minutes, completely engrossed in the words I was putting to paper. But with one glance up from what I was doing, I was instantly torn from my bubble.

     My attention had been grabbed by the jingle of a bell as the door opened. In through the door walked a raven-haired beauty who tossed her long, dark hair over her shoulder and looked back at her companion with a flirtatious smile.

     "Henry," I whispered when the golden-haired boy walked in, feeling a mixture of dread and intrigue. Who was this girl he was with?

     My eyes trailed after the couple as they approached the register to order. They were laughing with one another and she softly nudged him with her elbow. I could feel my stomach twist in knots. Maybe they're friends, or co-workers, I thought to myself. Or cousins.

     He snaked an arm around her waist and smiled down at her as she contemplated the chalkboard menu. I could tell from the placement of his hand that they were certainly not cousins.

Before I could stop myself, I scrambled up to the register. "Lyah, my coffee!" I waved at her to get her attention. Then I glanced at the couple in front of me, neither of whom even turned to peek at me. If I wanted attention, I was going to have to command it.

     "Henry!" I blurted. He looked back over his shoulder and raised his eyebrows when his eyes fell on me. He and the girl beside him exchanged looks before he fully turned around. I looked him in the eye. "Can I talk to you? Over there?"

     He whispered something in the girl's ear that made her giggle and nod before walking a few yards away. I followed after him.

"What are you doing with that girl?" I demanded, once we were far enough away. "And don't try to claim that she's just your cousin or something, because I saw your hand."

Henry laughed and ran his tongue across his teeth. "Just to make sure we're on the same page, is this just me learning that you're the jealous type? I'll have you know, I don't find that very attractive."

I narrowed my eyes and shook my head at him in disbelief. "Wow. Are you really going to make this about you?"

"I'm sorry," He replied, clearly taken aback. "Are you not the one who made this about me?"

I didn't bother to answer his question. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the girl he came in with watching us. I lowered my voice to a whisper. "Becca might not be the nicest person, but no one deserves to get cheated on." I paused. "Though, I can't imagine she's much better of a girlfriend to you."

"Girlfriend? Becca is not my girlfriend." He said it like they were the strangest words in the world. "Who told you that?"

"She did," I responded, starting to become puzzled. I reconsidered my answer before adding, "Well, not technically, but she implied it."

"Becca is not my girlfriend," Henry declared once more, looking far too smug for my comfort. He nodded in the dark-haired girl's direction. "Neither is Erin."

I bristled, confused. "Then, why—"

"I don't do girlfriends, Shortie." He shrugged and slid his hands into his pockets. I stood there in silence, a bit disoriented by the news. I watched a smirk form on his lips as he leaned in closer. "You might want to remember that."

     The brief moment of proximity took my gall away and rendered me speechless. What I wanted to say was, I couldn't care less, but instead I said nothing. He looked me over as if considering me one last time before turning and walking away.

     I watched as he walked back to the girl, who now had both of their drinks in her hands. She smiled at him, effectively showing off the dimples in each of her cheeks. After handing him a cup, she hooked her arm with his and the two strolled out the door together.

     I felt my heart sink – I had just made a fool of myself by practically accusing him. I mentally scolded myself that I should've known that someone like him would never "tie himself down" so to speak. I turned around to retreat back to my table but ran into someone right behind me.

     It was Lyah, standing there with a blissful grin on her face. "Here's your coffee!" She held the cup out triumphantly.

I took it from her and watched through the glass window as Henry and the girl disappeared down the street. His words resounded in my head: I don't do girlfriends.

I turned to Lyah urgently. "Hey," I whispered, looking around before leaning in close. "Is there any way you could spike this first?"