Scarlett's Secrets (Complete)

Chapter Eighteen - A note from a stranger

Caleb 

“Well then Caleb, when did you get home?” Nate asked me as soon as I got in the coffee shop.

“Mate, I’ve not even clocked in for my shift yet, and you are questioning me,” I said laughing as I went to go through the back.

“I just want details before the lunchtime rush comes in,” He said, staring at me with raised eyebrows.

“I will tell you what I can when I come back through Mr Nosey!” I smiled then went through the door to the backroom.

I knew I shouldn’t have told Nate what I was doing yesterday as he will not leave me alone until I give him details. I could feel myself grinning whilst getting ready to go out to start my shift. I don’t mind talking about Scarlett, though. I go back through and find the coffee shop has got busy in the ten minutes I was through the back.

“Jeez Nate, what happened out here?” I laughed, looking at him.

“No idea where they all came from,” Nate said, rushing about all flustered.

“We can talk later about my great time yesterday,” I told him, “What do you need me to do?” I asked.

“You take one section, I will take the other,” He said. 

I nodded, heading over to the opposite section from him, beginning to take some orders. I honestly have no clue where all those people came from, but it should help pass the next couple of hours quickly. We were rushed off our feet, trying to work as quickly as we could, so people weren’t waiting too long. We could be doing with an extra staff member right now, but it is only us two, so we’ve just got to deal with it. 

After thirty minutes of constant making coffee and cutting cake, Dave walks through the shop to help for a change.

“The boss man has arrived to help,” Dave laughed, looking at us both.

“Can you go through the back and get some more take away cups and food containers, we are running low,” I asked Dave.

“Of course I can Caleb, you need anything, Nate?” Dave asked.

“No, I’m doing fine thanks,” Nate replied.

Before I knew it one hour had passed, and everyone was served, some were beginning to leave, and there is no queue at the counter. Dave was getting ready to go, as well. He doesn’t really do a lot when it comes to serving or making coffee; he is more of a sit in the office and does paperwork kind of guy.

We served the last two customers before managing to stop to make ourselves a coffee. It was good to stand still for a few. 

“So, last night? What happened? Did you get laid?” Nate smirked. 

That was Nate for you, getting straight to the point. I went to answer, but before I could, someone came in, taking the seat in front of the counter. 

“I will get him,” I said.

“But when you get back, I want details,” Nate laughed. 

I shook my head, chuckling and headed over to the guy. 

“Good afternoon, what can I get you?” I smiled. 

“Just a large black coffee, please,” He said, looking up at me. 

I nodded, getting his order for him. It was only a black coffee, that only took a minute to prepare and then I got back to my own coffee and my conversation with Nate.

“Now then stud, you have gossip for me!” Nate grinned.

“OK Nate, it went great we had a lovely curry curtsey of Scarlett. I did most of the prep while she put it all together,” I said. 

I was telling Nate, but I was looking out into the seating area, and that is when I noticed the man sitting at the table closest to the counter was staring at us behind the counter.

I continued telling Nate about how well we were getting on and how the drink was just flowing along with our conversation. I went on to say to him about the great kiss that we shared and how it just felt right. That is when I noticed the man still staring at us with narrow eyes now as if he was trying to listen in to our conversation. 

I ignored him, no matter how rude and nosy he was being. 

“Just a kiss?” Nate asked with a raised brow. 

“More of a heated make-out session,” I chuckled, “But nothing more than that. I stayed over, it was good just to have someone there, you know,” I added smiling. 

“Aww, buddy, are you smitten?” He smirked, “When are you seeing her again?” He added. 

“I am totally smitten, I am not going to deny it,” I said, “We are both busy with work for the next couple of days, but we will get something arranged,” I added. 

I then hear a chair squeaking along the floor and notice the guy that was sat in front of the counter was getting up to leave. He was staring over at the counter while putting on his jacket. Why does he keep staring, it’s probably nothing.

“I’ll go get these tables cleaned down since a lot of people are leaving, can I pass the stuff over to you then I will come and help?” I asked Nate.

“No problem, buddy,” He smiled, “Not sure if you noticed but did you see that guy staring at us?” He asked.

“Yes, I saw that strange,” I said shrugging and walking away to clean.

I started at the furthest point and made my way towards the counter. I had nearly everything tidied when I got to my last table, the one the guy was sitting at who kept staring. He hasn’t even finished his coffee, and there is a note under his cup.

She is not who you think she is! S 

What the f**k? I re-read the note. Who is he talking about it? Was this meant from me? For Nate? Did he not mean to leave it? And who is S? I headed through to help Nate. 

“You OK? You look confused?” Nate asked. 

I shook my head, handing him the note. He read it, and the look on his face was the same as mine. He was confused too. 

“Well, that isn’t creepy at all,” He said, “Who the hell is talking about?” He added. 

“I have no clue,” I said, “I don’t even know who it is for or if he even meant to leave it,” I added. 

“Imagine it was for you and it was about Scarlett,” Nate chuckled.

“Not funny Nate and I doubt he even meant to leave it,” I frowned at him.

It was just playing on my mind for the remainder of my shift, but why would it be about Scarlett. I doubt the person even meant to leave it. He looked like he was in a bad mood so probably just scribbling something to give it to someone else and forgot to lift it.

I pushed it to the back of my head, tossing the note in the bin. I was worrying about nothing. And I wasn’t going to let a silly note ruin my good mood. I just wanted my shift to end, get home and wait for Scarlett to call either before her shift or on her first break like she said. 

The smile soon appeared on my lips at the thought of her. I looked at my phone, having a quick look through the couple of photos we took last night. She was just so beautiful, and I couldn’t stop swooning over her. 

Bring on the next day I can see her again.