Beautiful Addictions by Season Vining

Author:Season Vining [Vining, Season]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

11. Umbra

A shadow that blocks out illumination.

It was raining in Southern California and no one knew how to behave. Pedestrians scurried down the streets, taking cover under the eaves of various restaurants and secondhand bookstores. The strangers huddled so tightly together that personal space and physical boundaries were breached. The falling rain assembled into puddles along street curbs and on the dry fronds of palm trees.

Monica huffed at the inconvenience as she hurried down the sidewalk. The coffee shop sign lured her in, the neon glow immediately reminding her body of its requirement of caffeine. She weaved in and out of the crowds, sometimes darting through the downpour to reach her destination. The man before her, the one dressed in appropriate rain gear and designer shoes, swung the door too hard, knocking her over. Monica yelped and grabbed his sleeve to keep from falling, only to send them both careening to the ground.

“Shit!” Monica exclaimed, feeling the water seep through the seat of her pencil skirt.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, jumping up quickly, offering his hand and an apologetic smile.

She took it and let him pull her in beneath the shelter of his jacket. Once inside, Monica tried to assess the damage. She knew her ass was wet and maybe bruised, her hair was a mess, and she’d broken a nail. That shit always happens just when you get them all to the same length, she thought.

“Are you okay?” the man asked, concern lacing his voice.

His face was a bit round and childlike while still remaining handsome. His curly brown hair was cropped short, while his devious smile hinted that there was more beneath the surface. His oxford shirt hugged his chest, indicating a muscled body beneath such common clothes. Soon, for no reason at all, Monica found herself smiling back.

“I’m fine, really.”

“Well, if you’re sure. Hey, let me buy you a coffee. Pick your poison,” he said, gesturing to the menu.

Monica blushed and stepped to the counter, placing her usual order. He followed and ordered the same. There was a recognized silence between them as they waited for the drinks—a lingering glance, the faintest smile, all telltale signs of flirting. Even though all she could do was compare this man to Rob, Monica was flattered.

“Can you believe how people freak out when it rains?” he finally said.

“I know, right? It’s like I want to scream at them, ‘It’s just water!’”

He laughed wholeheartedly, his dimples deepening, further softening his face. Their order was called and they retrieved their cups from the counter.

“So you must not be from here?” she asked.

“Nah, I’m from Tacoma. What gave it away?”

“You’re wearing a raincoat, an item that none of us locals even own.” She twisted the cup nervously in her hands. “So you should be an expert, right? I hear the sun never shines up there. People have vitamin D deficiencies and it, like, rains every day?”

He shook his head and grinned at her. “It’s not quite that bad.”

“Well, thanks for the coffee…” Monica paused waiting for his name.

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