The Empire by C.L. Alden

Author:C.L. Alden [Alden, C.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-01-04T06:00:00+00:00

***

The cafe was steady even though it was fairly late for a work day. Most of the business looked like it was ‘to go’ coffees and lunches. There were only a couple of tables full, and a few members of the flannel and plaid society at the counter. She didn’t see the blue and grey plaid guy, as she snuck behind the counter to get a coffee and a muffin. She grabbed the paper and waved to Mary who was busy prepping lunch, then made her way to her booth.

“Good morning, sunshine!” her dad said as he walked up to her booth. She glared at him. “Ooh, you look tired. Another late night?” he said with a smiling, hopeful voice.

“Subtle Dad, real subtle.” Good, she thought. He obviously didn’t hear when she was screaming like a crazy person. Hopefully no one else did either.

“Wasn’t that fun last night catching up with Will? Talking about old times...You know he’s single now too.”

“What has that got to do with anything?”

“I’m just sayin’. I like Will. You and he…”

“You’re just sayin’... Dad, I’m not here for a love connection.” Eddie walked up behind Hank, an inquisitive smile on his face. He obviously heard what she just said.

“Good morning!” he said in his usual chipper tone as he came up beside Hank. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“Good morning,” Darcy replied.

“Eddie.” Hank said with a nod and a slight turn of his head. “I’ve got to get back to the counter. We’ll talk later.” he said giving her the ‘I have my eyes on you’ signal behind Eddie’s back. Darcy rolled her eyes.

“May I?” Eddie asked.

“Sure,” she said motioning to the booth seat across from her.

“So, how are you doing?” Eddie asked. When he sat down she could see dark circles under tired eyes and a hint of a blond stubble on his face.

“I’m okay.”

“You look tired,” he said looking concerned as he gave her the once over.

“So do you.” she replied.

“Yeah, I haven’t slept much the last couple nights.”

“Me either.”

He leaned in across that table and whispered. “I just can’t figure out what happened. It felt like so much more than a dream. That’s never happened before. I swear, I felt like I was there! I mean I could smell and touch things…” Eddie looked a little desperate, like he was questioning his sanity.

Darcy knew how that felt, but she knew if she told him that what he thought he dreamt was real, that he’d really lose it. No, it was better to keep that information to herself. At least for now, until maybe she could figure out what had happened. Will that make it any less crazy? Her inner voice argued. You know there is no rational explanation. “Maybe it was some sort of food poisoning?” she offered. That explanation didn’t make sense either, but maybe it would be enough for him to cling to.

“Maybe… But I felt fine. And why did we both fall asleep?”

“Too much wine?” Darcy offered.

“I guess that could do it, couldn’t it? Yeah maybe it was just the right combo of rich food and too much wine.

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