Chapter 1: Introduction
Jake Wilson, crisp shirt, and blue eyes, leaned against the counter, two coffees in hand. The aroma of vanilla infused the air, mingling with the more acrid burnt notes of espresso pouring from the clunky bronze machine.
A freckled barista with scruffy, green hair behind the counter wiped at the chipped wooden surface with a wet cloth. "Oh, thanks uh...sir." They murmured, snatching the twenty from Jake's hand.
Jake then takes the coffee and sits down with Sarah and Emma.
The light wood furnishings creaked comfortingly as they sank into an overstuffed couch near the far corner. The sunlight outside was starting to fade to twilight, casting a golden hue on the worn-in spot; a sense of warmth nestled in their corner table.
Emma takes a sip from her cappuccino, pursing her bright pink lips. "God, that's good." Her eyes are closed as she savors the taste, and it seemed as though her annoyances with her most recent breakup melted away with the sinfully rich drink.
Sarah, Jake's long-time girlfriend, caught Jake's gaze for a moment. The warm orange glow of the courtyard light suspended above radiated gentle affection in her dazzling green eyes. Fixtures of light flickered in lockstep with an errant candle on the table; it reminded him of how content he felt in her presence.
Emma exchanged a glance with Sarah, an impish smirk appearing on her playful features, "Alright. Now that we can all focus," Emma inhaled deeply.
"Rehashing and griping over breakups might as well be a hobby of ours."
Jake flashed a charming grin, acknowledging her humor. "Sorry, you are right." He took a sip from his own cup. "It just felt like my relationship became one giant never-ending business deal rather than an actual relationship."
"Wait," Sarah chimed in. "Did you guys ever even go on dates? Outside of your normal work ventures?"
Jake stared at his coffee, trying to recollect. "Ehm, we had a few dinner meetings.
But I couldn’t tell if she actually wanted to be there or if she was just trying to close the deal," Jake sighed, the caffeine failing to dispel the grimace of frustration on his face. "