Chapter 26 Missing

Chapter 26 Missing
Tate

The next few days were hectic. I had to struggle with keeping up to class and taking care of Leo.

It was taking a visible toll on me and that was why I took Mike on his offer to grab a coffee. Returning to the house wasn’t as exciting at this point. Even though there were a lot of people in the house, I still felt lonely.

I had just my music, courtesy of Taylor for getting me a new phone. I’d promised I’d pay her back, but that almost earned me a punch in the face.

“You sure you good? You look stressed out,” Mike said as he pulled open the door to the cafe he’d been gatekeeping. Actually, I’d passed by it on my way to school a couple of times, while the signboard read “NEON DROPS” it was a surprise that they made such good coffees.

I never would have guessed they made coffees. We learn everyday.

I walked in and he followed after me. A sigh escaped me.

“Yeah, my new job is kind of stressful. Really stressful.” I looked around. The place was smaller inside and comfy.

They had a soft music playing at the background and the place smelt heavenly. I could not exactly describe how it smelt but it brought strawberries to my mind.

“Well, I’d also gatekeep,” I muttered under my breath and Mike laughed as he pulled out a seat for me. I sat on it as I let out a breath.

If I had my way, I would totally sleep here. It kinds of reminds me of my apartment which I hadn’t been to for days now. Somehow, I had a dislike for huge houses and staying with the Sinclairs fueled the dislike.

I’d always been the “apartment at the countryside, closer to nature and a picket fence” girly. I guess growing up with my parents had inspired that. Even though we weren’t - not even close to being a perfect family.

Mike settled opposite me, his eyes roaming my face.

“You look exhausted.” he pointed out, his tone soft. I nodded.

“I am exhausted.” I confirmed and he cracked a little smile, the dimples on his cheek popped out.

“Want a coffee? Anything that could help with the stress?” he asked and I closed my eyes for a second.

“Iced tea.” I pursed my lips. I never really fancied anything other than plain black coffee but iced could be a change. A well needed change.

He nodded and glanced behind me, signalling to someone. There were fewer people in here and most had headsets or were on their phone. It was alluring.

I turned to Mike.

“How did you find this place?” I asked and there was a light to his eyes and an expression crossed his face.

“I kind of figured students like myself would love some peace and quiet, so…” he trailed off and I raised a brow, a chuckle escaping me.

“I meant how you knew this place existed, it’s not exactly…” I paused as he gave me a knowing look. I clasped my mouth with my hands.

“No way.” I mumbled and he gave a small shrug a smile lighten up his face.

I blinked. “You’re the owner?” I whispered, not wanting anyone to overhear just incase he was keeping it a secret. He gave a small nod.

“Wow. This is beautiful and thoughtful, really,” I mumbled before I perked up. “That’s you’ve been around here for long.”

A man stopped at our table before he could respond, he seemed to be in his fifties.

He grin. “Didn’t say you were gonna drop by today,” the man said, his gaze falling on me.

“You brought a girl,” he stated and I gave a small smile.

“James, this is Tate. Tate, this is James.” Mike introduced and the man’s expression brightened.

“Ah, Tate. The girl you wouldn’t shut up about.” James laughed and Mike turned a light shade of red. I smirked. Interesting.

“You did not have to say that,” he mumbled but James waved him off.

“What can I get you, pretty girl?” I shifted slightly, tucking my hair behind my ear. Mike did not make a commentary on my new look when he saw me, he instead he acted normal. And I was grateful for it, unlike a certain boy whose eyes would have plucked my head right out of my neck.

Kade had said nothing, but his eyes said everything.

“Iced tea would be fine,” I muttered and the man nodded, clasping Mike on his shoulder.

“You need anything?” he asked and Mike shook his head.

“I’m fine,” he cleared his throat and the man gave me a small smile before excusing himself.

I raised a brow. “Speaking about me, huh?” I teased and Mike blushed.

“I mentioned you’ve helped me a couple times with schoolwork,” he defended and I hummed. Bullshit. 

“He just likes exaggerating a lot,” he muttered, dropping his gaze. Somehow, I found it cute that he was shy.

I nodded. “Sure. I’ll drop it, just because you look like a tomato right now,” I pointed and he gave an embarrased laugh.

My phone pinged and I hesitated for a minute before reaching for it.

“Give me a sec,” I muttered as I unlocked the phone. It was a new text.

Mum: Julie’s missing.

I held my breath for a second. 

Seriously?