Second Snippet

Think I am going to upload these at roughly a page at a time. It makes it easier for me and also it's not too much for someone to trawl through and attempt to remember for the next 'episode'.

Here you go.

***

He liked to keep himself to himself most of the time but it was packed, there was no way he was going to be able to enjoy a corner to himself; just him, the latte and a worn day old paper. Simon had a thing about reading day old news, not because he didn’t know what was happening in the world surrounding him and in countries he never cared to travel to but, he revealed in the touch of a worn paper, the pre-creased all most battered paper. He enjoyed that in terms of a newspapers life cycle it was basically an antique. It was bustling this morning and he wasn’t sure why exactly but he did know that it was not something that he enjoyed, it gave the opportunity for his quiet moment to not happen on his only morning with which he was able to practice his ritual.

Sure enough after about ten minutes of him disappearing into his own little universe he was interrupted.

“Is this seat taken?”

“I guess not” Simon replied as he drew himself from soft curled paper to engage with his imposter. He was stunned at how beautiful the woman that stood in front of him was, she beamed a great smile at him. Fumbling a little and with a slight red glow to his cheeks Simon apologised and moved his belongings over to his side of the table.

“Busy this morning isn’t it?” Stated the woman sat opposite. What a bloody stupid and painfully obvious statement Simon thought.

“Yeah, it isn’t normally this full on a morning.” furthered Simon. He thought he should at least make some fain effort to have a conversation with her, especially as he was not likely to ever speak to someone so beautiful any time soon, if at all.

“Are you a regular then?” she replied.

“Well not exactly, but I suppose I do come her quite a lot. Serves the best coffee around here and I like the feel of the place”

“So you have tried a lot of coffee places then? I have just come to the area so don’t really know of anywhere to do anything around here.”

“Oh, you have! Where do you come from originally? There isn’t a lot to do around here in all honesty, it’s quite quiet but that’s what I like about it. Nice little corner of the country.”

“I moved from a place abroad. I won’t bore you with any details but I am glad of a small quiet place to stay. Used to live in a city with all the rush and rat race. Good to have a break from it all and to breathe some fresh air for once!”  

“I bet! I have never really lived in a city, only ever visited when I felt the need or went for work. I can imagine it’s probably a nice break though – to escape.”  

As the woman started to reply Simon didn't actually take anything much of what she said in. Not because he was being rude or had no interest in what she was saying but more that he was entranced by her eyes. They were a vivid green, with some specs of a little blue streaking through them, with further examination it was more difficult to withdraw his gaze becoming more and more drawn in by them. Simon imagined that he was swimming through her soul, dancing through her experiences and learning everything there was about her.

“…I better be off now anyway; only stopped for a quick espresso so I should really get going. Hopefully we will meet again if you are a regular and sorry for disturbing you.” 

Suddenly Simon was pulled back into his seat and in front of the table. Quickly taking in what she had just said he replied.

“Sorry, but I never caught your name?”

Gathering her things and rising from her seat the lady eventually replied.

“I’m Imogen.”  And with that she left the coffee shop.