A cozy café

Andrew opened the door from the transit station, taking in the slightly sleepy atmosphere of the neighbourhood. It was just after noon, so the space should be clearing out from the lunch rush, but this part of the city was always like this. It was one of the reasons Andrew liked where his company was located, despite his long commute from home. 

The small town relied on the big companies in the area, but specifically Andrew's now former workplace. Lots of the scientists ate away from work, including Andrew. The small cafe he had suggested was one of his favourites, so in a way, this was a final goodbye.

Heading down the street, Andrew kept his expression light. During the trip here his headache had cleared up, but he was sure he looked worse for wear. He probably still smelled like liquor, and was slightly glad Maxwell hadn't said anything about it. He was going to miss the beautiful layout of the streets here, but at the same time, there was a relief to it all. He had thought this was going to be the end of everything, but Maxwell was there to immediately catch him. He was a great friend, and he finally felt confident to call him that. 

The soft bell jingled as he opened the door, and one of the staff there recognised him. 

"Andy! How are you do-wait, you look awful. What happened?" She asked, the smile falling into a frown and Andrew laughed. He pulled on the sleeves of his sweater, covering himself as he approached the counter. 

"Well, some things…happened. I drank a little more than I should." He sighed, knowing that things were going to get awkward. "My girlfriend and I broke up." Several gasps from the staff members behind the counter. 

"What! Are you okay?" Andrew laughed, feeling a little awkward. 

"Yes, I think so. My neighbour was a great help, even if I inconvenienced him. We're meeting up today so she can hand over my laptop. So if things seem a little…awkward, that would be why." They all seemed upset to hear it. 

"Why would she break up with you? You're such a good catch." One of the girls muttered too loud, and flushed when it was clear Andrew heard. Andrew gave an awkward smile. 

"Well, it seems like…she didn't really think we were dating, while I did." The staff was stunned. The guests were stunned. Everyone knew Andrew in the area. He was chipper, and easy to speak to. He'd give you the shirt off of his back if he was able to. "There's…more to the story, but that's the gist of it. Anyway, I need something heavily caffeinated to get me through this. I was supposed to eat with my neighbour before she called, so I haven't eaten yet." The girls scrambled. 

"Don't you worry about a damn thing. We'll get you sorted. You just sit in your usual spot and I'll bring it over, alright?" The cashier told him, and Andrew's smile was sincere when he looked at her. 

"Thank you, Rachel. I really appreciate it." She smiled warmly. 

"Don't worry about it. If anything weird happens, just let me know. I know jujitsu!" She gave him a thumbs up, and a wink, making Andrew laugh. 

"I'll keep it in mind." Andrew told her, before heading over towards a table that was rarely free. It had the perfect view overlooking the street, and often had sunlight pouring on through the maple leaves from the trees in the area. It was spectacular for sightseeing, and people watching. Today though, Andrew pulled out his cellphone. 

Smiling down at the blank screen, he pulled up Maxwell's contact info, secretly changing it to Max after he had imput his name so seriously. The man had put his last name in too. He quickly sent off a text, letting Maxwell know he was safely at the location. It was only a few seconds later when he responded. 

Good. Let me know if you need any help. I can be there in minutes.

Andrew's heart was warm as he stared down at Maxwell's response. It was nice to know he had someone in his corner, especially after the fiasco of yesterday. 

"Alright, here's enough caffeine to knock your socks off, a sandwich with ham, cheese and eggs, and a gingersnap cookie, your favourite. If you need anything else, blow a kiss to Ginger. She'll respond in kind. We can't have your ex thinking you want her back after that stunt she pulled." Rachel placed a small tray before Andrew, unloaded everything, and smiled. The artwork on the coffee was amazing, and he had no doubt that Ginger had done it. She had an artistic flare. 

"You girls are too good for me." Andrew told her with a sigh. Rachel laughed. 

"Nah. You've been a good customer, Andy. We don't like seeing you so down. What do you have planned after this?" She asked, and Andrew smiled. 

"My neighbour decided to work from home so he could help me, so I'm going to go pester him. He's been very kind to put up with me during this time. He's helping me brainstorm the next step I'm going to take." Rachel's expression softened. 

"Good. I was going to offer for you to come out with Ginger, Emma and I, but if you already have someone in your corner, that's great. Here." She slid a paper with all four of their contact info on it to Andrew. "Take it. If you need someone to talk to, we're always free to lend an ear." Rachel's eyes went wide. "Not in a creepy way, just a normal one! You seemed pretty cool, and I thought it was now or never to reach out." Her ears turned pink. "Not in a hitting on you way, either. I'm-"

"-You're dating Emma, I know." Andrew finished, smiling at her warmly as she turned another shade of pink. 

"You knew?" She asked, her voice rising in pitch and Andrew chuckled. 

"It wasn't as if you two were subtle about it. Or was I not supposed to notice? I think you two make a cute couple." Rachel covered her face with the tray.

"Fuck. I told Emma to be more careful." She muttered and Andrew laughed, before his expression softened. 

"This might be a strange question, and if it's too invasive, you can tell me so or slap me, but are you an omega, Rachel?" She flushed, but not sensing any hostility from Andrew, she nodded. He smiled. "Thank you for answering. My neighbour is also an omega, so I was wondering if you could tell me your impression of me? Do I scare you?" He asked and Rachel, sensing he was being sincere, took a moment to think. 

"Hmm, no, not really? I mean, there are times when anyone can be scary, but for the most part, you remind me of a big, soft, teddy bear." Andrew blinked, and felt his face heat at her words. Rachel also blushed at his reaction, before Andrew laughed. 

"Thank goodness. I might have gotten a little too drunk yesterday and worried I might have gone out of line. He's not like…most people I know, and he doesn't speak his mind as much as I'd like. But he worries about me. He wanted to drive me here, but I refused." Rachel's eyes widened in surprise. 

"He's…your neighbour?" She asked, and Andrew grinned. 

"Yeah. We got to know each other when I chased away a piece of shit alpha, and ever since we've been hanging out." Rachel smiled warmly. 

"That's a nice thing for you to do." Andrew waved his hand. 

"All of my neighbours know I would do something similar for them." She snorted, covering her mouth before she smiled at Andrew. 

"Andy, you just said he was a different kind of guy from you. He probably wouldn't." Andrew's eyes widened. He had probably realised that in the back of his mind, but he hadn't actually brought it to the forefront. Rachel shook her head. "Anyways, put our numbers in your phone, and don't be afraid to reach out. I would love to meet your neighbour. We can get to know each other as fellow omegas, and also as friends of yours." She told him, and Andrew relaxed. 

"Thank you, Rachel." She nodded, before heading back behind the counter. Andrew took his first sip of his coffee before typing in their numbers. He had just finished the sandwich when the bell jingled, signaling that another person had entered. 

Andrew turned slightly in his seat, raising his eyes from his phone to meet the clean, clear expression of his ex. His laptop was tucked under her arm, and she was wearing her white coat with her credentials clipped onto the pocket. She wore everything else on a lanyard around her neck. 

Her brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail, her gray eyes clear, and the freckles across her nose were pronounced from how pale her skin was. She wore a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt underneath her coat. She stiffened slightly at the sight of him, and Andrew stared at her. 

Normally, he'd get to his feet and greet her, but he wasn't feeling very respectful, or kind towards her right now. He watched as her jaw tightened and she moved towards him. She pulled out the chair across from him, and Andrew knew that the staff was staring daggers at her. He couldn't blame them. He was the one who told them who she was. 

She was the one who never wanted to go out in public with him. She had earned this. 

She held the laptop in her lap like a lifeline as she sat across from him. Andrew stared at her, taking another sip of his coffee before putting the cup down. He sighed. 

"It appears you have something you want to discuss outside of just the laptop. What is it, Tracey?"