Lily’s POV

"Leo?" I called out his name before my brain could process his presence, my eyes wide as I took a step back in surprise.

He didn't respond, instead he turned back his attention to the lady behind the counter as he placed his order, not sparing me a glance or offering me any sign of recognition.

If I was surprised by his presence at the cafe then I was beyond stunned at his behavior. I understood we had met only once and couldn't be classified as friends, nonetheless, I thought we had gotten acquainted and could exchange greetings.

"Hey," I tapped his shoulder lightly when he was about to walk away and he angled his head in my path. "It's me Lily, don't you remember?"

He nodded, his hair falling over his face by the simple action, his expression blank, blue eyes as cold as ice. My hand fell limp to my side as I felt the unseen barrier he had put up, while at the same confused hence I felt a certain tension.

"Sorry, I must have the wrong person," I murmured in a low tone, my voice sounding strange to my ears and he took it as his cue to walk away, his muscular form dressed in a brown vest and black slacks.

I remained still for a second longer until I felt the person behind me brush past, causing me to blink and realize I was holding up the line. Forcing a smile I mouthed a sorry to the blonde haired man provoking him to sigh and urge me forward, taking back my position.

“What the hell Lily?!” I heard a scream and recalled I was still on a call with my bestfriend.

“Sorry,” I laughed shyly as the lady behind the counter sent me a look and the man after me heaved another heavy sigh.

I hurriedly placed my order before I was kicked out or something and turned around to find a table. My eyes caught sight of him sitting with a man and woman on a table to my right.

Wanting to put as much distance between us as possible, I was lucky to find an empty booth on the far left corner and hastily made my way to it, the phone in my hand emitting the now pissed off voice of Ciara whom I happened to have ignored in the past minute.

“Calm down C,” I said into the device the instant I was seated and ran a hand into my curls, stopping midway as I realized it was in a high ponytail and any further action would ruin everything.

“Calm down??” She questioned in a high pitched tone and let out a humorless laugh. “You left me hanging and worried for minutes and instead of you to explain you ask me to calm down?”

“I know Ciara, I—”

“Sometimes you make me feel really stupid,” she muttered through the connection, inciting me to let out a breath knowing the only way to appease her is to blurt the truth.

“Apologies C, I just ran into someone,” I let out, leaning back to place my head on the cushion.

“Someone? Then why do you sound strange?” She interrogated and in my silence added. “Wait, was it Caden? Because I swear I'll cancel this date with Harry and rush down to you in a heartbeat.”

“You love me too much,” I teased, her words making me feel better.

“So was it him?” She questioned.

“No.” I shook my head as if she could see me.

“Okay? Then why do you—” She paused for a second and asked. “Hold up is it a man?”

“How did you—” I was about to wonder but shook my head for the second time. “Never mind. You just tend to know things.”

“Wait up, I was right?” She implored like she needed confirmation, her tone excited.

“I think you should shift careers to being a private investigator or any job that requires fitting puzzles and digging up information,” I murmured, my brow furrowing as I tried to think of those jobs.

“Oh shut it,” she scoffed. “And don't you try to act smart, I know what you are trying to do, and I won't be fooled.”

“See?” I pointed out and smiled kindly as my coffee and scones with a slice of cake was placed on my table.

“Lily?” She called my name in a warning. “Spill the tea.”

“Do not say spill when I'm at a coffee shop!” I chastised. “What if I spill my coffee?”

“It won't work, it's not tea,” she snorted and I didn't need to be a psych to know she was rolling her eyes. “Even if it does, you have the money for another cup, you’ll live.”

“You know that's definitely not a nice thing to say,” I spoke as I pulled my evening plans towards me.

“Do I seem like I care?” She asked and we already knew the answer to that. “Now tell me who the hell was so important you zoned out and left your bestfriend talking like a maniac. Speaking of, he had a sexy voice.”

“You probably shouldn't let Harry hear you say that,” I chuckled.

“He’s here, and just gave me a look,” she laughed and I giggled.

“Sorry Harry,” I said into the phone, hoping he'd hear.

“He’ll be fine,” she scoffed and after a beat spoke. “I’m waiting Lily.”

“Okay fine,” I let out and unconsciously shifted my gaze to his table which sadly had a clear eyesight of my booth. His blue gaze met mine as if he was already staring, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

Striving to act unbothered, I drifted to his companions and for some strange reason it seemed like I had seen them somewhere but wasn't sure. I continued to sense his stare on my face and gave him a final glance before lowering my voice to reveal everything about him to Ciara who was eager to hear about what little event occurred in my life hence I had little to nothing of such.

Five minutes later, I had spilled everything I could about Leo who seemed more like a mystery every moment I spend in the same space with him. Ciara had ended the call right after my reveal to get ready for her date and I wished her all the best.

Quietly in my corner, I sipped my coffee which had cooled to the right temperature and filled my mouth with scones and cake, not caring who was looking as I scrolled away on my phone, doing my best to avoid staring towards my right.

Gulping the last of the liquid in my mug, a few cake crumbs left on my plate, I sensed a shadow approach, however the ringing of my phone didn't give me time to investigate as my assistant’s name flashed on my screen.

It was a weekend, therefore I had the inkling whatever reason she was calling me would be either of two things. 1st, a work emergency. 2nd a sleepover.

The fact I was not home and she could be stranded at my apartment door fueled me to pick up. “What's up Daisy?”

“Something is wrong Lil,” she informed, straight to the point. “I got off a call from Steele corp and they seem to need us there for re-evaluation.”

“Damn it,” I hissed, my attention shifting to the time, to see it was nearing 5pm. “I’ll be there.”

Recalling the movement I spotted earlier, I whirled to my right but so no one except other customers like me lounging or moving around. One thing was certain though, Leo and his companions were no way to be seen.

“That does it,” I muttered under my breath and shoved the leftover cake into my mouth, my vision sweeping around to make sure I wasn't missing anything as I hurried out of the cover, phone placed in my ear as I discussed with Daisy about how to deal with whatever issue this is.