Just in Time! (...again!) :0

She stood up and frowned, not even trying to hide her frustration anymore. "Shaye! What are you doing here?" She scoffed. "Trying to make me go back to school? I told you and I told Mom and Pop--I'm fine here."

Vincent took a deep breath and walked over to an empty table. He'll deal with her as soon as she leaves. He can't cause a commotion in here.

Valeria watched her brother very carefully. Things were not going to end well. He has to be stopped!

Atticus glanced between Vincent and Valeria, obviously amused to whatever there was between the two. He kept quiet for now, just watching the events unfold.

"Hey now," Shaye said, holding his hands up defensively. "I'm just here to tell you that your mom only hopes that you'll return to school so that you won't be stuck working at a place like this."

Pax frowned at him. "I didn't ask and I really don't care. I'm fine here for now. I like having my freedom, and I know one of these days, an adventure is gonna land in my lap." She laughed. "Either that or I'll drop so much food that they fire me."

He listened to their conversation. Things were interesting between them. Hopefully, it won't cause a verbal war.

She tilted her head a bit in confusion. She had no idea that Pax was this way. She certainly wasn't like that in the future.

Atticus blinked, leaning back in his chair as he listened to Pax, head tilted to the side.

"And what kind of adventure would that be?" Shaye asked, folding his arms over his chest.

She gave him a smug smile. "For your information, there's a fashion show in town two months from now. I'm working on some designs for it. I already spoke to the designer and she said that if she likes my designs, she'll take me as an assistant and teach me the ropes. She's an international phenomenon. Real up-and-coming. If I impress her, I can leave this town."

Vincent listened carefully. If she leaves, then nothing good will come of it. He's going to have to find a way to convince her to stay here.

Valeria idly played with her cup while listening to the conversation. She didn't want to seem like she was being nosey so she pretended to be playing with the objects close at hand.

Atticus raised an eyebrow as he looked between Valeria and Vincent, and then over at Shaye and Pax.

"A fashion designer?" Shaye repeated, arching an eyebrow at her. "Have you told your mother about this?"

"I--" Pax shivered suddenly. "I feel like someone's watching me. What a creepy feeling. Uch. Anyway, that's not your business."

He had to do something before she starts to get suspicious of them. He raised his hand. "Excuse me miss? I would like a cup of coffee!"

Valeria looked over to Vincent. "Sounds like him..." This is not good.

Atticus placed his elbow on the table, resting his chin on the palm of his hand as he watched Valeria and Vincent in amusement. How interesting, he thought.

Shaye raised an eyebrow, looking around at the customers before looking back over at Pax. "We're just worried about you, you know."

Pax jumped at the sound of a customer beckoning to her. "Uh, sure, coming right up," she said to Vincent before turning back to Shaye. "You should go." She approached the coffee pot and poured out a cup.

He smiled at the thought of being able to get her attention. Now he just needs to talk to her about the future. Hopefully, things won't go bad.

Valeria tilted her head a bit and looked over at Vincent. She's going to need to keep a very close eye on him.

"How amusing," Atticus muttered under his breath, watching the interactions.

Shaye sighed, looking over at Pax and noticed Valeria looking at Vincent. He raised an eyebrow. How odd.