Spilled Coffee
1043 Words
LEXIE
The morning after meeting Raven felt heavier than usual. I woke up early, took a quick bath, and put on one of my new cheap shirts with my jeans. I looked in the mirror and tried to smile.
*New day, same survival game, Lexie. Just keep your head down and don’t start any wars.*
I headed downstairs. The bar was still quiet. Mia was behind the counter setting up for the day. She gave me a warm smile when she saw me.
“Morning, Sara. Coffee before your shift?”
“Please,” I said, sliding onto a stool. “Make it strong enough to wake up my common sense. I think I left it somewhere back on that dark highway.”
Mia laughed as she poured me a cup. “You’re in a good mood today.”
“Fake it till you make it,” I replied, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. “It’s my life motto these days.”
I drank my coffee quickly and headed to the drug store. The morning went by smoothly. Mr. Harlan even gave me a small compliment on how fast I was learning the inventory. By the time my shift ended, I felt a little lighter.
When I walked back into the bar in the afternoon, the place was busier than I expected. A few club members were sitting around, and Raven was there too, standing near the counter talking to Mia.
Raven turned when she saw me. Her smile was sweet, but her eyes were sharp. “Sara! You’re back. How was work?”
“Long but fine,” I said, keeping my voice polite. “Just trying to earn my keep.”
Mia smiled at me. “You want something to drink before you head upstairs? I just made a fresh pot.”
“Sure,” I said. “Thanks.”
Raven moved closer while Mia poured the coffee. She was holding her own cup, smiling like we were old friends. “You know, you’re adjusting pretty well for someone who just showed up out of nowhere. Most girls don’t last this long.”
I shrugged. “I’m stubborn. It’s one of my better qualities.”
Raven laughed softly. Then, as she turned to set her cup down on the counter, her elbow knocked into mine. Hot coffee spilled across the front of my shirt and pants, soaking through the fabric instantly.
“Oh no!” Raven gasped, eyes wide with fake concern. “I’m so sorry, Sara! That was so clumsy of me. Are you okay?”
The coffee was hot against my skin. I sucked in a sharp breath but forced myself to stay calm. My new shirt was ruined. The dark stain spread across my chest and down one leg. I could feel it seeping through to my skin.
I took a slow breath and managed a tight smile. “It’s fine. Accidents happen.”
Raven reached for a towel, dabbing at my shirt with big, dramatic movements. “I feel terrible. Let me help you clean up. I didn’t mean to...”
“It’s okay,” I said, stepping back gently. “Really. I’ll just go change upstairs. No big deal.”
Mia looked worried. “Sara, are you sure? That coffee was hot. Do you need ice or...”
“I’m fine,” I repeated, keeping my voice light. “It’s just clothes. I’ve survived worse than a coffee bath.”
Raven kept apologizing, but her eyes had a satisfied glint. “I really am sorry. Let me buy you a new shirt or something.”
“No need,” I said, forcing another smile. “I’m good. Thanks though.”
I turned and walked upstairs, keeping my steps steady even though the wet fabric clung uncomfortably to my skin. Once I was in my room, I closed the door and let out a long breath.
I peeled off the ruined shirt and looked at myself in the mirror. The skin on my chest was a little red from the heat, but nothing serious. I changed into clean clothes and sat on the edge of the bed for a moment.
Raven’s “accident” wasn’t an accident. I could see it in her eyes. She didn’t want me here, and she was making sure I knew it.
I ran a hand through my hair and laughed quietly to myself. *Welcome to the biker world, Lexie. Even the women come with claws.*
I didn’t want to make this a big thing. I was still a stranger here. Starting drama with someone who clearly had history with the club would only make things harder for Chaos, and after everything he had done for me, I didn’t want to cause him problems.
A soft knock came on the door a few minutes later. “Come in,” I called.
Mia poked her head in, looking guilty. “Hey. I’m really sorry about Raven. She can be… a lot sometimes.”
I waved it off. “It’s fine. Really. Just coffee. I’ve had worse spills in my life.”
Mia studied me for a moment. “You sure? You don’t have to pretend with me.”
I gave her a small, genuine smile. “I’m sure. I’m not here to cause trouble. I just want to stay out of everyone’s way and figure my stuff out.”
Mia nodded slowly. “You’re a good person, Sara. Don’t let Raven get to you. She’s protective of the club, that’s all.”
“I get it,” I said. “I’d probably be the same if I had something worth protecting.”
After Mia left, I lay back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. My new shirt was already in the sink soaking, probably ruined, but I wasn’t going to make this into a fight.
I had survived Drake. I could survive a mean girl with a coffee cup. Still, as I lay there, one thought kept circling in my head, Raven didn’t like me, and in a place like this, that could become a real problem.
I closed my eyes and let out a tired breath, one day at a time, Lexie, just one day at a time.
- Writer
