CHAPTER FIVE: Friends?

Lucas had followed Aurelia, How could he not?

Her vibrant energy seemed to light up the room, and her smile was like a beacon drawing him in. Since waking up at his penthouse and finding out she left without a note, made him unhappy.

But then luck was at his side, meeting her at his Agency again was a sign.

When he got to the Starbucks he saw her enter, he waited outside. When she came rushing out with a girl that could pass for her sister, he hid. He saw how animated she was, telling her sister about something, and Lucas knew it might have something to do with him.

He smiled knowingly. After they rushed back inside, he followed.

It was a busy morning at the café, with customers bustling in and out, the air filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gracious smell of chocolate. The girl was behind the counter, her hands deftly preparing drinks with practiced ease.

Lucas looked around and saw Aurelia sitting at one of the booth, when their eyes met. He winked and she glanced away, blushing so red that he feels her cheeks might hurt.

The girl at the counter, smiled at him.

A friendly soul, always quick with a joke or a smile for the customers, he later gathered. She grinned and pointing him towards an empty table by the window but instead he went to sit with Aurelia, she glanced up at him and frown.

After a few minutes of just staring at each other without saying anything, Eloise joined them, carrying two cups of coffee. She whispered to Aurelia, rather too audibly, "Well, well, looks like someone ordered a tall, handsome latte with a side of charm!"

"Eloise!" Aurelia, gasped totally stunned but not surprised about Eloise sharp mouth. Lucas smiles, finding Eloise funny and interesting. When Aurelia looked at him, they both chuckled.

"That's how she is." He nods and she quickly adds, " Why did you follow me here, Sir?" Ignoring her question, he smiled and said. Eloise chose this moment to walk away, smiling.

"Hi, I'm Lucas Winthrop," extending his hand. "I saw you at the Agency earlier and I just wanted to say hello."

Aurelia looked at his hand, surprised but not ready for a joke. She took her coffee instead, her smile cautious but friendly. "What do you want?"

"Well, it's nice meeting you again!"

"I wish I could say the same." He nods, knowingly.

"I'm sorry about all this, there wasn't an opportunity last night for me to tell you I just bought your agency. I'm sorry."

"Alright, it's my fault. Can you please allow me have this afternoon to myself?" She asked, but he shakes his head.

"No, love. We'll talk about how this is not the best of time, about how we can get through this and possibly work together, cause I like you a lot." He admired her dedication, her manager met him earlier and talked about his model Aura and he knew that he wanted to get to know her better.

When she did not respond and did not leave, he took a chance.

He told her about his interests, his dreams for her agency, he saw how her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm but giving nothing away.

"So what do we do now?" She suddenly blunted out. "Because we can't be together. You're my boss for goodness sake."

"It's your choice, we can start with getting to know each other and working together."

"What if I resign?" She will never resign, and she knew it. Thinking about it alone, made her stomach sink.

"You won't. Yes! I know how much you've worked hard to come this far. Nobody needs to know our business, if we are discreet about it."

"Don't say anything else, Lucas." Aurelia warns, this gorgeous man still wants her and it totally freaks the shit out of her.

"But can we get pass last night?" He stated, sincerely. Lucas realized that he didn't just want to get to know Aurelia better; he wanted her to like him and trust him.

"Yeah, sure."

"That settles it then, see you at the office tomorrow, maybe we could do lunch one of this days?" He suggested, placing some bills on the table and stands to leave. Aurelia noticed he did not drink his coffee.

"Maybe. You didn't touch your coffee!" She stated, concerned. He knew that winning Aurelia over wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to do whatever it took to make her see that they were meant to be together.

"I prefer tea, Aura." As he walked out the door, she sucks in a deep breath and look up at her sister who rushed to sit with her, Eloise has been at counter straining to eavesdrop and pretending to work.

"Tell me everything," Eloise said, smiling mischievously.

"He wants more, El. I'm not ready. I can't deal with dating my boss and having those gossips talking about me at the agency!" She whispered, loudly.

"No Sis, I'd want people to talk about me because of him, if I were you. He is so charming, the girl at the other booth couldn't stop drooling over him." Aurelia looks over at the girl, who averts her eyes sharply.

"Eloise, stop!" Blushing, shyly. Eloise smiled, her sister likes the guy, she couldn't resist teasing.

"Aurelia, I think you've found your 'cup of tea' in Lucas! What do you say? Double shot of love on the rocks?"

Aurelia, blushing slightly but playfully, replied, "Oh, hush, Eloise! He's just a... friend... for now!"

Kyle burst into the Starbucks, his backpack bouncing against his shoulders as he made a beeline for his mother's booth. Aurelia looked up, her face lighting up at the sight of her son. "Hey, sweetie! How was school today?"

"Hey, mum!" He made to peck his mum on her cheek. Then he slid into the booth opposite her, hugging Eloise, excitement bubbling over as he launched into a detailed account of his day. He talked about his friends, his favorite subjects, and even the funny thing his teacher did that made everyone laugh. Mid-sentence, Eloise with a mischievous grin. "Oh, Kyle, guess who I met today?"" she teased, leaning in slightly.

Aurelia raised an eyebrow, playing along.

Kyle asked, "Who?"

"Your mum's new friend, Lucas." Eloise exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement.

Kyle, intrigued by the mention of this unfamiliar name, looked up from his story. "Who's Lucas?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

Aurelia chuckled, shooting Eloise a knowing look. "Just a friend, honey," she reassured him, ruffling his hair affectionately. Kyle nodded, not convinced but satisfied with her answer for now, continued with his tale.