Chapter 2: Strangers in a Cafe
"So, Buffy, what are you guys going to do for your anniversary?" Willow eagerly asked between bites of her hamburger.
Buffy shrugged. "You know Angel, likes to surprise me."
"Didn't he take you to Hawaii last year?" Anya asked.
"No, last year it was the Swiss Alps."
Willow sighed and dejectedly stabbed a french fry with her fork. "It must be great being married to someone who can show you the world."
"It's a riot," Buffy said dryly. She didn't feel like trying to explain to her friends that being married to Angel was not that wonderful. They were only interested in the trips to exotic places, and the new wardrobe every season, and the beautiful jewels he gave out like candy. They wouldn't understand her discontent when she had all they ever wanted, and she didn't have the energy to discuss it with them.
Buffy idly glanced around the café while Anya and Willow chattered on about what Buffy should pack, the latest gossip, and how horribly difficult it was to keep their children under control. Buffy mostly ignored them, unbelievably bored.
It was while they were gossiping about that awful Chase woman that Buffy noticed him. He was sitting two tables away, the Wall Street Journal lay out before him. He was only pretending to read it though; his eyes were trained on her. She quickly looked away, disquieted by his unabashed stare.
Despite herself, her eyes kept flickering in his direction. Blonde hair, slicked back. Smoldering, blue eyes, strong cheekbones, and full lips. Everything about him was intense, and his eyes never left her.
"We should be leaving now," Willow announced, pulling Buffy's attention away from the stranger.
"What? Why?"