Bea sat alone in a little alcove reading the morning papers as the rain pounded down on the pavement outside of the cafe. The news had promised dismal weather all week and they had delivered on that promise, the weekend before having been a complete wash out too. At first the idea of being off work for two whole days and doing absolutely nothing had seemed inviting but by lunch time on Sunday she had started to get a little cabin fever. Deciding to try and do something before heading into work on Monday Bea had decided to treat herself to decent coffee and a nice breakfast at the coffee shop around the corner from her business, deciding it was an act of self care she had sorely needed.
It had been a struggle to get into the cafe, the tube feeling like a sauna with everyone layered up with raincoats and packed in like sardines. Now inside the coffee shop the air felt just as thick, the windows steamed up in contrast to the cold air outside. Chilled out soul music played in the background, only just able to be heard over the hustle and bustle of a working coffee shop that served the city's creative and tech types. Pushing her fingers idly through her shoulder length black hair Bea pushed it out of her eyes as she tried to focus on a story detailing the latest Brexit negotiations. She didn't really understand most of what was going on but liked to at least try to stay informed. Resting her head on her hand she was aware of the coffee shop steadily filling up as it always did, but she paid it no mind, just sipping her cappuccino and taking the occasional bite from her plate of rarebit.
"Hi - do you mind if I join you?" A woman appeared at the entrance to the little alcove, nodding to the seat that was opposite Bea and before she had a chance to respond the woman was already setting her hand bag down on the empty seat opposite her.
"Uh, sure..." Bea murmured and collected her newspaper, folding it in half to make room for the tall, red haired woman stood in front of her, offering a polite smile as she realised she had spread her things across the table.
"Thank you, it's always so busy in here, they need to open a second one," she said, sounding a little frustrated as she slipped into the booth seating opposite Bea, her knees brushing Bea's lightly as she got settled in and pulled out her macbook and started to work. The glow of the macbook just highlighting her delicate bone structure.
Bea just nodded and gave a weak smile before trying to focus back on her newspaper but her comfort bubble had been broken now there was someone in her space. Eyeing her over she admired her delicate bone structure, the freckles that were spread over her nose and upper cheeks showing her long red red hair was natural. Following the line of her delicate jaw towards her pale, slender neck Bea was about to let her eyes move lower before she caught herself and inwardly rolled her eyes. It had been a while but there was no need to be checking someone out so blatantly in public. Taking another sip of her coffee Bea turned her eyes downward only to feel eyes on her.
Glancing up she was met with dark green eyes that quickly diverted away from her and back into the screen that was illuminating this woman's face. Biting into her lip she let her eyes travel a little lower, admiring the line of her clavicles which were only just visible in the v-neck of her navy and white striped t-shirt. Seeing the curve of plump cleavage just hinted at by the line of her t-shirt she smiled to herself and forced her attention back towards her newspaper once more.
"I hope you don't mind me saying but... you have ink on your face." The woman said a few moments later, gesturing to Bea's temple where she had her head resting against her hand.
Oh. That made sense. That's why she kept looking at her. "Thanks for telling me..." Bea murmured, a rosy blush spreading across her pale cheeks. Reaching into her bag she took out a heart pocket mirror and saw the black smudges all along the side of her face. She could feel the woman still eyeing her over even as she used a tissue to wipe it away. Turning to face her Bea offered a smile, always feeling awkward as hell trying to flirt in real life when she wasn't intoxicated. Adjusting her legs beneath the table she 'accidentally' allowed their knees to brush together only to smile when the woman rested her leg against Bea's. "I'm Bea... " she eventually said, offering her hand.
The woman went to take her hand only to pause and take her hand back. "I've just realised, I'm really late... thanks for letting me sit here," she smiled before closing her computer, sliding it into an expensive looking handbag and departing without another word.
Bea watched her leave and sighed out softly, realising she probably should have tried to make conversation earlier on rather than awkwardly checking her out and making eyes at her. One of the biggest troubles of being attracted to feminine women was never knowing if they were gay or not and so more often than not Bea wouldn't make a move which meant that when she did try it was the most awkward thing in the world. Sighing to herself she glanced at her watch, seeing time slipping away from her too and so she finished her coffee and headed out to work.
Almost a year ago to the day Bea had opened the tiny little spa. With a loan from the council, some 'goodwill' capital from her parents and friends in exchange for massage credits she had opened her own business after working only two years professionally as a masseuse. Working in the big hotels she had never had control of her own schedule and generally had a revolving door of clientele and had also had to cover up her tattoos. Wanting a little place to call her own she had opened the small spa with two treatment rooms just off of Old Street roundabout that catered to those who wanted a good massage in a relaxing environment close to their office. Two women rented space in the spa, one to do nails and the other to use the free treatment room and together they kept the trendy looking little place going. Pushing the door open she smiled at her receptionist, spending just a little time chatting before heading for her first appointment.
It had been a long day full of clients and Bea felt like her back was in half as she slowly tipped herself backwards, her head dipping lower than her hips as she groaned softly to herself. Slowly rising back up she raised her arms above her head for a final stretch only to jump when a handsome face appeared in front of her.
"Hi - I know you're leaving but this woman came in wanting a last minute appointment and I said yes?" Josh smiled with a cheeky smile, just his head visible from behind the door.
