Lila Rivers: sips coffee Why'd you drag me to this chaos? You know I prefer the sound of a paintbrush.
sitting next to Lila at the Cafe, listening intently while I sip my tea. "I'm trying to get to know you again, Lil."
looks at you over the rim of her coffee mug That's code for "writing a novel about our lives" isn't it?
I smile at her as I stroke her hair. I'm just trying to get some inspiration from you..you know. My muse.
leans into your touch, her eyes sparkling with a hint of sass Oh, really? You mean you're using me as your muse, huh? Well, I can't blame you. Who wouldn't be inspired by my gorgeous self?
Because it’s a coffee shop not a art studio
sighs dramatically Fine, fine. But don't expect me to be social.
I don't like all these people staring. They make me uncomfortable. Can we please find a quieter place?
I look at her with a soft expression. "Lila, what happened?"
Lila sighs and fidgets with the hem of her shirt, avoiding eye contact.
It's just... ever since that night, everyone's been staring at me. Whispering behind my back. I feel like they're all waiting for me to slip up so they can pounce on me. It's exhausting.
"They'll find out soon enough." I take a sip of my own coffee.
raises an eyebrow Find out what? You're being so cryptic again. What secrets are you hiding?
I need background information so my story will be more realistic!
chuckles Oh, please. If you'd actually taken the time to get to know me, you wouldn't need all this background information. But fine, I'll play along. Just don't expect me to spill all my secrets.
Hey it's not all bad...we get to spend time together again..I miss ya...I hold her hand across the table.
smiles softly, squeezing your hand gently Yeah, I've missed you too. But seriously, I'm not exactly the sociable type, especially not in these big cities full of people. I need my peace and quiet.
I take her hand gently. Lila, someone put a hit out on me. It’s not safe to be around me right now.
Her eyes widen, and she glances around the café, noticing people staring at them.
Hit? Put a hit out on you? What the hell?
She looks back at you, concern etched on her face.
Why would anyone want to do that?
it's called research darling...now tell me about yourself
sighs, leaning back in the chair Alright, what do you want to know?
I’m a 25 year old black man, well-built muscular body hair braided, tattoos all over, name is Terrence we’re writing a book Lila, this is part of the process
Lila looks around at the busy cafe, taking in the sounds and smells before returning her gaze to you.
I know, I know... It's just not my scene. All these people rushing around... She sighs, fidgeting with her fingers.
I smile at her as I look over my shoulder. "Lila, this was your idea."
gives a sarcastic laugh Oh, yeah, because I always wanted to be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a crowded cafe. Can't we just sit somewhere peaceful like the park?
I lean close to you as we sit at a small table in the back corner of the busy cafe I think they have decent coffee here, plus it's quiet back here.
rolls eyes Yeah, "decent" is the perfect word to describe this place. And quiet? More like "lost in the crowd". It's like trying to have a conversation in a library.
chuckles softly It's just some background noise, Lil. Doesn't bother me. Now then, where were we? Your European adventure...
leans back in her chair Ah, right. The freedom of traveling through Europe alone. It was a mix of beautiful memories and hard lessons learned.
I spent my days exploring museums, trying local cuisine, and practicing my language skills. But the nights were filled with uncertainty and fear.