The Beast with me at Pier79 Coffee shop

Maria went home first for a quick change. She jumps in the shower and change into stonewashed fitted jeans and a white body hugging V-neck shirt and opted for a pair of white slip on sandals. She let her hair down and sprayed one of her favorite perfume Burberry weekend then left without any makeup on. Inside the coffee shop, Sam the waiter who became close with her and Joshua led her to their usual spot.

“I know you’re not going to order yet, so I’ll come back when Joshua arrives” Sam said to her

While waiting, she didn’t notice a figure approaching her table.When she looks up, it was Joshua Elliot

“Hi, can I join you Maria?” Joshua Elliot asked

“Sure Mr. Elliot.” She replied with a confuse smile

“Just call me Beast, since it’s off duty hours” He replied with a sarcastic grin on his face.

 Maria flushed with what she heard, and thought of her message in the morning. Then hurriedly checks her phone, indeed she had sent the message to her Boss instead to her Best friend. Suddenly she remembers that she had

change her best friend name to “Boxer” in the contacts.

'Oh shit' she said quietly to her mind. "My apologies Mr. Elliot, I didn’t mean to send you the message. It’s supposed to be for my Best friend whose name is also Joshua.” She reasoned out feeling her face was burning with embarrassment.

“That’s okay; I am here with my friends and thought of dropping by. Was a little worried if you had at least understood what you did and had rectified it within the day or else you’ll end up alone here waiting for no one.” He said pointing at his friends who wave at them.

“Well, I am very sure he will be here any moment. We unwind here every Monday evening, so it’s not necessary to always remind each other” She explained hoping her best friend would arrive soon to save her from embarrassment.

“Cool, I’ll stay till your friend arrives” Joshua said admiring her bare face.

 After half an hour Joshua Miller arrives, greets Joshua Elliot and giving a peck to Maria. Joshua Miller 26 years old and single, who sports an Ivy league haircut with green eyes, straight and narrow nose, small thin lips and thick but well-shaped eye brows, with a dimple on his right cheeks and a cleft chin. You will judge him as a playboy because of his looks but he is the total opposite. Muscular and stands at 6 feet and 5 inches tall, an athlete in his College years. Currently a freelance model for a high end brands that at times requires travelling. His Family owns Oil and gas Company, Hospitals and large shopping malls in the Country. He is the eldest among siblings and the only Son of Mr. Damien and Phoebe Miller.

“You didn’t message me if we are still ON. Anyhow, you know I will still come no matter what” Joshua said

“I did, but I’ve wrongly sent the message to Mr. Elliot.” Maria said then pointed to Joshua Elliot in a low voice while she bit her lower lip.

“I told you to change my name to Boxer, so not to get confused “Joshua Miller said while laughing at the same time feeling sorry for her.

Joshua Elliot still there watching them feeling a bit of out of place, as he feels the need of leaving he got up from his seat.

“I will leave you two now. By the way, nice meeting you Joshua…Maria, I like your pet name for me” He said then winks at her before walking away leaving her tongue tied.

“Nice meeting you too Joshua” Joshua Miller said and put his arms to Maria’s shoulder giving it a squeezed.

They’ve known each that much and he’s aware by now that Maria’s uncomfortable with the remarks made by Joshua Elliot. Joshua waved at Sam who approached them right away and took their orders

Meanwhile Joshua Elliot keeps on looking at Maria’s direction.Even in dim light she’s beautiful, a real head turner! Most of the guys that pass by their table glance at her not just once but twice, even his friends are asking about her. Then suddenly his phone ring, his Mother.

“Son, how’s your day at the Company?  Are you out hanging out with your friends?” Lisa asked

“Mother, I know why you called. The answer is NO. Get some sleep. Yes, I am with my buddies, I will drop at the ancestral house tomorrow after work.” He said with a sarcastic smile and hang up after hearing an “Ok” from her Mom. He shook his head and look at Maria’s direction who was having a good time with her best friend. Hmmmnnn…then something came to his mind when his phone beeps, a message came from his friend Nathan. He looked at Nathan who was sitting opposite him with a weird smile on his face.

“Open the attachment, you needed that. Thank me later” Nathan said and laughs.

Joshua opens the attachment and saw Maria's smiling seductively showing her two deep set dimples.

“I’ve noticed that you keep on looking at her so I stole a shot for you. You like her, don’t you? Nathan asked.

"Stop it guys, I am not after having a woman in my life right now. With all these responsibilities on my shoulder

means relationship has to be on the side burner." Joshua replied and snatch Nathan's phone to delete Maria's photo then returned it back to him.

"Greedy! Why did you delete her photo?  That's a clear sign that you like her" Nathan teased him

"You simply don't need it, and whatever you're planning don't you dare?" Joshua replied simply

"Another obvious sign" Nathan teased one more time and everyone laughs at him

Meanwhile, Joshua asked Maria if she wants to go home as she looks tired, she just nodded at him. Joshua wave to Sam to bill out and left a huge tip for him. Joshua stood up and took Maria's hand to help her get up from her seat. People looks at them as they're both tall and good looking. Maria whispered something to her best friend and both search for Joshua Elliot and waves at him who waves back in return. The two walk side by side, Maria slides her arms in Joshua's waist while Joshua rest his arm on her shoulder as they walk away.  Joshua Elliot stares at their receding body, he doesn’t know why but witnessing their closeness annoys him and this didn't escape under the watchful eyes of his friends who just shake their head and laughs. Joshua Miller walks Maria to her car first, and both gave each other a hug before she drives away leaving him watching her receding car.

“Auntie called earlier?” Matt asked

“Yup, she called just to pressure me having a girlfriend. Sorry, I don’t need headache” He replied then lights a cigarette.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***