Chapter 5: Chocolate Fudge Milkshake

After calming down, I look at my phone and see it's been 45 minutes since I've left the coffee shop. I'm still shaking as I look in the mirror and see my makeup has run. Since it's already ruined anyway, I grab some makeup removing wipes from the glovebox and start wiping it off. Breathing deeply, I wipe the tears from my eyes and start the car. I decided to go to Laguna Beach on the way to watch the sunset. Being able to enjoy nature has always brought me a sense of peace. On the way, I stop and get a burger with just ketchup, fries, and a chocolate milkshake with a fudge swirl from a fast food place that is popular with the locals. I haven't eaten all day, and I'm starving.

After walking down the white sandy beach for a few minutes, I find the perfect place to plop myself. As I eat my food, I watch the sun setting over the blue water and the seals resting on the rocks. Listening to the sound of the waves crashing brings me a sense of calm. I'm finished with my food, and I'm sipping on my milkshake when I feel my phone buzzing. I look at it and see my best friend is video calling me. I put in my headphones before answering. She has a flowy yellow sundress draped across her statuesque body, making her green eyes pop. Her blonde curls are flowing, and her face is bare of makeup as always. She doesn't need it anyway. Surrounded by an array of plants, she looks like a flower fairy.

"Hey, Ella."

"Hey chicky, how are you?"

"I'm good. How are you?"

"Great! I got a new plant today! Wanna see?"

"Sure".

"It's an echeveria blue prince ..."

I listen as she goes on about her other plants with a smile on my face. She's just a ray of sunshine.

"Enough about me and my plants. How are you doing, chicky?"

"I'm ok."

"Are you really?"

With a heavy sigh, I tell her.

"Honestly, today has been an emotional roller coaster."

"Wanna talk about it?"

"Of course! You know I tell you everything."

I proceed to tell her everything. About taking my now boss' shirt, meeting Dillon, and the panic attack I had earlier.

"You don't need a milkshake. You need a drink! And a strong one at that!"

"I wish," I say with a chuckle.

"How did the exercise that your therapist give you work out? Did it help at all?"

"Not really. I couldn't remember all the steps, and it just took over."

"Damn, chicky! I was really hoping this one would work out."

"You and me both. It is what it is. I'll let her know what happened and see if we can work on it."

"If you want, next time you go to the garage we can talk on the phone while you walk to your car."

"That would be amazing. Thank you so much."

"I'm really proud of you, Astra. I know this must be really hard for you to do, but you're trying. You amaze me."

"I miss you, Ella."

"I miss you too, Astra."

"You know what I also miss? Sweet tea, kolaches, breakfast tacos, and decent queso. Oh my gosh, I miss queso!"

Giggling, she tells me.

"All the more reason you should hurry up and get your butt down here."

"I know. Once I get my first paycheck, I'll start planning my next trip back home. I promise."

After chatting a little bit more, she decides to rearrange some of her plants, so we end the call. Looking at the sun, I realize I need to get home. The last thing I want to do is have to be out at dark. I used to love staying out at night and gazing at the stars. They look like diamonds on black velvet. Ever since him though, that changed. The dark just feels like something is lurking in it, waiting for me.

Shaking my head at the thought, I get up, and I'm about to start walking when I see someone who looks familiar. He's wearing a navy blue sleeveless t-shirt with white basketball shorts and a matching baseball cap. As he gets closer, I see his tanned athletic body gleaming with sweat. He has a cool look set on his face as if he's untouchable. Suddenly it clicks. I do know him. It's William! I frantically look for a place to hide, but there's nothing in sight but sand and water. I look away hoping he won't see me.

"Fancy seeing you here."

Not expecting anyone to be there, I let out a shout as I turn around. I see William standing behind me, giving me an arrogant look.

"Mr. Wang, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I just wanted to tell you to be careful with that shirt. It's my favourite, and I'd hate to see you ruin it."

"If you're that concerned about me ruining your shirt, why don't we switch?"

"I'm sorry what?"

"I'm just saying, since you seem to value the shirt I'm wearing so much why don't we switch?"

"Ok."

"Ok, what?"

"Ok, I really like that shirt so let's switch. Right now."

He takes his shirt off without a care and tosses it to me. Not willing to back down, I take it. I start taking the shirt off, and a look of panic crosses his face.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm giving you your shirt back. This is what you wanted, is it not?"

"I asked you to give me my shirt back. Not give a show to all of Laguna Beach".

As I take the shirt off, he covers his eyes. What he doesn't see is the tank top I'm wearing underneath the shirt.

"Ms. Cyrene, what you're doing is completely inappropriate and borderline harassment."

I giggle as I put his shirt on.

"You can open your eyes now".

Moving his hand, he sees that true to my word, I'm wearing his t-shirt, and I'm holding out his button-down. With a flush on his face, he can barely look me in the eye. While handing him the shirt, I look at him and realize what a powerful body he has.

"Enjoying the view?"

Turning up my southern charm, I tell him.

"Why, yes. The sunset today is so beautiful it's as if God himself took a paintbrush to the sky. Unfortunately, there's an annoying bug that keeps ruining my ambience. I'm thinking about squishing it. What do you think, Mr. Wang?"

"You-!"

"Well, as much as I've enjoyed your company, I'm afraid I'm out of time. You have a blessed day, Mr. Wang."

Skipping happily down the beach, I realize I almost forgot my milkshake. As I turn around to get it, I see that William has it in his hand. Don't you dare? Looking me dead in the eye, he takes a sip of my precious chocolate fudge milkshake and then gives me a grin.

"Taste's great! Make sure to bring me one Monday morning!"

"Yes, Mr. Wang," I say while sulking.

Mark my words, I will avenge you, my precious milkshake.