Chapter 12: Coffee date at Moe's.

The day dawned with a brilliant display of sunlight, casting a warm golden glow over the city. It was a beautiful and promising Saturday, with clear skies and a gentle breeze that carried the fragrance of blooming flowers and fresh morning dew. The sun's rays bathed the world in a luminous embrace, infusing every corner with an enigmatic energy, ready to be explored.

Perse decided on a chic yet comfortable look for her Saturday meet-up with Asher, which she was beyond ecstatic about attending. She felt that her choice of denim shorts would be perfect for the casual outing. Her brunette hair was tied in a half updo, with those characteristic bangs, fell loosely around her shoulders, adding a touch of enigmatic charm.

She paired her denim shorts with a loose-fitting emerald green blouse, a nod to her signature color. The top was adorned with intricate lace details, giving it an enigmatic and bohemian vibe.

To complete her look, she slipped into a pair of stylish white sneakers, perfect for walking and exploring, and a few dainty bracelets on her wrist. Her brown eyes sparkled with anticipation as she regarded herself in the mirror, satisfied with her choice of attire.

Grabbing her phone from her desk, and swinging her bag over her shoulder, she double-checked that she had everything before heading downstairs.

Her parents sat at the kitchen island chatting away at everything and nothing in particular.

"Mom. Dad," she announced her entrance to the kitchen. "I'm heading out. I'll be back in four__ Maybe five hours?"

"Where are you rushing to this early in the morning?" her father was quick to ask. He briefly glanced at his watch. "It's 10:06 Persephone,"

"I know! I'm already late," Perse said, filling her water bottle with cold water. "I have a study session with a friend at Moe's Cafe,"

"A study session? On a Saturday?"

"Yes, dad__ on a Saturday,"

"Percy honey," her mother began, her voice soft and laced in care. "At least have breakfast before you leave,"

"I can't mom. If I do, I won't make it on time. But we'll be grabbing coffee, so I wouldn't be worried,"

"And which friend is this?" her father asked, concern and paranoia evident in his voice.

Perse's father, Michael Carlisle, known to many as Chief of Police, was an imposing figure in the community, revered for his dedication to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of the city's residents. He was a man of authority and integrity, characterized by his strong sense of duty and commitment to justice.

He was often seen in his impeccably pressed uniform, his broad shoulders and commanding presence symbolizing his role in maintaining law and order. His graying hair and piercing dark brown eyes added to his enigmatic aura, portraying a man of experience and wisdom, despite being only 40.

Perse smiled at him as she packed her bottle in her bag. She always felt like she had to reassure him every time she left the house. Being promoted to chief of police had instilled a constant paranoia for his daughter's safety and wellbeing. If it were up to him, she'd be homeschooled and wouldn't go beyond the gate.

"Just a friend from school," she shrugged nonchalantly.

"Does this friend from school have a name?"

"Asher,"

"You're meeting up with a boy this early on a Saturday morning?" he dropped his fork on the plate and glared at her daughter. He pronounced 'boy' as if the word alone disgusted him. "Was this boy the reason you came home late last night?"

"Hold up Dad___ before you go full blown 'Chief' on me," Perse stood in front of her father, a grin on her face. "First of all, this 'boy' has a name___ Asher," she chuckled. "And he wasn't the reason I came home late last night. I told you, I had to drive Maya home, then went back to drive the rest of the squad home. I had to make a lot of trips you know__ it was super exhausting. Secondly, I'm tutoring him. We have a very important exam in two weeks and it's vital that he nails it,"

"What's his last name?"

"So you can run a background check on him?" she asked, and her mother laughed.

"Don't worry Mike," Maria placed her hand comfortingly on her husband's shoulder. "According to what Maya told me about this boy, he sounds like a good person,"

Perse stared at her mother in surprise. She knew Maya, and how much she loved to gossip. And from where she left off their conversation, Asher didn't sound like 'a good person'. He sounded like trouble___ trouble Chief Carlisle didn't tolerate. But she didn't dare say anything. She was grateful to her mother for covering up for her and making an effort to ease her father's worry.

"I don't like him," his father shook his head disapprovingly.

"You don't like anyone, Mike," Maria chuckled. "You don't even like Josh and he's been friends with your daughter for years.

"Plus you don't even know him," Perse countered.

"I know enough___"

"What___ his first name?" Perse's brow raised in amusement. "Tell you what Dad, to ease your tension, I'll leave my location on so you can track me whenever. And I'll call you so you can know that Asher hasn't abducted me." she rolled her eyes playfully. "Can I go now?"

"Sure sweetie," her mom said, opening her arms to her daughter for a hug. Perse smiled and jumped into her mother's arms.

"Thank you, Mom," she whispered in her ear and kissed her on the cheek. "I'll see you later Dad," she hugged him too, and shouted an "I love you" before dashing out of the door.

The city stirred to life, its streets and parks came alive with activity. People ventured out to savor the beauty of the day, filling cafes, strolling through vibrant markets, and embarking on leisurely walks in the serene parks. The city's charm was accentuated by the enchanting weather, creating an enigmatic atmosphere that invited everyone to seize the day's opportunities.

Perse arrived at the café with a sense of anticipation, and as she entered, the smell of baked goods and coffee invaded her nostrils. But it was a smell she gladly welcomed. Not having taken breakfast, the smell was an invitation to indulge herself in the variety of cuisines. She had to remind herself of the reason she was there to begin with.

She scanned the room in search of an empty table. But her eyes lit up with pleasant surprise when she spotted Asher sitting at a table near the window.

He was dressed in a well-fitted, dark denim jacket, its rich color contrasting with his sun-kissed complexion. Underneath, he donned a simple white T-shirt, adding a touch of understated elegance to his ensemble. The rolled-up sleeves of the jacket revealed the hint of a tattoo, adding an enigmatic edge to his appearance.

A warm smile graced her lips as she approached Asher, her enthusiasm evident.

She glanced at his choice of bottoms, which consisted of dark jeans, slightly distressed to maintain his relaxed aura. On his feet were a pair of classic black leather boots, their rugged yet stylish design making a statement without overpowering his overall look.

Asher's outfit was completed with a few minimalistic accessories—a leather wristband, a pendant necklace that held personal significance, and his signature black crucifix stud. His dark hair, ruffled in a carefree manner, framed his face, and a subtle, enigmatic smile played on his lips.

"Asher," she greeted, her voice filled with delight. "You beat me here!"

"Yes I did," he grinned, clearly proud of his accomplishment.

"I'm sorry for keeping you," she settled down in the booth, opposite Asher. "Have you been waiting long?"

"As a matter of fact__ yes!" he checked his wrist, where a watch was supposed to be, "Almost an hour now,"

"Seriously. I had no idea we were supposed to meet that early!"

"I'm just messing with you cheer squad," he smirked, staring at her petrified expression. "I just got here,"

Perse breathed a sigh of relief and let out a nervous chuckle.

"Well have you ordered yet?" she asked, looking around. "Because I'm super hungry,"

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you came here for the food and not me," Asher smirked, earning an eye roll from Perse.

"Then I guess it's a good thing you know better," she said, so softly Asher almost missed it.

Perse leaned in, her eyes locking with those of Asher as he did the same.

"Tell you what, I'm going to go get us something to eat, and in the meantime, you can write down subjects you need help in,"

"Cool," Asher simply nodded in response, giving her a subtle, enigmatic smile.

"Awesome! You want anything specific?"

"Just a black coffee for me, "his nonchalant charm ever-present, leaned back in his chair.

Persephone nodded in acknowledgment and headed to the counter. She placed their orders and engaged in a brief chat with the barista, adding an enigmatic touch of warmth to the atmosphere as she waited for her order.

As Perse waited for their order at the café, she couldn't help but observe Asher from a distance. Her nature led her to be curious about this mysterious man who had entered her life, and she took the opportunity to study him, albeit discreetly.

Her brown eyes, filled with a sense of intrigue, followed Asher's every move. She noted the way he leaned back in his chair, his gaze occasionally drifting out of the window. His demeanor exuded an air of confidence, his dark hair ruffled casually, adding to the allure of his appearance.

Perse also couldn't help but notice the subtleties that defined Asher's charm—the tattoo peeking out from under his jacket, the way he casually drummed his fingers on the table, and the occasional fleeting smile that graced his lips. She couldn't help but wonder what exactly was running through his head.

Her attention was briefly diverted when the barista behind the counter called out her name, "Ariadne, your order is ready!"

She always refrained from using her first name with strangers. For some strange reason, they always found it hard to pronounce.

With a smile, she nodded in acknowledgment and made her way to the counter to collect their coffee and pastries. The barista handed her the tray, and Perse thanked him with her usual charming smile before making her way back to their table.

Asher looked up as she approached, his blue eyes meeting her brown ones.

"A warm, flaky croissant, served with a side of strawberry jam, a beautifully presented bowl of fruit salad with a mix of fresh, assorted finger sandwiches, filled with smoked salmon, cucumber, and cream cheese, and of course, a shared bowl of creamy, undoubtedly delicious tomato soup, accompanied by a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves," Perse said as she placed the tray on the table in front of them. "And, the cherry on top, your coffee,"

"I thought coffee was all you were going to get," Asher said, an amused smirk on his face as his gaze went from the food to Perse and then back.

"I don't recall saying such a thing," she sat down. "Plus I was hungry. Coffee wasn't going to cut it. Don't worry though, it's my treat. Next time, it'll be yours,"

Asher simply shook his head as he took a sip of his coffee as Perse, eager to sink her teeth into something, grabbed the bowl of fruit salad.

"So, the list?" she asked, and Asher handed her a piece of paper.

"Algebra, History, Chemistry, Literature, Spanish, Physics" Her eyes scanned the list, a sense of determination in her expression. "I don't do physics__ but no worries. I'm a quick learner. I'll study it this weekend then we can go through it together,"

She placed the paper in the pocket of her shorts and went back to eating.

"What are we beginning with?"

"History__ on Monday,"

"On Monday? So what are we doing now then?"

"Nothing. I thought it was a good opportunity to get to know each other better__ and build a rapport. It would make studying together more fun," Perse said with a smile.

"So you mean to tell me that I carried all these books for nothing?" Asher raised an eyebrow, his annoyed tone betraying his cool exterior.

"Firstly, those are four books Asher, don't exaggerate. And secondly, I wouldn't say for nothing. You've proven your dedication to learning. I'd say that's a massive step,"

"This has got to be some kind of joke right?"

"Nope," she beamed. "No joke. So, Asher Jayden Thorne__ tell me a little bit about yourself,"

Perse's genuine interest in getting to know him better, was a sentiment that seemed to take him by surprise. He paused for a moment, his expression filled with a mix of disbelief and a hint of mistrust.

"Really?" Asher asked, his voice tinged with a trace of astonishment. His eyes met Perse's, searching for any signs of insincerity.

"Yes really," her response, filled with warmth and authenticity, confirmed her interest. She nodded and smiled, her brown eyes reflecting her sincerity. "I want to know everything about you,"

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