Ramblings of a Sim Addict

The cool air had an immediate calming affect on Derek’s nerves, but his anger was still bubbling. He wasn’t a screw-up. He wasn’t going to disappoint his family; he just needed a little time and understanding. I’m trying to find my own way, he said to himself, as he feet pounded the pavement, and I’m going to be successful.

The tiny coffee shop he’d spent most afternoons in, rapidly came into view. He slowed his pace down and decided to stop there for a quick breather. The room was stifling. There were bodies jammed into every corner and voices full of laughter rang out around the shop. Derek smiled happily to himself, he loved crowds and this was just the environment he needed to forget his troubles.

“Well, hello there pretty lady,” he said causally to a little brunette, sitting at his favorite table. “I see you’ve picked the best spot in the whole shop.”

“Indeed I have,” she said quietly, “would you like to sit down, you look a bit tired.”

“I’d love to sit, but why don’t I get us some fresh drinks first. It looks like your drinking a vanilla cappuccino, I’ll get you another one.”

“No, wait,” she said, rising from the table, “you don’t have to do that. I can get myself another one if I wish to have more. I don’t need you to buy it for me.”

“I’m sure you can, but you need to stay sitting there or we will lose our table. Just relax and I’ll get the drinks, you can pay me back later, if you want.” He took her hand in his and kissed it softly, then walked toward the coffee bar to place their order.

He came back a few minutes later, carrying two steaming cups of coffee. “Here you go, hon. I hope they made it the way you like it.”

“I’m sure it is fine,” she said coolly, “and my name is Sophie, not hon.”

“Well Sophie, it’s nice to meet you. My name is Derek.”

“If your trying to pick me up, Derek, don’t think buying me a cup of coffee is going to do it. I’m not interested in dating anyone at the present time, especially a playboy.”

Derek’s smile widened as he stared at Sophie, “I was that transparent, huh. I guess I’m not myself tonight.”

“Don’t take the rejection personally,” Sophie said, biting off a laugh, “your the third guy tonight that has tried to pick me up and I have just gotten tired of it. I thought I’d stop you before you made a fool of yourself.”

“Well, thanks for the consideration. I guess tonight just isn’t my night.” Derek lowered his eyes and stared into his coffee, “maybe my brother is right, maybe I am just a screw-up.”

“Oh boy, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings…well, not that bad at least.”

Derek let out a small laugh and smiled at Sophie, “it isn’t your fault, I’ve just had a rough night. My older brother verbally attacked me a bit and I guess it had a larger affect then I had originally thought.”

“Do you want to talk about,” Sophie said, laying her hand tenderly on Derek’s, “I’m a good listener.”
———————————————————————————————————