AT THE SAME TIME
ISABELLA
I escaped somehow. I didn't run and I didn't make a scene. I just slipped out while the room reoriented itself around Wanessa Roisane, letting the plot snap back into place where it belonged. The night air felt like freedom. Temporary freedom, but I would take it. It was time to go home.
In a morning by the time I reached Delicious in Sin, the neon sign humming softly above the door, my pulse had finally slowed. The cafe smelled like coffee, sugar, and burnt caramel familiar, grounding. I tied my apron, smoothed my hair, and stepped behind the counter.
Normal shift, normal night, no CEO's, no heroines and abosolutely no chandeliers. Michael was already there.
Leaning against the counter, sleeves rolled up, hair tied back loosely, scrolling through his phone like nothing in the world was wrong. He glanced up when he heard me approach and froze. His eyes flicked over me, dress gone, gala replaced with black uniform and apron but the recognition was instant.
"You were at the gala." He said slowly.
I picked up a towel and started wiping the counter that was already clean. Michael stared harder. "You were definitely at the gala."
"Lots of people were at the gala."I sighed.
"You were standing next to Xavier Stoneheart."He said. "I saw in the newspapers.
I stopped wiping.
"That feels like a personal attack."I frowned.
He let out a quiet laugh, then leaned closer, lowering his voice.
"You okay?"He asked.
I nodded too quickly.
"Perfectly. Never better. Didn't almost get absorbed into a high budget romance plot or anything."I frowned.
"What?"He blinked.
"Nothing."I said.
The bell over the door chimed and s customer stepped in. I turned automatically.
"Welcome to Delicious in Sin-"I began and stopped speaking because she walked in.
Wanessa Roisane. No ivory gown this time. Just a cream coat draped over her shoulders, hair loose, expression softer but unmistakable. The room didn't hush this time. It didn't need to. She scanned the cafe and her eyes landed on me again.
"You know her?"Michael noticed my sudden stillness.
I swallowed.
"That." I said faintly. "Is the original female lead. If you believe that my words are real."
"I do. Should I be worried?"He stared at me.
Wanessa stepped forward, the bell chiming softly behind her.
"I thought so." She said gently, stopping at the counter. "You work here."
I forced a smile and straightened.
"Part time. Coffee has fewer strings attached than galas."I said.
"I am glad I wasn't mistaken."Her lips curved, amused.
Michael glanced between us, sensing something but not quite catching it.
"Uh." He said, clearing his throat. "What can we get you?"
Wanessa looked at the menu, then back at me. "Whatever she recommends."She said.
I met her gaze for a moment and suddenly, I knew.
I had not escaped the plot, I just brought it to work. Few moments later I made the cappuccino. Hands steady, expression neutral. Foamed milk, clean pour. A little heart on top because muscle memory betrayed me. I slid the cup across the counter like this was any other customer and not the female lead calmly invading my workplace.
"Here you go." I said. "Cappuccino."
"Thank you."Wanessa smiled.
She took the cup, moved to a small table near the window, and sat down. And then she watched. Every time I looked up, her gaze was already there. Calm, curious. Like she was trying to solve a puzzle she hadn't known existed until tonight. I busied myself with the espresso machine. Wiped the counter again. Adjusted cups that didn't need adjusting.
"She keeps staring."Michael leaned closer, lowering his voice.
"I noticed." I muttered.
"She's cute." He added casually.
I almost dropped a spoon.
"What."I said.
"Objectively, soft eyes, calm vibe. Very 'main character energy'."He shrugged.
"Please do not say that out loud."I shot him a look.
"Why? You know her?"He asked.
"No."I said instantly.
"Yes."He said.
"Not really."I sighed.
"That was three different answers."He said.
Michael hummed, watching Wanessa over my shoulder. "She looks like the kind of person who orders one drink and stays for hours."He snickered.
I risked a glance. Wanessa lifted the cup, took a slow sip, eyes never leaving us. The foam left a faint trace on her lip. She wiped it away absently, still watching. I turned back to the machine.
"Please stop observing her like a wildlife documentary."I said.
"I am just saying." Michael continued, entirely too calm. "If she asked for my number, I wouldn't say no."
My hand slipped and hot steam hissed louder than necessary.
"Michael."I said.
"Relax." He laughed. "I'm not flirting. Yet."
Yet. I closed my eyes for half a second.
"She's not here for you."I sighed.
"Then who?"He asked.
I didn't answer, because at that exact moment, Wanessa stood up, cup in hand, and walked back toward the counter. My shift had officially become a plot device. Wanessa stopped at the counter, cappuccino in hand, looking far too composed for someone who had just emotionally disrupted my entire life.
"This is really good." She said pleasantly. "You make excellent coffee."
"Thank you." I replied automatically. "It's mostly caffeine and unresolved stress."
Michael snorted. Wanessa tilted her head, amused.
"Is that the secret ingredient?"She asked.
"Absolutely." Michael said. "We are thinking of putting it on the menu. Delicious in Sin: Now with Anxiety."
I elbowed him, hard.
"Worth it."He winced.
Wanessa laughed softly, the sound light and unforced.
"I can see why people like this place."She said.
I nodded.
"The chairs are sturdy and no one tries to propose marriage over espresso."I said.
"Has that happened?"Michael blinked.
"Not today." I said quickly.
Wanessa's eyes flicked between us.
"You two work well together."She said.
"We are bound by trauma and minimum wage." Michael replied.
"Please ignore him."I groaned.
"I can't." Wanessa said. "He is entertaining."
"I am?"Michael straightened immediately.
"Do not let this go to your head."I shot him a look.
Too late. He was already smiling. Wanessa took another sip, then leaned lightly against the counter.
"You seemed very different earlier yeasterday."She said.
My soul tried to exit my body again.
"Oh?" I said. "I spill coffee in many outfits."
I saw how she chuckled a bit. It seems I want to survive this world, I will need Michael's help now.