Misters & Mochas (High School Clowns & Coffee Grounds Book 2)

by A. J. Macey

  “You know what would be even better? If there was some snow. It’s been ages since I’ve seen snow.”

  “It is supposed to snow in the next couple weeks, so we’ll be buried under a foot of snow soon enough, Babydoll. Maybe we can all go ice skating. Reid loves to go each year,” Kingston explained, the call of our order interrupting any further details. He grabbed our cups and directed me to one of the two-person tables under a heater. The hot chocolate was smooth—cinnamon, spice, and a hint of sweetness swirled together. The delicious concoction was topped off with giant marshmallows, slowly melting in the hot liquid.

  Just like with skating, we were content to enjoy each other’s company in silence, focusing on our drinks and holding hands as we watched a few people flit in and out of the space.

  “So, are you excited for Thanksgiving tomorrow?” Kingston asked, leaning forward to rest both elbows on the tabletop.

  “Yeah, I think it’ll be good to just chill,” I explained with a smile. “What are you most excited about for it?”

  “Spending time with my family and the people who matter most. Although homemade hot chocolate is a definite plus. Speaking of food, what’s your least favorite?” Kingston questioned, his lips quirking up at his change of topic.

  “Onions. I think they’re so gross,” I gagged, just the thought of them making me sick. “What about you?”

  “Mustard, no idea why since I don’t mind it cooked into things, like spicy brown mustard, but on a burger or a hot dog? Nope,” he said with a head shake. Giggling, I leaned forward onto my elbows, loving the light-hearted feeling of the night. It was a welcome change after so much drama and stress lately.

  “What’s one movie you love but never told the other two about?” I continued our questions, curious about Kingston, about who my laid-back, sweet boyfriend was away from Reid and Jesse.

  “Sixteen Candles,” Kingston admitted after some thinking, “though I would tell the guys, it’s just never come up. You?”

  “Well, seeing as how I’ve only been around for a few months, I’m sure there’s a lot of movies you guys don’t know I love, so…” I trailed off, dragging out the last word several syllables as I thought. “The Lizzie McGuire Movie. It’s cheesy and fun, and I have the songs memorized.”

  “You would, Babydoll,” Kingston laughed. “I’m not surprised at all to hear that. Let me guess? You binged on the series reruns?”

  “I’ve got them on DVD,” I exclaimed proudly, not caring it was a cheesy show. If Kingston wanted to be with me, he got to be with all of me—silliness and all.

  The sun had set as we laughed, the Christmas lights decorating the shopping center blazing brightly, lighting the space in a soft romantic glow.

  “Ready? Now that it’s dark, we can go to the last part of our date,” Kingston explained. Even in the low light and chilly wind, I saw his cheeks tint in another bashful blush. He’s so sweet. Nodding, I got up, tossing my empty cup into the trash can, and followed Kingston to his car.

  “So, you going to let it be a surprise, or are you going to tell me?” I asked, glancing out the window in excitement. He chuckled, grabbing hold of my hand over the center console.

  “Ready?” he asked, turning down a street. I looked over at him in confusion when he didn’t stop.

  “Ready for what?”

  “Look,” he tilted his head to the other side of the street.

  “Oooh, pretty!” My nose was practically pressed against the glass.

  Large homes, yards, and trees were decorated in lights, the street glowing in an array of white and colored lights. Some even had blow-up decorations or scenes in the front yard. I gasped as we turned down another street to see a house playing music, the lights flashing and animated to the beat.

  “The annual neighborhood lights display always starts Thanksgiving week, and I figured we should see them. Maybe I could convince you to help us decorate our house on Sunday. I know my mom has been pestering me to get your help,” Kingston explained as we continued through the streets, one hand holding mine while the other turned the wheel.

  “I would love to. I don’t have anything going on.” Bringing the car around the final bend, we looked around in wonder, enjoying the beauty of the lights and each other’s company before he finally pulled into a fairly empty parking lot back at the shop. Only this time, he parked in the back, away from the other cars.

  “So, how did I do for my first time?” he asked. Even though he seemed relaxed, I could see the worry in his eyes.

  “It was absolutely perfect. It’s only missing one thing,” I murmured, leaning over the console.

  “Yeah? What’s that?” he whispered, the brush of his fingers over my cheek, leaving a trail of goosebumps.

  “A first date kiss.”

  Without hesitation, Kingston closed the distance between us. He was growing more and more confident each time we found ourselves alone. His lips moved smoothly against mine before his tongue darted out. A flutter of something built in my belly, the heat flaring in my veins before moving to the crest of my thighs. Kingston’s hand cupped the back of my head as he deepened our kiss, his other squeezing my hand gently. Tongues tangled and teeth nipped lightly as our makeout session heated, and before long, I was buzzing with nerves and desire, the latter making my core slick.

  A ringing brought us out of our kissing, my heart racing, startled by my phone. Digging into my coat pocket, I pulled out the irritating device and saw my mom’s name flash on the screen. I flushed in a wave of embarrassment as if I had been caught doing something I shouldn’t even though she couldn’t actually see me.

  “Hey, Mom,” I greeted, glancing over at Kingston, who was chuckling at my wide eyes.

  “Hey, sweetie. I’m finally on my way home and going to pick up some takeout. Want anything?” I could hear the sound of the radio playing softly in the background.

  “Yeah, where from?” She rattled off the place, and I gave her my order before we hopped off the call. It had been short but long enough to essentially ruin the moment.

  “Need to head home for dinner?” Kingston asked, his thumb rubbing the back of my hand. I nodded, buckling my seatbelt as we pulled out of the lot. It may have ended abruptly, but it was an amazing date, and I went to bed with one thing echoing through my mind.

  I can’t wait for our next one.

  Sitting at the kitchen table, flipping through one of my well-loved paperbacks, I was waiting for my mom to get home. As soon as the door to the garage opened, the scent of Chinese filled the house, and my stomach grumbled.

  “Hey, sweetie, here’s dinner,” my mom huffed breathlessly as she placed the large bag on the counter, her work bag balanced precariously on her shoulder. “I’m going to drop this off in the office, then we can figure out whose food is whose.”

  “Alright, Mom,” I nodded, getting up and pulling out silverware and plates, making sure to grab the stack of napkins that had collected on the counter. It wasn’t long before my mom stepped back into the kitchen and started digging around in the bag.

  “Ah, here we go, here’s your bourbon chicken with rice, no onions,” my mom stated, setting several takeout containers on the counter. “With lo mein and eggrolls for me.”

  “Going to eat out here?” I asked, unable to stop the hope filling my question. Please, please, eat dinner with me.

  “I figured I would. I don’t have any work to finish up tonight with it being the holidays. I’ll probably head to bed soon, so I can get up early for tomorrow,” my mom replied, sitting across from me.

  Yes! Dinner with my mom.

  Only took two months to happen.

  We sat in silence for a while, too busy stuffing our faces with delicious food to talk, but I couldn’t complain, my mind struggling to come up with something to talk about. Thankfully, my mom took the lead after our eating started to slow.

  “How’s school going? Looking forward to the break?” My mom’s eyes centered on me, her gaze tired and dark circles slowl
y growing more prominent under her eyes.

  I can see why she wanted to go to bed early; it looks as if she never sleeps. She needs a vacation.

  “It’s going. Doing well in all my classes and none of my teachers turned into a terror,” I explained, stabbing the last piece of chicken with my fork. “My English teacher is a bit of a stickler, but that’s it. As for break, I’m looking forward to no homework for a few days.”

  “That’s good, I’m glad you’re doing well,” my mom praised, making my heart surge. It had been forever since I had heard something even remotely positive from her, and I realized how much I missed it. “How are your friends?”

  “They’re good, doing the same as me, trying to get through homework and everything to enjoy our downtime.” I tried to muster up the courage to tell her about Reid, Jesse, and Kingston, but my mouth wouldn’t work, the words dancing right on the tip of my tongue but refusing to come out. A mix of fear and worry at the thought of telling her and what her potential reaction could be turned my food into a lead weight.

  As soon as I decided to tell her about us later, my mind flicked to the grocery fiasco the other day, but the same thing happened, the words refused to come out, my mind not wanting to ruin our night.

  “Good.” My mom tried to say something else, but a large yawn cut off whatever it was.

  “Go to bed, Mom,” I huffed with a smile. “I’m actually really tired, too, and we have a big day tomorrow.”

  “Oh, joy,” my mom prodded in jest, her lips quirking up. “Alright, sweetie, you win. I’ll go to bed so long as you do. I love you.”

  “I love you too, Mom,” I murmured as she wrapped me in a soft hug, her soft rose perfume familiar, reminding me of home, but before my eyes could water, I shoved back the unwanted memory of my broken family.

  At least I got to have dinner with my mom.

  Positive thoughts, Emma.

  3

  November 28th

  Friends, family, my mom, everything I could hope for this year. Stella’s desserts are definitely an extra cherry on top. Get it?

  #DessertPun #TurkeyDay #ThankfulThursday

  “Emma, darling,” Stella called out as she opened the door, her welcoming smile turning to my mom next. “You must be Erin, it is wonderful to finally meet you. I’m Stella Bell, Kingston’s mom.”

  “Thank you for inviting us, your house is beautiful.” My mom’s eyes darted around the space in wonder at the fall decorations. The room was covered in burnt oranges and reds and smelled better than any Thanksgiving I’d ever had before.

  “Thank you, you’re too sweet. I’ll give you a tour if you’d like. Emma, the boys are down in the basement, playing video games if you’d like to join them,” Stella added. I dipped my head in thanks and made my way around the corner to the basement door.

  “Hello, Emma,” Kaleb greeted cheerfully with a brief wave, his attention focused on the several dishes scattered across the stove and counter, stirring or watching.

  “Hey, Mr. Bell,” I responded as I opened the door. He looked over at me with a brow raise.

  “How many times do I have to tell you to call me Kaleb?” he chastised lightly. I smiled and shrugged as I started down the carpeted stairs.

  “Probably at least five more times,” I called over my shoulder. His jovial laugh followed me as I rushed down the stairs and around the half wall that separated the steps from the open area of the basement.

  I had been down in the lowest level at Kingston’s once or twice, but most of the time, we chose to spend time at my house since I lived closer to school. I glanced around, taking in the vaguely familiar space. There were four doors, two open to show a finished bathroom and a guest bedroom while the other two were closed. If I remembered correctly, one was a home gym while the last was a storage room. The basement walls were a soft creamy off-white, complementing the neutral gray carpet. The large sectional, bright turquoise with yellow and gray accent pillows tossed around the plush cushions, caught my eye, along with the matching yellow rug on the ground beneath the industrial metal and glass coffee table. A projector was attached to the opposite side of the room, pointing at the white screen secured to the wall, a matching shelving unit beneath holding an array of movies and video games.

  “Cali girl!” Reid called from his spot on the couch, jumping up and hopping over the back of the furniture, scooping me into his arms. My breath left my lungs in a whoosh as he picked me up and spun me around, my arms circling around his shoulders. Butterflies erupted in my stomach as Reid dipped me, kissing me deeply before standing me back upright.

  “Hi, Reid,” I chuckled, knowing my face was bright red. Well, it’s worth it to see the twinkle in his eyes and that gorgeous smile.

  “Wait, I thought you were King’s girlfriend?” Killian, Kingston’s little brother, asked in confusion, his arm propped on the back of the couch as he looked at us.

  “She is,” Kingston answered, coming around to greet me.

  Reid let go, rolling back over the back of the couch, his black curls flopping as he haphazardly sprawled across the bright cushions.

  “Hey, Babydoll. You look pretty today,” he murmured, wrapping me up more calmly than Reid before giving me a soft, ardent kiss.

  “You look pretty handsome yourself,” I added with a giggle.

  A nudge on my side pulled my attention from Kingston. Jesse waited next to me, deciding whether or not to make a move, but after a split-second hesitation, he stepped forward, intertwining our fingers. His kiss wasn’t as extravagant as Reid’s or passionate as Kingston’s, but feeling his lips on my cheek in a sweet kiss made my heart warm.

  “Hi, Em,” he mumbled under his breath, squeezing my hand lightly before moving back to his spot on the couch.

  “Wait… I’m so confused,” Killian huffed, glancing at us with a frown.

  “We’re all dating Emma,” Kingston explained simply. “Not that complicated.”

  “You’re not jealous?” Kill glanced around them in shock. “Never mind, I don’t really care.”

  “Yeah, just focus on your homework and the game. You can worry about girls next year when you’re a freshman,” Reid joked. Killian rolled his eyes, shifting his focus back to the tv as the countdown started in their game. My guys jumped back onto the couch at Killian’s signal. Shucking my coat over the spare chair in the corner, I sank onto the couch between Reid and Kingston.

  “This is the basement, the kids tend to come down here and hang out,” I heard Stella explain.

  “Hi, Ms. Clark!” Reid hollered over his shoulder, his attention never wavering from their racing game. My mom chuckled as she took in the space.

  “This is my youngest son, Killian,” Stella introduced. “He would have manners if he wasn’t busy.” She thumped his shoulder lightly when he didn’t respond.

  “Ow, sorry. Hi,” he exclaimed, leaning away from her as he redirected his car back onto the racetrack.

  “That’s quite alright,” my mom countered with a laugh. My heart felt full, seeing my mom not focused on work. “Do you need any help with anything?”

  “You’re our guest, you don’t need to do anything…” Stella’s statement faded as they made their way back up the stairs.

  “Ugh,” Reid groaned, dramatically slumping down into the couch when he lost. “Here, Cali girl, you play. Let’s see if you have racing skills to accompany those zombie killing ones.”

  I smirked and took the controller, but as we were about to start, Kaleb called down the stairs that everything was ready.

  “Guess you’ll just have to wait to see if I can keep up,” I teased Reid as I stood up.

  He laughed, curling me under his arm in a side hug before nearly sprinting up the stairs after Killian, shouting, “Time for turkey!”

  He’s such a clown.

  Following at a calmer pace, Kingston, Jesse, and I made our way out of the basement, heading in the direction of the succulent aromas that swirled in the air. The biggest turkey I’d ever se
en sat on the end of the table nearest Kaleb, the table surface covered with a ham and a huge spread of sides and. I salivated with anticipation but held the drool in check as we all sat in our seats around the table. My mom sat on my right with Kingston on my left, his warm brown eyes glancing at me every so often as we passed the food around, filling our plates until they overflowed.

  It’s still not the same as it was.

  I shoved the negative thoughts away and enjoyed the sentimental moment. A sliver of me missed my dad and the conversations we would have in the moments he was home from the vineyard, but then the heartache of being forgotten smothered that ache and replaced it with anger at the realization he hadn’t called me today.

  You know what? If he wants to forget me, I’ll enjoy my time with the people who care.

  “You okay?” Kingston murmured.

  Guess sitting in silence doesn’t hide the dark cloud very well, does it? I smiled, trying my best to not let it look brittle or fake, knowing Kingston saw right through it. He always pays such close attention to me. Can’t keep anything from him. He opened his mouth to say something but was cut off.

  “Oh, Emma, Kingston told me you work at Coffee Grounds,” Stella said, turning her attention from my mom to me with a cheery grin. “How’s that going? Are you planning to work there after graduation?”

  “I love it, my coworkers and boss are really cool. Depending on where I end up going to college, possibly,” I answered honestly. Until that point, I hadn’t thought that far ahead. “I’ll know more after visiting UNO and UNL next weekend.”

  “That’s good. Are you excited about it? This is your first college visit, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, to both your questions,” I said with a smile, the first genuine one since sitting down to eat. “It’ll be fun to see a different part of the state and a new city.”

  “It’s so hard to remember you and your mother are so new to the area. You fit in perfectly with these three,” she teased, her fork pointing to Reid, Jesse, and Kingston. With that, her attention shifted to my mom.