The Coffee Shop Pt. 05

The Caucasian woman was about fifty, physically fit with shoulder length black hair, showing only a few occasional strands of gray. She was a good looking woman, wearing a simple tan two piece outfit, a jacket and a skirt. The off white blouse and tan purse matched her outfit. A quick glance downward confirmed that she was wearing tan shoes as well. She had a small pert mouth, warm brown eyes and a motherly aura about her that suggested she'd been a mother for many years. She knew how to wait without becoming impatient or upset. She glanced up at me, her expression remaining warm and friendly.


The Caucasian man who glanced up at me after seeing the woman move her head, looked to be about fifty as well. His full head of black hair was trimmed short and there was a touch of silver on the sides. He was clean shaven and like the woman did not wear glasses. He wore a white dress shirt unbuttoned at the neck, with plain black dress pants and a black belt. A gray nondescript jacket was draped over his fit frame. Another quick glance down confirmed that black dress shows encased his feet. The man's face was mature with a few lines etched across his brow and around the corners of his mouth. Overall his face gave an impression of a calm, controlled person who knew exactly what he was doing, while remaining in complete control of himself. He wasn't unfriendly, nor was he friendly. Reserved would have been a better word. He was waiting to see what was going to happen. Presuming that these people were Andy's parents, I could see where Andy got his good looks and physical build from.

Andy approached the couple and waved them to their feet. "Mom, Dad, I'd like you to meet Paul Walton, my boyfriend," Andy said calmly, directing their attention towards me. I could hear the touch of pride in his voice and it touched my heart. (Okay. Maybe I was imagining things, but if so, it was something good to imagine.)

"I am pleased to meet you, Misses Anderson," I said warmly, holding out my right hand for a handshake. I felt like a bug under a microscope, but did my best to fight off my nervousness.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mister Walton. Andy has been talking about you for the past few weeks, and we were curious to meet the man who has captured our son's heart," Misses Anderson said warmly as she shook my hand, and smiled at me. Her grip was firm yet gentle. She let go of my hand as soon as she was finished speaking.

I turned and faced Mister Anderson extending my right hand towards him. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Mister Anderson," I said with the same warmth I had shown Misses Anderson.

"It is good to finally meet you, Mister Walton," said Mister Anderson as he took a solid grip on my hand and shook it firmly. "I have to admit that you are not at all what I expected."

"Might I ask what you were expecting?" I asked warmly, keeping my voice pleasant, while continuing the handshake. Mister Anderson's comment intrigued me. I was tempted to take a peek into his mind and do some snooping, but that would have been impolite to say the least.

"Only that I thought you'd be taller and more muscular," Mister Anderson replied politely.

"Ah. Might I ask how Andy did describe me..." I started to ask. The words were cut off as I felt waves of emotions burst into my mind. Anger. Disgust. Revulsion. Controlled hatred. Loathing. A mixture of all of them and more. I felt as if I was drowning in this flood of emotions. I struggled to remain standing and to breathe. I felt thoughts popping into my mind, running over each other so fast that I could catch only fragments of each thought before it was replaced by the next. 'pussy... whimp... could do better.... hasn't learned... went too far... another lesson.... bad career move.... wouldn't listen to me... do what is necessary... two months tops.' It was too much. Blackness overcame me as my legs turned to rubber. I felt myself crashing to the floor.

"Got ya," a familiar voice called out to me as I felt a pair of strong arms encircle my torso. A few moments later I found myself sitting, with my torso bend forward and my head between my knees. Not exactly the best position in which to impress your future in-laws. If I had had the strength, I would have blushed from embarrassment. The darkness receded from my mind, and I forced my eyes open. It took only a minute or so for my mind to clear. I sat up slowly and looked about. I was seated in one of the chairs in the waiting area. Andy stood next to me on my right side. Opposite the two of us, sitting in two of the other chairs, were Andy's parents. They wore matching expression of concern, although I didn't know if it was for me or for Andy. I blinked my eyes a few times and tried to figure out what had happened.

"Are you okay now, Paul?" Andy asked me worriedly. The expression of concern on his face was both touching and disturbing to me. I didn't like to see him upset. I needed a few minutes in private to think about what had just happened, while it was fresh in my mind. A cup of coffee would help and provide an ideal distraction.


"I think so. Just give me a few minutes to catch my breath. Why don't you and your parents get us all some coffee while I sit here and rest? I'll be perfectly fine. The nurses' station is right down the hall," I said to him with a weak smile.

"Okay, but we won't be long," Andy said doubtfully. He didn't like the idea of leaving me alone, but he wasn't ready to debate it in front of his parents. Andy got up and walked over to the nurses' station. He spoke quickly to the nurse on duty. I was too far away to hear what he said, but from the way he pointed to me and gestured, it was clear that he was imploring the nurse to keep more than just an eye on me while he was gone. Satisfied that I would not be left on my own, Andy walked back to where I was sitting.

"Let's pop down to the cafeteria, so I can get Paul a coffee and a sandwich," Andy said to his parents as he stood in front of them. Andy knew I wanted a few minutes by myself, though he didn't know why. It was a sign of his trust in me that he went along with my request. His parents got to their feet and followed Andy down the corridor towards the elevators. Whatever they thought of my strange request, they were not about to mention to him in front of me.

I was relieved to see Andy and his parents leave. Something strange had just happened, and I did not know what it was. I needed some time to think and try to determine what I had just happened. I took some deep calming breaths and cleared my mind. I pictured a warm summer's day with a few clouds and a soft breeze blowing. After a few minutes like that I was able to get hold of myself and coolly and logically think about what had just happened to me. I played the events back in my mind. I analysed the feelings I had felt. I recalled the many times I had used my mental powers in the past to read someone else's mind. The conclusion was as solid as it was unpalatable. I had read Andy's Dad's mind, unintentionally or not. What I had received had overwhelmed me. The information I had picked up from Mister Anderson's mind was a jumble of mixed thoughts and feelings. I couldn't seem to sort it out. I knew there was a lot more information there, but every time I tried to look at it, it slipped out of my grasp like a greased pig. The only thing that I was able to determine for sure, is that every time I examine that cache of mental information, I experienced a wave of disgust bordering on hatred, wash over me. I was positive that this was not my reaction to this bundle of thoughts, rather it was coming from the bundle of thoughts. I had never encountered anything like this in all the years I had used my powers.

I needed help with this. Unfortunately I knew exactly where to get that help. Mary and the Council of Coins. They were the only people I knew of who might be able to help me. It seemed that I didn't know everything there was to know about my mental powers, so it was time to go to the experts. For all I knew this could be a sign that my powers were starting to grow beyond my ability to control them, after all I had never intended to read Mister Anderson's mind, nor had I actively tried to. Somehow my powers had jumped the fence and operated on their own without my permission or will. A scary premise indeed. I needed to talk with Mary and the Council as soon as possible.

Now that I had decided on a course of action, I sat back in the chair and opened my eyes, waiting for Andy and his parents to return. I rehearsed what I would say to them to explain my sudden weakness, if they asked me. I decided to keep it simple. I was just more tired than I realized. There was no need to go into further details, especially since I didn't know what had happened to me. I looked at my watch, and discovered to my surprise that fifteen minutes had gone by. That was odd. They should have been back by now, unless there was a line up in the cafeteria. I waited. I pulled out a pocket book from my overnight bag, which Andy had brought me a few days ago, and read a few pages while I continued to wait. After twenty minutes I began to wonder where Andy was. I decided to wait another five minutes and then I would head down to the cafeteria and go look for him.


Andy showed up a minute or so later. Alone, and without any coffee, either I noted. From the expression on his face he was upset about something. He walked over to where I was sitting and plopped down in the chair next to me. His gaze was far away on something or someone else. He didn't pay any attention to me, even though I was sitting right beside him. "Stubborn pigheaded jackass," he muttered out loud.

"I hope that's not me you're talking about, dear heart," I said to him, hoping to get him to talk about whatever it was that was upsetting him.

"What? No, of course not," Andy grumbled. "It's my Dad. Sometimes he and I just don't see eye to eye."

"Care to talk about it?" I prompted him.

Andy looked at me for a second before he responded. "Actually, I don't, thank you," he answered abruptly. His voice was polite and warm, with an undercurrent that strongly suggested I drop the subject here and now.

Well, that cut off that approach, I thought to myself. I can take a hint, sometimes.

"Let's just get you home," Andy said as he stood up and got ready to leave. "It's been a long day."

"It's only two o'clock in the afternoon, Andy," I protested. "Besides, I need to stop by the Coffee Shop."

"What in the world for?" Andy asked, perplexed at my sudden decision.

"Well some coffee comes to mind. Might I point out that you did not bring any coffee back with you?" I said with a smile.

"You really wanted some coffee? You weren't just sending me on an errand?" Andy asked.

"Yes to both questions. I did need a few minutes to collect my wits, and I did want a cup of coffee," I admitted.

"Okay, we'll stop by The Coffee Shop, on the way back to your place," Andy said with a grin.

I was pleased. Andy's good nature had reasserted itself, and chased off the foul mood he had been in. When Andy was grumpy, he wasn't much fun to be around. (Who is when they are grumpy? I should know. I could give grumpy lessons to the seven dwarfs, dear reader.) I would much prefer to spend my afternoon pleasantly with Andy and a hot cup of coffee and light conversation, than asking him about his family squabbles. Curiosity notwithstanding, delving into Andy's family dynamics was not something I had the strength to deal with right now. I was out of the hospital finally, and all I wanted was to enjoy myself and spend some time with Andy.

The drive to The Coffee Shop was a bit longer than normal, because we decided to go to my apartment first to drop off all my stuff from the hospital, rather than lug that stuff around in Andy's car. I think leaving the stuff at my place, helped both of us to put my hospital stay behind us. We arrived at The Coffee Shop about an hour after leaving the hospital. Andy took his time driving since we were not in any rush to get anywhere. We arrived at The Coffee Shop and headed inside. We sat down in one of the booths and waited to place our order. Andy seemed to have calmed down a bit during the drive, for which I was thankful.


"What would you like gentlemen?" asked the young waitress who stopped by our booth.

"A large coffee with cream and sugar," I replied.

"And for you, sir," the waitress said with an especially warm smile at Andy. She was flirting with him. Andy, as I have mentioned before, is a very handsome man. It was understandable that such a young woman might find Andy attractive and become interested in him. The waitress was of average attractiveness, if I had to made a judgement. I would have guessed her age at somewhere in her mid twenties. She was about five feet eight inches tall, with shoulder length auburn hair, tied back in a pony tail. Her hair framed her pretty face in a most becoming manner. Her hazel eyes, small perky nose, and matching mouth created a overall pretty picture of a young woman. Her body, appear to be fit, without any obvious signs of being overweight or excessively muscled. All in all an attractive young woman. Not my type, and unfortunately for her, not Andy's type either.

"I'll have the same, thank you miss," Andy replied warmly with a smile of his own.

"Oh, before you go, miss, would you happen to know if Mary is working today?" I asked her as she turned to go.

"Mary's not on duty. She's in the back doing inventory," the waitress replied, while looking at Andy, instead of me.

"Would you mind telling Mary that Paul Walton would like to chat with her for a bit?" I asked, smiling at the waitress.

"I'll ask, but I can't promise that she'll have any free time. She's pretty busy back there," the waitress said as she turned to address me. The waitress smiled briefly at me, turned about and headed off to fill our orders, with one long backward glance at Andy.

"Is that the real reason you wanted to come here, so you could talk to Mary?" Andy asked fixing me with slight frown.

"Well, yes. Something strange happened to me when I shook your Dad's hand. I think the beating I suffered might have affected my abilities. I need to talk to Mary about that," I admitted.

"And you didn't want to worry me, right?" Andy said with a sigh.

"Yes. That was why I didn't tell you," I admitted.

"I'm a big boy, Paul. Next time, just tell the truth, and let me handle it in my own way, okay?" Andy said calmly.

"Okay. I apologise, sorry," I said.

"There's no need to apologise. Just trust me enough to tell me the truth next time. Do you think this might be something serious?" Andy asked.


"I don't know. Mary is the only person I know who might be able help me determine that," I answered. "I'm glad to be heading home. Hospital food leaves something to be desired," I commented, as I attempted to change the subject. I hoped that Mary would have some time available for me, and talking with Andy helped to pass the time until the waitress returned with our order.

"I'm sure it does. I'm glad you're going home too," Andy said as he directed a warm sexy smile at me. "How long until you're back at work?"

"I have two weeks of medical leave. I think I'm going to need every minute to recover my strength. At least I have you to help me, dear heart," I answered flashing my own smile back at Andy.

"Always. You know that," Andy said warmly.

"Yes, I do," I agreed. "You're a very special man, and I am thankful to have you in my life."

"You say the sweetest things," Andy said with a chuckle.

"I'm not trying to flatter you, so that I can jump into bed with you," I said arching one eyebrow.

"You have only to ask, to get me into bed with you," Andy said with a grin.

"You're an oversexed, underpaid, cop. Do you know that?" I asked him with a laugh.

"And we both know, I'm also your kind of guy," Andy answered.

"Amen to that," I agreed with a smirk on my face. I noticed some movement out of the corner of my eye.

"Here you go, guys," said the waitress with a smile. "Mary said that she could talk to you now if you like, Mister Walton."

"Thank you, miss. Now would be fine. Would you mind leading the way?" I asked as I stood up.

"Certainly, sir. Please follow me," she said as she turned away from me and started walking down the aisle. I quickly followed her. That is, I tried to, but I stumbled after only a few feet. Before I could do more than start to fall, two strong hands grabbed each of my arms, just above the elbows and steadied me. I turned my head and saw Andy standing behind me, holding me up. For a brief moment I saw a look of worry flash across his face, to be quickly replaced with a look of mild concern.

"You should walk a bit slower, Texas," he said in a low voice. "You don't have all your strength back yet." With that he let go of me and then gestured at me to follow the waitress. I turned my head back and started walking, at a somewhat reduced pace. As I followed the waitress into the back room, I glanced back once or twice to see Andy following a few paces behind me. It touched me deeply knowing that Andy was there to catch me if I fell.


It took only a few minutes for us to walk to the back of The Coffee Shop. We were directed to a store room. The waitress knocked on the door, opened it, and directed us to go inside. As soon as we were across the threshold, she closed the door behind us. I looked about the well lit room. It was a plain ordinary store room. You've seen one store room, you've seen them all. This one appeared to have many boxes of assorted coffee beans, sugar, flavourings and other assorted paraphernalia related to the operation of a coffee shop. Mary was sitting on a chair at a small desk with some sheets piled in the left corner of the desk. She looked up at the sound of the door closing. She smiled at me as she stood up. "Hello Paul. What did you want to talk to me about?"

"To be blunt, I need your help," I answered. I didn't like to admit it, but I did need her help.

"Does this have to do with your abilities?" She asked looking over at Andy.

"Yes," I answered.

"Then I must insist that Mister Anderson wait outside," she said fixing her eyes on Andy.

"Why?" I asked.

"Privacy. There are some things that are not for the ears of those without the gift. Nothing personal, Mister Anderson. As a member of the Council of Coins, I am constrained to follow certain guidelines," she answered.

"And if I insist that Andy stay?" I asked.

"Then I cannot help you at this time," Mary replied. She wasn't hostile or belligerent. She was merely laying out the conditions associated with her help.

"It's okay, Paul. I'll wait for you outside. I know this is important to you. Just as I can't tell you everything about my job and what happens with me, you can't tell me everything about the Council of Coins and what goes on with them. I don't like it, but I'll do it," Andy said as he turned and headed for the door.

"Thank you, dear heart," I called out to him as he stepped through the door. Andy was a very understanding man. I could tell from the concerned look on his face that he would have preferred to stay in the room with me.

"Now how can I help you, Paul?" Mary asked after Andy had closed the door behind him.

"I had an unusual encounter a short while ago. I need your help to understand what happened. I am concerned that my powers are slipping out of my control," I told her.

"Describe to me exactly what happened and what you were thinking at that time," she said as she sat back down and gestured at me to take the vacant chair next to her.