Annabeth Frost

“Optimism is a great thing though,” Raegan argued. “You see the world in brighter colors and I think that’s wonderful.”

“I agree. It’s a shame some peoples faces wrinkle at the mention of it. I need to find someone who is equally as optimistic as me.” Annabeth admitted with a wistful sigh. 

“You’ve definitely got too much faith in me and my fashion sense, but I’ll accept the compliments,” she replied with a giggle. “And I’ll send you pictures.”

Annabeth laughed at that, leaning back in her seat. “Oh, I don’t know but then people do tell me I have an overly optimistic view on everything.” She confessed with a smile.

Her question made him laugh a bit before answering. “Um, she does fine with them. I try to limit the human food she eats, but I won’t lie, I definitely sneak her stuff from time to time. And she loves toys of any kind.” 

“Well I wouldn’t want to make you mad by giving her things she isn’t allowed so I will try and limit it to toys most of the time. She’s a real beauty.” 

“Hmm, accessories are a good call,” she considered. “I might go with the black and spice it up. Or choose a different dress altogether,” Rae added with a chuckle. “I’m not the most fashion forward so thank you! I’ll definitely take all your suggestions into consideration.”

“Just remember to send me a photo. After wanting my advice I am dying to see what you end up going with.” Annabeth admitted with a laugh. “And I’d like to think Artists are the ones setting the trend so you’re not going to necessarily be seen in the current fashion. You’re way ahead of that.” 

“From time to time. I do have the occasional sweet tooth,” he teased, his eyes dipping down to slowly look her over. He didn’t try and hide it, the fact that he was checking her out. “It’s an acquired taste, for sure.” 

The way the male looked at her... Well Annabeth couldn’t help but squirm a little, heat burning at her cheeks. She was flattered, of course she was, but it was also a little strange. “You’re very... flattering aren’t you.” That wasn’t really the word she’d been searching for but it was the best she could manage right now. “Here is your drink.” 

Listening to her, he laughed a little and shook his head. “Well, for all I know, you could hold a real special place in her heart.” He offered, shrugging his shoulders a little bit. Watching Cassie jumping around still, he laughed a bit. “I think you certainly have.” 

“I don’t know yet but give me a little time. I am sure I can worm my way in there with bribery. How does she do with chicken and squeaky toys?” Annabeth asked with a laugh.

“You’re too cute! And I think you’re right. Red’s a little more racy and I could definitely go more professional with the black,” Rae nodded, looking at the choices one more. “But is it too professional? I’m an art teacher’s assistant after all. Should I be going more colorful?”

“The good thing about black is that any color will go with it. Neon’s are in at the moment, you could put some bright heels with it or jewelry? But as I said the red is beautiful and you know your job better than me.”

He nodded his head in agreement, holdong out his hand to allow her to lead him back towards the counter and the barista waiting there. His eyes watched her as she ordered, and he met her gaze, smiling at her with amusement. “Just black coffee is fine,” he told her, glancing at the guy at the counter and back to her. “I’m pretty easy.” 

“Black coffee? Not a fan of sweet things then?” She asked after a moment as she put the order in and took out her purse. “That’s a little too bitter for me. I’d have to add a lot of cream and sugar to it to make it nicer.”

Gage licked his lips, looking down at the other with an amused expression on his face. “S’okay,” he chuckled under his breath. The coffee was already cooling off. “I forgive you this time. Next time, however, I think I’m going to have to return the favor.” He smirked wider than before, shrugging his shoulders. “I think that makes up for it.” Plus, it would be an excuse to spend a little more time with the pretty redhead. 

Annabeth’s eyes widened at that for a moment before she laughed. He was joking right? Because he had to be joking to make a comment like that. “Ah... Well... Shall we?” She’d been heading inside to get something for herself anyway, it wasn’t as though it was taking any more time out of her day. “She ordered a frappucchino for herself before turning to the dark haired male. “What is it you would like?”

Hearing the woman, Woody laughed a little and nodded his head. “Well, she hasn’t met someone she didn’t love yet, so she’s always just so excited when she gets the chance to meet other.” 

“Well I mean that makes me feel a little less special but she’s too darn cute to hold a grudge. I’m jealous.” The red head murmured, unable to resist reaching out to stroke the silky fur again. “I’m always up for making new friends and I think I have a bestie here.”

Gage couldn’t help but pause at the girl moved quickly, coming at him with a napkin and starting to dab against his abdomen. The hot liquid that was seeping through his clothing was now being pushed against his skin, and he reached out, grabbing the other’s wrist and raising an eyebrow at her with a smirk on his face. “As much as I love when pretty women touch me like that, the temperature of this coffee is ruining the mood,” he mused, chuckling under his breath. 

It hadn’t even occurred to Annabeth how the whole action appeared to anyone looking in. Not that she really minded what other people thought but she didn’t really intend on getting overly friendly with the man. The girl flushed a little and pulled her hand back gently, offering an apologetic smile. “Sorry, I forget myself sometimes. I just wanted to help. Do you want me to buy you another since I seemed to send this one all over you?”

“No problem!” He replied. Listening to her speak, Henryk couldn’t help but laugh a little more and nod his head. “Honestly, I can understand what you mean by that. I’m usually pretty clumsy myself.” He replied, giving a small shrug of his shoulder. It was amazing how often Henryk found himself stumbling into things. “But I’m glad that you made it out of there alright.” 

“Oh? Well it’s good to know I am not alone in that. We can be clumsy together, right?” She spoke hopefully, always clinging to anything that brought her friendship. “Oh, no need to worry about me. If anything I’m very hardy. I come through everything with a smile on my face.”