Who: John Murphy, Avery Barkley, and Cadence What: Random encounter Where: Starbucks When: Midafternoon Warnings: Murphy and a small child Status: Closed
After two hours at the park, Avery needed to do something for himself. He stopped at Starbucks, and hoped Cadence was too tired from playing to get into mischief. He carried her into the store, and up to the counter. She wiggled in his arms, forcing him to put her down so he could order.
He held onto her hand until he had to get his wallet out of his pocket to pay. And when he let go, she was off. He wasn't worried about her going out of the store, but he didn't want her bothering other people or pulling anything off a shelf. He grabbed her and tried to hold her again.
"Sorry," he said to the barista. He was glad no one was behind him. He put Cadence down on the floor again, and asked her to stay right there. She didn't. Someone came in just then, and as he moved into line behind Avery, Cadence wrapped her arms around his legs.
"Play with me," she said to him.
Avery sighed and took his card back and stuffed it in his pocket. "Sorry. She's...friendly." Obviously.