Hurt Me Like You Mean It [BL]-Chapter 39: Divorce court must be fun
Lance pushed through the glass doors and stepped outside, the morning already warm against his skin.
He headed straight for the bus stop across the street.
It was mid-july but it was always chilly in the morning.
The bus arrived a few minutes later, brakes screeching softly as it pulled up.
Lance climbed in, tapped his card, and took a seat by the window. He rested his forehead lightly against the glass as the city rolled past, letting the familiar route ground him.
By the time he got off near the café, the rush had already started.
The bell above the door chimed when he stepped inside.
Mariah looked up from the counter immediately.
"Oh, so you’re alive," she said flatly, arms crossed. "Three days, Lance. Three."
"I know," he replied calmly, tying his apron around his waist. "I’m sorry."
She stared at him for a moment longer, clearly deciding whether to continue.
Then she sighed.
"Go wash your hands and man the counter. We’re understaffed and behind."
"Yes, ma’am."
Lance moved without wasting time.
With his hands washed, apron straightened, hair pushed back properly.
Muscle memory took over the moment he stepped behind the counter.
Orders came fast.
"Two cappuccinos!"
"Iced latte, no sugar!"
"Americano, extra shot!"
The café was alive with the morning rush, the usual clatter of cups and chatter blending into a lively hum.
Lance moved behind the counter with ease, familiar with the routine, though he hadn’t worked here in a few days.
Regular customers paused mid-order, some with amused smiles, others with curious glances.
"Is that... Lance?" one student asked, leaning toward their friend. "He’s not usually here this early, right?"
"Nope.." the friend replied, eyes fixed on him as he expertly balanced steaming milk and espresso shots.
"But look at him... he’s calm as if nothing’s happening. How does he do that?"
Lance shot a polite smile as he handed a cappuccino to a regular, keeping his focus on the task at hand.
Behind him, the murmurs continued. "He’s got that look, you know... like he notices everything," a student whispered, elbowing their friend. "And he’s kind of... hot."
A group of regulars, a few older locals who usually came in for the daily newspaper and a black coffee, leaned on the counter with soft smiles, clearly trying not to stare too obviously.
"Morning, Lance..." one called, waving from the end of the counter. "Didn’t expect to see you this early."
Lance gave a small nod, forcing the faintest of smiles as he punched in their order. "Morning Ladies. Just helping out today." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚
"Helping out?" another woman in line said, her voice louder than she intended.
"He never works mornings. What’s brought him out of hiding?" She laughed lightly, shaking her head. "But that’s alright, we like it."
From behind the espresso machine, Lance could see Mariah sighing.
She knew exactly how much attention he was getting.
"If you like it, don’t forget to leave a tip. I can’t be handsome if I’m poor.."
The aunties laughed, to them Lance was like a charming grandson or nephew.
The kind that always lightens the mood.
Lacey slouched in her seat, her books half-open but largely ignored. Her fingers tapped idly against the desk as she stared out the window at the bare trees lining the school courtyard.
The divorce hung over her like a gray cloud she couldn’t shake. It wasn’t that she hated her parents, it was the idea that everything had shifted so quickly, the little stability she thought she had now scattered.
Ashley, sitting beside her, noticed immediately. Her own notebook was open, pen in hand, but her eyes kept flicking to Lacey’s downturned face. "Hey, you okay? You’ve been zoning out for a while," Ashley said softly, nudging Lacey’s shoulder.
Lacey huffed, pulling her gaze back. "I’m fine, just... thinking." Ashley raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Come on, Lace. What’s going on? You can tell me," she said, her voice gentle but firm.
Lacey’s lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, Ashley thought she’d clam up. But then the words spilled out. "It’s just... Mum and Dad. The divorce... I didn’t think it’d feel like this."
Ashley’s expression softened, and she reached over to grab Lacey’s hand. "It’s okay to feel weird, Lace. It’s a big change. But you’re not alone, okay? I’m here..m" she said, giving Lacey’s hand a reassuring squeeze.
Lacey looked at her, a small, grateful smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, Ash. Just talking about it helps, I guess."
Ashley smiled back, trying to keep her own emotions in check. "That’s what friends are for, right?"
"Well, well, if it isn’t little Lacey.." said Madison, her smirk wide as she leaned on the desk across from Lacey.
"Divorce court must be fun..."chimed in Tiffany, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "My mom works there, heard all about your parents splitting up. Poor thing."
Lacey’s jaw tightened. She sat up straighter, fire flashing in her eyes. "And here I thought you were too busy failing math to gossip about other people’s lives."
Madison blinked, momentarily thrown off. Tiffany’s grin faltered.
Ashley, sitting beside Lacey, shot her a small warning glance, but Lacey ignored it. She wasn’t about to let them push her around.
"You talk big for someone whose biggest accomplishment is cutting gym class in half.." Tiffany sneered.
Lacey leaned forward, her voice sharp. "Better that, than being a mindless echo of your mother’s gossip, Tiffany."
Madison crossed her arms, trying to regain her composure. "You think you’re clever, huh? Let’s see how clever you are when everyone finds out your parents are broken."
Ashley’s hand brushed Lacey’s under the desk, subtle but grounding. "Ignore them," she whispered. "They’re just insecure. Nothing more."
"Yeah, I’ll ignore them," Lacey muttered, eyes narrowing. "I’ll also make sure they regret opening their mouths about my life. You’ve got two seconds to back off, Madison."
Madison sneered, then whispered something into Tiffany’s ear. They both sniggered as they walked off.
But Lacey had heard Madison’s last words and she raged.
"Fatherless bitch huh?"
