“Yeah, no. I understand. They didn’t want me to, which is why I never came around before now. But, considering I’m 20 now, I can kind of do my own thing.” He shrugged with a small chuckle, deciding that playing at chill was the best approach.
“Aren’t you attending univercity or something?” She asked, wanting to know more about him. She realised they were still standing in the middle of the street. “Um, there’s a coffee shop right around the corner, if you want to. I’d really like to get to know you a bit more.”
Bryan laughed, shaking his head for a moment. “Nah, I dropped out after my first year. School was never really my area of expertise.” He shrugged.
”Yeah, sure! It’s on me.” He added as they started to walk in the direction of the coffee shop.
“Oh!” Jessica exclaimed. “And how did dad take it?” She asked genuinely curious, she’d always thought her dad would have wanted her to do her best at school, it was part of why she took it so seriously, why she had graduated as valedictorian in high school and was among the few names who made it in the Dean’s list in university.Â
“Oh no need, you’re in my town so it’s on me!” She said, guiding him towards the shop. “So if you’re not in school what do you do?”
“Um…” The blonde chuckled nervously, running a hand through his hair before shrugging with a grimace. “Let’s just say there’s a reason I’m here and not at home.”
”If you insist, I won’t complain.” He response with another chuckle before moving his head back and forth to think of a good response. “Well- really, I just work were I can. Mainly as a freelance photographer though.”
She smiled at his words, shaking her head a little. “Well if you’re into photography then you came to the right spot.” She said, motioning around her. They had reached the coffee shop so she waited until they sat on a table to continue. “Forks is the best place to shoot, we have the forest, the rivers, the beach…”
“I was taking note of some place I’d like to shoot on the drive in.” He commented, looking around the room with a smirk before continuing. “And some gorgeous women.”
Jessica hummed, nodding. “You should go to the First Beach in La Push. And the tide pools, they’re both beautifull.” She said, ignoring his last words.
Bryan chuckled as Jessica ignored his last words, shaking his head slightly before moving on. “Yeah, I’ll have to check it out.” He nodded, looking her over as he tried to figure out exactly who she was. “So what about you? Any guy? … girl? I don’t want to assume.”
Jessica chuckled at his words, “I actually like both so thanks for not assuming.” She said with a smile. “But no, the last few relationships were…complicated to say the least so… it’s just work, home, friends and my cat.” She purposely didn’t mention the partying and the alcohol that were her only escape since Emmett left. She had just met him after all.
Before she could continue the old woman who owned the café aproached them, “Jessica dear, will it be the usual?” she smiled but the curious look she threw at Bryan didn’t go unnoticed. “For me yes mrs.Thompson thank you!” Jessica smiled at her, “And for you Bryan?” she asked, turning to her brother for a second before turning to mrs. Thompson again. “Bryan is my half-brother, he came to visit me for the first time.” She informed her. It felt weird saying that but she really had no choice, either she would admit the truth of their relationship or everyone would assume the two were dating. Gossip circulated fast in a small town like Forks.
Bryan shrugged in a you’re welcome kind of way at her thank you, noting being able to help but smile back at her. He nodded along to her words before giving her an understanding look. He had definitely had his fair share of relationships gone and did not want her to feel like she had to talk about if she did not want to.
The blond caught the way the older woman gave him a sideways glance and could not help but stifle a laugh. “Hi. It’s nice to meet you.” Bryan smiled broadly after his half sister had introduced him. “And I’ll take coffee, please. One coffee, five sugars.”
“Coming right up!” The older woman said, smiling and turning away. Jessica chuckled a bit, looking down, playing nervously with her fingers. “Thats actually my usual.” She smiled up to him. “Guess sweet tooth runs in the family.”
Mrs. Thompson was back then, with their coffees. Jessica smiled at her in thank you, before turning back to him. “So tell me more about you!”
“Maybe so.” He laughed, smiling kindly at the old lady as she dropped their coffees at the table. He grabbed it, taking a drink of the hot liquid before grimacing slightly as it went down his throat. “That’s good. Well, Jess- is it okay if I call you Jess? What would you like to know?”