something you can't find in a box

Daisy told Josie where she could find Topher. It was funny how she didn't think of Daisy being a friend, but suddenly she was.

Josie was feeling the need to slip away from Derrick, lately. Maybe he was just too needy. And to think, she never thought she'd be the one to let him down. Yet, maybe she was the weakest link, after all.

She'd done a lot of rethinking during the holidays. It was tough being there for Derrick. At first it was such a surprise. She liked being the one he needed. But there was that word again..NEED. It was absolute needy, she thought now.

Josie needed to get away. Maybe for a bit. Like a vacation. That's sort of what this was. It was snowing out. Even bitter cold, yet she was on cloud nine, thinking about Topher. She might as well have been walking on air when she walked into the coffee shop. There he was, but there was Jules, too.

They were talking amongst themselves. Instantly, it felt like a good dose of poison in the air. Perhaps, she'd back away, and it would be as if she wasn't even there. She'd scurry away, maybe go to the art building. Somewhere else, not here. But it was too late.

Topher saw her and he was adorable. She was swallowed by that friendly smile of his. Yet, she remained timid as she carefully went to the counter in her snowy snowboots. The color of her furry jacket was damp. She really felt out of place.

"What's good?" Her eyes were on Topher, but out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jules' friendly mood change, he went to check on something in the back.

"Everything, of course." Topher was happy to see her and that alone felt like a warm blanket. She smiled back.

"Where have you been? I thought you were going to call me?" He got her coffee. It was on the house. He didn't charge her for the scone, either. It was quiet then and Jules told him they should sit. He'd watch the counter.

Josie felt a bit woozy, instantly. She wasn't sure if it was from seeing how nice Jules could be or if it was being with Topher. It was so amazing to be with someone who was happy to see her. She couldn't stop grinning. She was probably a fool. He talked about a band he was in. But as she listened, he didn't want her to come to one of his concerts, he wanted to take her to a concert. Some upcoming bands that the lead singer of FALLOUT BOY was producing were coming to town.

Josie couldn't ask for a better late Christmas present.