On The Other Side | Nick O'Malley

6 | first impressions

"Is he okay?" Evie whispered as our backs faced the early customers.

I filled another cup with black coffee and watched as the foam settled on the liquid.

"Think so. We haven't really talked about it," I whispered back, and she nodded, preparing her own cups.

After Emma, my late co-worker threw a coffee at our manager's face for some reason we all ignored, Evie had almost run here to convince him to hire her. It had left me speechless at the moment, wondering how she could have done that. But it had paid off, as we now worked alongside. It made work less boring.

When the last customer of the day walked through the door and left us alone with the smell of pastries and coffee, I was exhausted. I'd come here earlier this morning to cover my shifts for the last few days, and I just wanted to go home. It didn't matter to Evie though, as she blocked the way to the door and her eyes lit up.

"You forgot something."

"What?" I asked, turning around to see if I hadn't left my stuff on the counter.

"The guy," she replied, eager to know.

"Oh, right. We're still texting."

She followed me outside and I locked the door behind us. As we walked to her car, I stared at the sunset and the pink colours forming behind the clouds to ignore her insistent gaze.

"Come on, that's all?"

"We called each other once. And he told me this morning we could meet on Tuesday," I said casually.

"Not even a smile?" she asked and stopped walking, putting her hand on my arm. "Wait, he's not a prick, is he?"

"No," I replied quickly, "He's still very... kind. I'm just nervous."

"What for?"

"I don't know."

She let out a small chuckle as we entered her car, both glad that the day was over.

"Do you want me to come with you? Or I can come with Mark to the bar, pretend we're on a date too."

"That's not a date," I interrupted.

"Excuse me, come to your meeting."

I rolled my eyes, but she went on with her plan.

"We'll stay a few tables away from you and see how it goes. I'll come for you if you make a move, like put your hair behind your ear or order a particular drink."

"I'm not letting you bring my brother to my date," I scoffed and widened my eyes at what I just said. "No! I mean..."

But it was too late. Evie was already laughing, pointing her finger at me.

"Ha! You're a liar! I knew there was something more."

I shook my head, defeated. Even if I convinced her with proof she wouldn't believe me.

I let out a short laugh. "Yeah sure, we're getting married next week too."

"Wouldn't be surprised," she muttered and burst out laughing again when she peered at my tired face.

❋❋❋

I could have fallen asleep on the couch if the familiar chime of my phone hadn't woken me up. I looked for it around me and behind the cushions, but it wasn't there. I groaned as I stood from the couch and rummaged through my bag on the kitchen table. There it was. I unlocked it to find the texts I expected, blaming myself for not replying earlier.