James and Leona decided to have their first date at a tiny cafe about ten minutes from Leona's apartment, which she shared with her cousin.
James ordered a black coffee.
Leona ordered a raspberry tea.
He asked as they held each other's hands across the table: "Why this place?"
She responded: "I simply thought you'd like it."
And he did. James loved how the soft music blended with the machines behind the counter. He wanted to be there every day, and he wanted to be there every day with Leona.
Leona— to James— was too big for that tiny cafe. She reminded him of a lion, from her wild hair to her strong beliefs.
James— to Leona— was just suitable for that tiny cafe. He was comfort, and he was kindness.
James walked Leona home that night, slow and steady. They talked about their families and their plans for the future.
She was going to be a nurse.
He wanted to be a movie director.
When they reached her apartment, he kissed her cheek and began to walk back to the cafe.
She called after him, concerned: "Where are you going?"
He laughed: "Back to the cafe! I left my car there to walk with you!"
Leona laughed, too.
She never told him that she had done the same thing for him.
YOU ARE READING
James + Leona
Short Story🌊 On a busy day at the beach in California, James Yang meets Leona Fernandez. 🌊 They fall in love and decide to start a life together, despite their family's lack of approval. 🌊 Will they make it together, or fall apart? ▪️▪️▪️ 🌊 Inspired by...
