The aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans fills my senses as I saunter into the quaint yet familiar roastery. Business men and women clad in suits and stiff dresses surround me as I've entered during the morning work rush. I quietly wait my turn in line, taking in my surroundings. Fiddling with the rings on my fingers I hear one man in line, barking at a poor soul over his cell, drilling into them that they've been incompetent with their work tasks. Ultimately screeching that the person is fired and immediately ending the call.
I shift uncomfortably, feeling a pang of second hand embarrassment from the sudden outburst from a man at that big age. Looking from one patron to another, we adorn the same 'what the fuck' expression.
"Next in line."
"Hello, medium iced white chocolate americano with cream." The barista grabs a cup and scribbles my order down. "And will that be all for you ma'am?" I mutter a simple yes and wait for my total. I throughly search my bag, expecting to grab my rather large wallet but fail to do so. Frantically I open my work bag wider in search of the item but it's missing. Then it hits me—
"My wallet is in my car." I irritably groan. "I can set it aside until you come back." The barista graciously offers and I accept. "Thank you. I'm parked just across the street."
Just as I turn on my heels, an unfamiliar hand is placed on my shoulder, gently guiding me back towards the counter. " Not necessary, large extra hot Americano, no cream or sugar. I'll pay for the misses." He turns to me. "Would you like anything else?" The man I was severely embarrassed for mere moments ago flashes me a bright smile and shifts the hand that rested on my shoulder into the pocket of his trousers. "No that's not necessary. I'm parked fairly close." I bargain with the man but he refuses to take no for an answer.
Rather he pulls a sleek black card from his wallet, handing it to the barista. Before sliding it through the machine she looks to me as if asking if I am okay with this before she accepts the purchases. I defeatedly nod.
"Thank you sir, that was a kind gesture." Compared to your previous moment.
"For someone as beautiful as you, it's nothing." My cheeks rose up and I shy my eyes away. The way my heart picks up in speed catches me off guard but I refuse to let this man see his quick effect.
What a gentleman.
The unknown patron and I make our way to the receiving side of the counter to wait for our drinks.
"Almost seems like it was a pass just to speak to me, sir." A ghost of a smile graces his lips. "Miss, if I desired to speak to you. I would have done so out right, living mousy gets you no where in this world of ours." I fall silent, not knowing how to respond.
"Iced white americano with cream. Extra hot americano." We retrieve our drinks from the counter and head to the condiments. "Would you like to join me for coffee this morning?" I politely smile at the polished man and regretfully wag my head. "I would love to but I'm already running late and would rather not be yelled at by my boss."
"Noted. It was nice to meet you—" The man trails, inadvertently asking for my name. I raise my hand to meet his and an instant shock raises the hair on my skin."Saffron." I choke. That's odd.
"Exquisite name. Does Miss Saffron have a last name?" Assertive one he is.
"She does but for all she knows you could be some stalkerish murderer. I'd like to keep my safety and wits about me, Mr—"
