Why Don't We?

Chapter One

As Johnny Cash once said, "I fell into a burning ring of fire and I went down, down, down and the flames went higher." That's exactly what it felt like the second I met him. I know. A man. What man could possibly live up to the hype these days? You may be doubting my overly dramatic self. But I can  promise you it's a story you won't want to miss. 

It was a gloomy autumn day. There was talk of rain later on, but it appeared that it was about to come sooner than later. I had just finished sweeping the front lobby of the coffee shop I currently worked at. I know, could I get any more cliche? Thunder rolled in the distance, making me finally glance outside. Dark clouds had moved in far faster than I had realized. Within moments, rain started pounding the sidewalks. 

"I'm heading out for tonight! You think you can handle closing?" One of my best friends and co-workers had called out to me. I nodded and watched as she hastily made her way out of the building. Under normal circumstances, I would have been fine working alone. Call me paranoid or anxious, but something about today just felt different. Then again, I took the time to admire my hard work and sighed. At least the shop was quiet for the time being save for the rain and the fire going just by the front entrance. Also, who was going to get coffee this late in the evening? It was almost eight. We closed in an hour. Okay. I could do this. 

Lightning flashed across the sky, shocking me by how bright it was. It was followed shortly by a an equally boom of thunder. I jumped by the sound, my broom falling to the ground with a soft thud. I shook myself out of my shock and put the broom and matching dustpan away. I checked my phone for any new messages. Nothing as the usual. 

I made myself a steaming cup of mint tea and silently waited for something to happen. It didn't take long. As if out of a movie, the front door slammed open and in walked a tall and intimidating man. He was covered from head to toe in black and sported an equally impressive trench coat which was also black. His face was partially covered by an extensive scarf that wound around his face for what looked like forever. I tried to remain passive. Our eyes met briefly and I groaned internally. His eyes were bloodshot which could only mean one thing. I wasn't about to deal with a junkie. Not again. Nevertheless, I had to treat him like he was a normal customer. 

"Hi, welcome to-" but I couldn't even finish my sentence. 

"Can I just get a black coffee?" I barely heard him through his scarf. His voice was silky smooth and quite deep. He clearly wasn't high. His voice had clarity. Upon further inspection, he looked like he hadn't slept in years. That or it was a chronic case of dry eye. 

"Of-of course." I stuttered out, surprised by how short he was with me. "Anything else for you, sir?" He rolled his eyes as if my politeness was superficial. Superficial or not, it was still scary seeing him stare me down like he was. 

"No. Thanks." He grumbled. So the man actually had manners! He was reaching into his coat pockets to pay but I stopped him. He had just come in from a nasty storm and he looked soaked to the bone. 

"It's on me tonight. Really, it's the least I can do." I told him with sincerity this time. He nodded in acknowledgement and took a hasty seat by the fire. This gave me some time to prepare his coffee. Even though I knew it would take about two seconds to get it, I wanted to get a better look at this guy. I then noticed that it wasn't just his coat that was soaking wet. The poor guy was also wringing out his black v-neck sweater. I couldn't continue staring like a creep. I slowly walked his way and set his coffee in front of him on the coffee table in front of the fireplace. "Here you are." I nearly whispered. He nodded and I slowly backed away. "If you need anything else, please just let me know." I cleared my throat awkwardly and made a mad dash back to the safety of the espresso machines.