No Hesitation

Whiskey and Water Shows

**Just a note that this is a bit of a longer part than the previous ones. I'm aiming to have some consistency in it and want to try to keep them all this length from now on.  Thank you for reading. Jazz**

Time stretches as the two women maintain their eye contact, Ivory's words hanging in the air like stars in the sky lighting up Robyn's night. "It has only been a day, but I appreciate it nonetheless. How is your garden treating you today?" Looking down at her Robyn can see the reflection of the hanging lights twinkle in Ivory's crystal blue eyes, she looks so small. After several pregnant pauses Ivory blinks a bit and refocuses on her surroundings, "Ah do you want me to make you something?" Shuffling over to her booth she stands behind the counter and puts on a large customer service smile, "Welcome back! Oat milk flat white?"

One moment to another, first minute she's awestruck staring up at her and the next she is bubbly and eager to assist. Robyn couldn't help but laugh and walk over to the counter "Yes that would be lovely please"

"Right away!" Bobbing on her heels Ivory spins and starts pulling together the supplies to make her drink, "has your day been well?" I can't believe she's here!

"Rather productive, I felt I deserved a break." Robyn lied, pleasantly watching Ivory grinding and steaming, crafting her drink. "Would you mind putting that in a mug? I think I'll have that to stay today if you don't mind."

"Of course, happy to!" Ivory swaps out the takeaway cup for a porcelain mug with a crudely painted cat on it. She's staying?! Pouring in the steamed oat milk she walks over and places the mug on a saucer with a tiny biscuit. "Oat milk flat white for Robyn." it comes out like more of a whisper than she intended but manages to not look away.

"Thank you dearie, do you need me to pay now or may I sit for a bit?" Ivory's shaking head and eager smile is answer enough. "Wonderful, would you like to join me? You must have earned a break by now, plus it doesn't seem you have many other customers." The question hangs for a moment before Ivory is able to stammer a response back "Uh I... uh sure, yes please, okay, I will!"

Untying her apron, Ivory sets it down on the counter and walks around to join Robyn at the table she has placed her coffee on. Robyn has tucked herself onto the bench and smoothed out her skirt before crossing her legs and folding her hands in her lap, watching Ivory approach. Hesitantly Ivory pulls a chair back and sits down herself across from Robyn and bashfully looks at the woman who has yet to let the smile leave her face. "How are you enjoying Australia? Or have you lived here a long time?" Robyn says breaking the silence.

"It has been amazing! I've been here for well over a year now, it's just as great as my first week!" Jitters leaving her as she is able to make conversation Ivory finds herself smiling and her heart beating normally. "I guess it's pretty obvious I'm not from here?" Polite small talk passes between the two women, they share an appreciation for the mild summer and comment on the joys of the city. Ivory amuses Robyn with her observation of the mannerisms and slang the Aussies use while Robyn inquires on the places she has been so far on her trip in the country.

The minutes pass by and soon the two find themselves both relaxed until Robyn picks up her cup only to see has already drank the last of her coffee. "Did you want anything else?" Ivory asked sheepishly, seeing the empty cup.

"No to be honest I really should be getting back to the office, although I have greatly enjoyed spending time with you in your secret garden." Robyn replies with a wink to a blushing Ivory. "Although I was curious how late the place stays open, I feel like it's closed by the time I finish work?"

Still a bit disappointed in their time together ending so soon Ivory looks up "Oh we close right away, we only really get traffic from the businesses around here so we finish rather early."