Clara tried to focus on the task in front of her. Tried to focus on the numbers and letters but it seemed like something small would remind her of the last night. Maybe it was the smell of coffee as a customer walked past. Or maybe it would be the sound of a man laughing as they wondered down the rows, shopping for this or that. Once it was even the way a customer said goodbye as they walked out the door with their purchases.
As Clara tried harder to focus her phone buzzed in her back pocket. Looking around to make sure there was no one on the floor who might need her she pulled the phone out and smiled when she read who the message was from.
Oliver: Is it too forward of me to ask what you're doing right now?
She quickly typed back a response and hit the phone under the counter as she helped a customer. As soon as the lady was gone Clara pulled her phone back out.
Clara: I think it might be reasonable depending on the circumstances. I'm currently at work, where are you?
Oliver: At the library, partially working partially wondering if you were heading this way anytime soon.
Clara: I probably won't get there before they close today.
Oliver seemed to take no time with his responses and Clara could feel the goofy grin covering her face. Ever since leaving the coffee shop last night they had been messaging non-stop. Clara had even embarrassingly enough fallen asleep mid-message last night.
Oliver: When's your break?
Clara: I should get one in the next hour or so if it stays as slow as it's been.
Oliver: Sound great.
Clara: Why?
Clara anxiously waited for his next message, checking her phone between customers. After twenty minutes of nothing Clara finally gave in and went back to working on her project at hand. Creating a display that would be shown for the next few weeks in honor of Valentine's Day.
After going through the list of recommended items Clara finally decided on several that she wanted on her table as well as a few extra things that she was sure would be pleasers with the normally shoppers that Dottie's Gifts would normally get.
She rounded the aisles filling her basket with items from this shelf and that until she had found almost every item on her list. Thirty minutes later she smiled triumphantly at the finished table before her. It was perfect and looking at it her heart beat a little faster at the idea that she might have someone to share the holiday with this year.
"Excuse me miss, do you work here?" A male voice asked from behind causing her to jump, "I'm looking for something and I was hoping that you'd be able to help me find it."
When she turned around he stood there with a smile, her favorite smile, and a glimmer in his eyes. "Oliver," She took in his appearance admiringly, kakis and a green sweater to fight the chilly February outside. "What are you doing here?"
Oliver caught her watching him and she blushed looking at her feet. "You said you'd have a break soon and I was hoping you didn't already have plans." He handed her one of the cups he was holding, "Also I just happened to have an extra coffee and I thought of no one else to share it with other than you."
Clara smiled appreciatively. It was a to-go cup from Solid Ground, the place they were last night, and inhaled happily the smell of the deep roast of the coffee. "Thank you, what is it?"
Oliver smiled slyly, "It's a special house blend that I helped convince the café owner he needed to make."
She took a sip and resisted the urge to take a large gulp of it. The taste of hazelnut, espresso and something else she couldn't place swirled on her tongue. "What's it made of?"
"Well that's a secret. If I told you I'd probably have to kill you and that would be sad."
"Are we turning into James Bond again Mr. Langston?" Clara laughed.
"I'm not saying I am a internal super spy but I'm also not saying I'm not," Oliver shrugged, "When do you think you'll get a break?"
Looking at her watch Clara held up one finger, "Hold on a second and I'll ask my boss."
As she walked to the office she counted two customers in total in the store, neither looked like they were near checking out anytime soon.
"Hey, Paige?" She stuck her head in the door.
Paige was sitting at her desk looking over some emails. Her blond hair was pulled into a ballerina bun at the top of her head and at the age of 26 she was one of the youngest store owner's Clara had ever met.
"Hey Clara, what's up?" She pulled off her glasses as she swiveled in her chair.
"I haven't worked with a customer in a little over an hour. Do you think it'd be ok if I stepped out for lunch?"
Rummaging through her bottomless Mary Poppins styled bag Paige nodded handing over a credit card. "Of course, will you pick me something up on your way back?"
Clara nodded sliding the card into her back pocket, "I'll be back in a little bit. Promise I won't be gone too long."
Paige just waved her off, "Take as long as you need. It's Sunday, I don't expect business to suddenly start thriving."
With a wave of thanks Clara walked back to the front grabbed her bag and moved towards Oliver. She took her coffee when he offered it back to her.
"Ready to go?" He asked her as he held the door for her.
She smiled, "All set."
YOU ARE READING
Sincerely Yours
Chick-Lit"Oliver had watched the way she watched the world around her as they had walked to the café and he more than anything wanted a glimpse of what she saw." It all started with a single library card, a single book, a single note, a single girl, and a si...
