Write To Rank 2023

Round Nine - Black Belt

The weather reporter said it would be cloudy with a chance of rain but standing here looking out the window, the sky is clear blue for as far as I can see. The sun feels warm on my skin, and I wonder if there is ever a right forecast.

I stepped away and pulled the towel from my freshly washed hair and dropped it on the floor next to my shower towel. I went through my routine of spraying conditioner on my hair and combing the tangles out. My cell phone rang pulling me from my wandering thoughts.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Dove. It's Tim." The voice on the other line stated.

"Who?" I didn't know a Tim.

"Tim. From the coffee shop the other day."

I immediately smiled picturing the tall, green-eyed, light brown-haired man who bumped into me while I was getting coffee. We ended up sitting together and exchanging numbers. Though I honestly wasn't expecting him to call.

"Tim," I cringed at the sound of my voice, a bit higher than usual. I cleared my throat and continued. "How are you?"

"I'm good, thanks. I'm calling to see if you'd like to meet at the Night Owl. I'm headed there now to do some writing but would love some company."

I glanced down at the pajamas I'd thrown on after the shower, not planning to go anywhere today, and rushed to my bag on the floor, grabbing a shirt. I shoved the pajama pants down and walked out of them, kicking them across the room as I reached for the pants hanging over the chair that sat in the corner.

I held the phone between my shoulder and ear as I hopped around, trying to get my feet into the pant legs without tripping. "I'd love to. Just give me a few minutes to get dressed and I'll be right there."

"Great. I'll see you then."

I tossed my phone on the bed and yanked the shirt over my head, punching my arms through the sleeves. Rushing to the bathroom, I brushed my teeth, applied deodorant, and double-checked that I looked decent. I could feel the excitement rushing through me, anticipation of seeing him again.

Slipping my feet into my sandals, I hurried out of the motel room, nearly skipping down the steps to the parking area, and rushed to my car.

The sky was still clear blue, the sun shining bright making it a beautiful day. I drove down the main streets of D.C. and watched as people cluttered the sidewalks, looking in windows of shops as they walked by. I found a parking spot and eased my way in, adding quarters to the parking meter when I got out. I looked at the cafe, the large front window donned a large, white coffee mug with steam rising. The name Night Owl Café arched around the mug. Above the door hung a wooden sign with the same business logo.

A bell bounced against the metal frame when I opened the door, alerting the baristas. The aroma of fresh ground coffee beans filled my nostrils and soothed my soul. Booths lined both sides of the cafe, tall tables and chairs scattered around the middle.

"Good afternoon, what can I get for you?" I was greeted immediately.

I looked around for Tim before answering. Spotting him near a back window, he looked up and waved at me, his smile showing his perfect white teeth. I smiled and waved back, stepping up to the counter.

"A large vanilla iced coffee, please," I answered the barista's question.

"Any cream or sugar?"

"Is the vanilla syrup sweetened?" I asked, knowing most syrups are sweet unless sugar-free.

"It is."

"Then no thanks, just the vanilla."

Nodding, the barista turned and grabbed a large cup to begin my drink.