Half a heart

Chapter 1: I'm speechless

I crack open my eyes and I am greeted the bright Georgia sun.

"Ughhh." I groan.

I walk into the bathroom and get ready for work. I throw on a pretty long white skirt, a light blue tank top, and cute tan sandals. I put a little braid in my hair leaving the rest down and put on a string of pearls that match my earrings.

It's a nice day to walk to work. I grab my purse and rush out the door.

"Good morning Frank!" I give the old man a big smile as I walk through the door of his cute cafe.

"Good morning Adeline." He smiles at me then continues to sweep the floor.

Frank was good friends with my grandfather, so when he found out I had moved into his apartment Frank offered me a job, which I happily accepted. I just graduated last year with a degree in creative writing and want to be self published, so I was in need of work. The apartment was paid for, but food is not cheap and neither is having wifi. The cafe pays pretty well and I also get tips.

I hear the bell ring and rush around the counter to take orders. I love this job. I meet so many people and just love the smell of coffee. I hate actual coffee, but I love the smell. I don't know.

I take orders, while Frank makes them. Finally after the morning rush settles down I am able to start the new murder mystery book I picked up yesterday. Just as I crack open to the first page the bell rings. I internally curse out the customer, but look up and smile anyway.

I look up and into the prettiest brown eyes. Oh wow.

"Um... hello! What can I get you today?" I try to sound happy and not nervous. Dang he's good looking.

"A large black coffee." He does not smile back at me and actually seems quite annoyed.

I try not to cringe at his order. Why do people like this exist in the world? These people must all be part of some cult cause black coffee tastes like straight booty. Plus it is after 12pm who would drink this strong of a coffee after 12?

"Cream or sugar?" I ask, knowing his answer anyway.

"No." He looks at me with disgust.

"Well, it will be $4.35." He pays and just as I am about to say have a nice day he walks away.

Well... that was an experience. I see a lot of people come in and out of here. Plenty of attractive men, but he just was a different level of handsome. I watch as he picks up his order and walks out the door without sparing me another glance. Well, I'll never see him again.

After a few hours a having a couple constant customers we are finally empty. The clock on the wall informs me that it is 3:25.

"Hey, Frank?" I turn to see him wiping down the counter.

"Yes, Adeline?"

"What did you do for your birthday?" I ask, because mine is coming up.

I'm turning 23 and I currently have no plans, no friends, and a sister that currently out of the country.

"Adeline, I am a 64 year old man. I had dinner with my wife and called my son." He chuckles.

"Well, I'm unmarried and have no kids, but I could probably treat myself to dinner." I smile at him.

"Why don't you call a friend or your family?" He sets down his rag and walks over to me leaning on the counter.

"I moved here a month ago, so friends are nonexistent. My little sister is with her boyfriend in Bali and won't be back till after my birthday and my parents probably still won't talk to me."