I like my coffee sweet.

02

The next morning I get up bright and early, feed Cookie, make a few calls, grab my book bag, and head to the library to see how sales are doing.

I walk in making the bell at the top of the door ring.

"Good morning Linda!"

I greet the elderly librarian as I walk in.

"Oh! Mary, good morning! Ive been meaning to talk to you!"

I sit on my favorite, green bean bag and look over at her, waiting for her to continue.

"Your most recent book made it to the top sold shelf!!"

She claps her hands together excitedly.

For years Linda has been one of my biggest supporters.

She was actually the first person to ever finish a book of mine, and ever since has been letting me sell them In her library.

Im so very grateful for her.

"Thats amazing! Im already working on a new book but I seem to have writers block."

"Maybe you just need some inspiration, go on a date or two, you're young, enjoy while it last because it wont last forever,"

She twirls around in a circle,

"I mean, believe it or not I was quite the heartbreaker at your age."

I let out a soft giggle and get up.

"Maybe you're right. I should get going though, my book wont write itself."

She smiles and gives me a nod as she walks over to a costumer that needs help.

Thankfully, the library and the cafe are on the same street so it's easy to get from one to the other.

"Morning Tony!"

He looks around to make sure his boss wont see, then walks over to me like he has a secret.

One of my eyebrows raises at him,

"What do I need to know?"

He looks at me as if he has no clueee what im talking about.

"I know that look Tony. You have something to tell me don't you?"

A smirk slides across his face,

"Maybe I do."

I nudge him to keep going, giving him my full attention.

"Mr. tattoos was In here this morning,"

"go on."

"And after he was done paying for his coffee he asked me about you."

Blood flushes my cheeks and I can tell im turning red as a tomato.

"What did he say??"

"Nu uh uh! You told me you didn't like him, so it doesn't matter."

I give him an unamused look of dissatisfaction.

"Come onnn."

"Do you like him?"

"No."

"Then it doesn't matter."

"Fine. Maybe I do like him. Now tell meeee."

"Okay finee. He just asked what your name was and said he sees you here often."

"Wow Tony. That doesn't mean anything you got my hopes up for nothing."

Tony clears his throat.

"If you would let me finish, I was ABOUT to say he also asked if we were friends, and I said yes, of course. Then he asked If I had your number, and I ended up giving it to him for you. You're welcome."

"What? I don't even look remotely Interesting, why would he want my number?"

"Because you're pretty."

He says it proudly. In a genuine way. But im just shocked, I mean, will he even text me? And Its been 2 years since i've talked to a guy in that way, what will I say?

"Tonyyyy!!!"

Me and Tony both jump at the sound of his boss yelling from the back.

I watch Tony jog to the back, and am left to sit with my thoughts.

Was he really interested?
But he seems so different than me.

I block out my wondering mind with my headphones, and pull out my laptop and get to work.

~

Later In the day, back In my apartment Im In the middle of watching "love island" my favorite reality TV show when I finally get a notification,

Its him! Tattoo guy!

Unknown number: Hey! This is Mary right? Your friend from the coffee shop gave me your number.

Me: Yes, this is Mary. I never quite got your name?

Unknown: Sorry about that, been a little shy to come up to you at the cafe, but my name is Vince.

Fast reply, green flag!
The name fits him so perfectly, I dont know how to explain, It just does.

Me: Nice to meet you Vince.

Vince: So what do I have to do to take a pretty lady like you, out to dinner?

Im so glad he cant see me face to face right now because with the big, nerdy smile, and red cheeks I would probably scare him off.

Me: Id gladly go out to dinner with you.

Vince: how about 8 tomorrow night?

Me: Perfect!

No reply.
I wish we could've talked more tonight but baby steps, It's our first conversation.

I continue binge watching shows until I finally fall asleep.

_________________________
Author's note: Kind of a boring chapter but the next few will be better, I promise.