The Math of Love

Chapter 11 - Along the trip

Maya 

The next morning I wake up super early. Everyone is still asleep. Gregory is no longer next to me. I get up and go see if he maybe is on the other side of the room when I hear the toilet flushing. Gregory steps outside the bathroom and sees me.

"Why are you awake so early?" He asks.

"Unsure. I think I'm hungry," I reply sincerely.

"How are you hungry so early?"

"Unsure," I repeat.

"Well, I hope that is not the only word you are going to say to me today," he says while walking up to me.

"Maybe," I say teasingly.

He laughs.

"Want to go get pancakes? I know a place nearby. I don't like to exaggerate, but they are the best in town."

"You have been to New York that many times huh?"

He shrugs.

"Do you want to go or not?"

"Sure, why not. I'm starving either way."

He goes back to his room to get ready. I quickly shower and do the same trying to be as quiet as possible as to not wake up anyone. We leave everyone in the room and decide to sneak out of the hotel to get the pancakes. Thankfully since we are in college, chaperones are not as extra as they try to be during high school. Gregory sees that I am shaking due to the clothes I chose, or my lack thereof. I forgot to bring my extra puffy jacket and decided it was fine to just wear a sweater.

"Why would you ever think wearing a sweater in New York is fine?" he asks dumbfounded. 

"Look. Nothing, not even the cold, is going to stop from showing off my cute outfit," I reply and realize I sound like an idiot. 

"Whatever you say. Now you are going to freeze to death," Gregory declares. 

"You could always just give me your jacket. You literally have two on," I say looking at him with puppy eyes.

"Nope. Not happening," determined to make me suffer and he doesn't give in. 

"Meanie," I say with my lips already quivering. 

He laughs and lets me walk like that until we reach the place, which I assume is a form of punishment for my idiotic act.

"And we are here," he says while pointing to the small establishment in front of us.

The place is just a coffee shop that is not so far off the hotel. The outside is adorned with hanging plants and lights that simulate stars. This coffee shop is so aesthetically pleasing that it immediately makes you feel welcomed. 

The inside is just as lovely. Hanging plants, natural lighting, seats and tables just apart from each other the right amount,  so as to have a gossip session and still feel safe that no one else will hear.

The smell of freshly made croissants and hot chocolate fills your nostrils. I did not realize I was standing in the entrance admiring the place, until Grgeory calls out to me.

"Hey May, if you want to still make it to eating the pancakes that have just been made, then we need to hurry up," Gregory rushes me.

"Sorry. This place is so beautiful and peaceful. How do you even know of it?"

"My mom told me about it. It has been here since she first came to the US. It has been here since 1997. Can you believe that?"

"WOW! And they have not changed the aesthetic of the place? Now that is what I call authenticity," I look around even more mesmerized than before.