Do Me a Favour - Alex Turner

59. Sheffield

The next morning, I woke up to the gentle sunlight streaming through the curtains. I felt Alex stir beside me, and before I could even open my eyes, his arms wrapped tightly around me, pulling me closer. I smiled, feeling his warmth and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"Good morning," he murmured, his voice still heavy with sleep.

"Good morning," I replied, snuggling into his chest. "I missed waking up next to you."

"I missed it too," he said, his hold tightening slightly. "Having you here feels like a dream."

We lay there for a while, basking in the comfort of being together. It was a simple moment, but it felt profound. There was something magical about waking up in his arms, knowing that this wasn't just a visit, but the beginning of our life together in Sheffield.

"I guess we should get up and start the day," I said reluctantly.

"Do we have to?" Alex teased, nuzzling my neck. "I could stay like this forever."

I laughed softly. "As tempting as that sounds, we have things to do. I want to see more of Sheffield and get settled in."

"Alright, alright," he conceded, loosening his grip but not letting go entirely. "But I'm not letting you go just yet."

We stayed in bed for a few more minutes, enjoying the quiet intimacy. Eventually, we reluctantly got up and started our day. Alex showed me around the apartment, pointing out where everything was and making sure I felt at home. It was a cozy place, filled with little touches that made it uniquely his.

*

After breakfast, Alex took my hand and led me out into the crisp Sheffield air. The city had a vibrant, lively feel to it, and I was eager to see everything through Alex's eyes.

Our first stop was a cozy little cafe tucked away on a quiet street.

As we stepped into the cafe, a wave of warmth and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted us. The place had a cozy, intimate feel with its mismatched furniture, eclectic wall art, and a few small tables nestled into corners. It was the kind of place that felt like home the moment you walked in.

Alex led me to a small table by the window, the morning sunlight streaming through and casting a soft glow over everything. "This spot is perfect," he said, pulling out a chair for me. "You get to watch the world go by while enjoying the best coffee in Sheffield."

We settled in, and Alex waved to Mr. Thompson, the elderly owner behind the counter. Mr. Thompson's face lit up when he saw Alex. "Alex, my boy! Good to see you. And who is this lovely lady?" he called out, making his way over to us.

"Mr. Thompson, this is Lana," Alex introduced me, smiling. "Lana, this is the best barista in all of Sheffield."

Mr. Thompson chuckled. "You're too kind, Alex. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lana. What can I get for you two today?"

We placed our orders, and Alex leaned back in his chair, looking around the cafe with a fond expression. "I used to come here all the time, especially when I needed a break from everything. It's always been a bit of a sanctuary."

I smiled, taking in the surroundings. "I can see why. It feels so welcoming here."

A few minutes later, Mr. Thompson returned with our coffee and croissants. "Here you go, freshly made," he said, setting them down in front of us. "Enjoy, and let me know if you need anything else."

We thanked him and took our first sips of coffee. It was rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of bitterness. "Wow, this is amazing," I said, savoring the taste.