Unexpected summer

• cappuccino•

S O F I A

I couldn't shake the feeling from earlier. The way Lorenzo had dismissed me so coldly, like I wasn't even worth his time—like my being there was some inconvenience. I tried to tell myself it was just work, that he had his priorities straight and I was just a distraction. But it stung. I had thought, maybe, just maybe, we shared something special. But his reaction made it clear that I was wrong.

Sighing, I pushed the thoughts aside as I walked into the coffee shop for my shift. It was just a short one—nothing major. The best distraction was a good latte and a few hours of serving people who didn't expect anything more from me than a polite smile and a hot cup of coffee.

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by Bella, one of the girls who worked here. She was always so chipper, always had that "perfect girl next door" vibe. With her flowing ginger hair, soft freckles, and those bright blue eyes that practically sparkled, she could have stepped out of a fairy tale.

"Hey, Sofia!" she called with a grin, already putting on her apron. "You're working today, huh? I guess I'm stuck with you!"

I snorted. "Yeah, poor you." I threw my bag behind the counter and grabbed my apron. "Ready to train me on how to make the perfect cappuccino?"

She laughed, showing a set of perfect white teeth. "You bet! First thing's first: The milk. Don't you dare overheat it, or I will judge you forever." She winked dramatically, and I couldn't help but laugh along with her.

As we went through the motions of preparing coffee and chatting about random stuff—her new obsession with some true crime podcast and my failed attempt at baking a cake last weekend—the lingering bitterness from my earlier encounter with Lorenzo kept creeping into my thoughts. What had I done wrong? Was I not what he wanted?

I shook my head, trying to focus on Bella's voice as she explained the difference between a macchiato and a cortado, but my mind kept drifting back to Lorenzo. The way he'd looked at me when I brought him that coffee, how he seemed almost... annoyed. I couldn't understand it.

Just as I was pushing that thought away for the umpteenth time, I heard the door chime, signaling someone had entered. I turned to see none other than Lorenzo walking in, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto me. His blue shirt fit him perfectly, making him look even more attractive than usual. Damn him for looking so good.

I felt my heart skip a beat. My pulse quickened despite myself, and my stomach fluttered—like it was in a constant state of chaos. What the hell was wrong with me? I should be mad at him, not swooning over how good he looked.

He walked up to the counter, giving me a nod. "Just a coffee, please," he said, his voice low and smooth.

My thoughts collided with my emotions, and before I could stop myself, the words spilled out.

"Oh, now you want a coffee?" I snapped, the sarcasm sharp in my voice. "After you were so rude earlier when I brought you one? What, worried your work girlfriend might see me? Want me to make sure I don't distract you too much?"

There it was. Out in the open. The sharp sting of the rejection I'd felt earlier manifesting in my words.

Lorenzo didn't flinch. In fact, he laughed a little. "Work girlfriend?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow. "You think I have one of those?"

I folded my arms, my heart pounding in my chest, trying to keep the blush from creeping up my neck. "Well, I don't know. You sure acted like it earlier." I glanced at him, my gaze flickering to his perfect jawline and those lips that were way too tempting. "You looked like you were too busy to talk to me."

His smile softened, though there was a slight teasing glint in his eyes. "I don't have a girlfriend," he said simply, and I noticed the hint of something behind his words—an honesty that made me feel a little... less anxious.

I tried not to smile, but my heart was beating too fast for me to care. "Well, sorry for interrupting your precious work, then," I muttered, trying to regain some composure.

He just grinned, leaning against the counter. "Sofia, you make my day interesting. I've got no complaints."

I couldn't help but smile back, despite myself.

Inside, my mind was racing. The butterflies in my stomach were doing somersaults. I couldn't tell if I was frustrated or happy to see him, but the more I tried to shut off the feelings, the more they seemed to rush to the surface. I wanted him. There, I'd admitted it. Even if he had acted like he didn't care earlier, I still... wanted him.

Bella, who had been quietly watching the exchange with a knowing smile, finally chimed in, "Are you two done flirting yet, or can I get back to training you?"

I shot her a glare, but inside, I was too pleased with the situation to care.

Lorenzo smirked at my discomfort. "I'll take that coffee now, if you don't mind, Sofia."

"Right." I forced my focus back on the coffee machine, my hands shaking slightly. I couldn't let myself get too caught up in whatever this was. He had a way of making everything feel... complicated.

As I prepared his drink, I couldn't stop sneaking glances at him. Damn it, I thought to myself, I really can't stop looking at him.

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