I stare at my phone with a smirk. So, I've been texting with Billie Eilish? Well, who would've thought. For once, something crazy happens to me outside of the store.
Without really thinking, I check out her Instagram. Her latest post catches my eye ↪︎
♠ billieeilish
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
♥ 4.4M liked by Haileesteinfeld and others.
Holy shit, she's really hot. I shake my head, a smile glued to my lips. You're supposed to be straight, Dina... I stretch, set my phone down, and decide to go out for some fresh air. I need to walk a bit, headphones on...
I stroll while listening to Tyler, The Creator's latest album, and I think back to our conversation about him. It would be nice to continue that discussion. Does she really like his tracks? His beats? His way of mixing all kinds of styles? I'd love to know what she thinks about it. Maybe she'll stop by the shop again, that'd be a good excuse to chat some more.
I finally make it to my favorite café, Madyson, where I'm more than a regular. Scott, who works here and I haven't seen since that night, spots me as I walk in and heads over right away.
"Hey honey ! Good to see you."
I smile, amused. Scott has that teasing tone I love.
"Dude, I was hoping you'd be here."
"So, you're one of those people who comes to bother us on holidays?"
"Proud member of the club, is it quiet today?"
"Way too quiet, if you ask me."
"I figured, you'd probably want a little more chaos to pass the time."
"Exactly. So, what can I get you today?"
"I need a good shot of caffeine."
"Still not recovered from the other night?" he teases.
I laugh and punch his arm.
"Dude, come on, that was two days ago."
"So why do you need a pick-me-up so badly?"
I shrug, a mischievous smile forming.
"I had an unexpected conversation, let's just say."
He looks at me curiously.
"Want to talk about it?"
"Nah, don't worry, I'll get over it."
Scott nods, a smirk on his lips, and heads back to the counter to make my order. I settle into my favorite spot, watching the quiet flow of customers. After a few minutes, my phone buzzes in my pocket. A message.
I pull it out absentmindedly, feeling a blush creeping up my cheeks. Could it be Billie again? But a flicker of disappointment hits me when I see the sender. Skeet?
✒︎
Skeet it's Skeet Alex gave me ur number
Dina oh yeah? love the confidentiality thanks Alex
Skeet sorry if that bothers you
Dina dw did you need something?
Skeet just wanted to check in we haven't talked since you dipped from my place
Dina I almost forgot... I'm good, how abt you?
Skeet good too what if we chill sometime ? grab some food or catch a movie ?
Dina Look, Skeet, you were fun, it was nice, but I'm not looking for anything more
Skeet my ego's not gonna survive this what if we just vibe as friends tho? I rlly like ur vibe
Dina Let me think about it
✒︎
After that exchange, I put my phone away and settle back in the armchair. Scott comes back with my order: a steaming hot coffee topped with a mountain of whipped cream.
"Here you go, my dear. I drowned it in whipped cream while the boss wasn't looking."
I look at him with a smirk.
"Shit, Scott... when are we getting married?"
"I'll go buy a ring as soon as my shift's over."
He heads back behind the counter to take care of another customer, and I sip my coffee, watching the people walk by. This neighborhood, this café... it's my little sanctuary, the place where I can finally breathe.
After a while, I get up, wave goodbye to Scott, and head back to my apartment. When I get home, Kate's already cooking dinner. An insane smell fills the air. She turns around when she hears me come in.
"Finally back?" she says.
I smile, walking over to take a peek at the kitchen.
"Yeah. Scott says hi, by the way."
She raises an eyebrow.
"You went to Madyson? They're open today?"
"Yep, he was pretty pissed. So, what are we having for dinner?"
She stirs a pot with a satisfied smile on her face.
"A vegetarian risotto. Since you decided to go all veggie, I had to adapt the menu, right?"
I quickly steal a kiss on her cheek.
"You're the best, Kate."
She smiles, amused, and I flop down on the couch. The rest of the evening passes by quietly. I love these peaceful moments, where everything feels simple and light.
