Coffee, Books, and Bad Decisions: Merry Christmas

03/12

Today is the day! I woke up early... Okay -not that early- only 8:30 A.M. After struggling once again to get off my bed, I finally headed to the bathroom. I took a shower, hoping it would take away all the smell that formed from the two previous days. I really need to force myself to take better habits. I thought, like every time it happens, but it is always the same: I took a shower, brushed my teeth, and felt refreshed.

Then I rushed to my kitchen. I took my bag from the counter, checking if I had pencils and a notebook in it. I did.

I looked at the time. It's 9:15... I turned, grabbed my keys on the counter, then left my apartment.

I went down the stairs to the street. I got in my car. I locked myself and put the address in Google Maps. Oh... Hah. I chuckled and sighed as I realised what place I was about to go.

I drove for half an hour and parked.

I looked around as I arrived at the location sent by Arthur last night.

I walked to the place, stopped in front of the door, and took a deep breath. I got this. I put my hand on the door and pushed it.

The bell above the door chimed softly as I stepped inside. The familiar scent of books and coffee filled the air. I looked around, and then my eyes immediately landed on Arthur at the counter, his back facing me. He has not noticed I came in, yet. He was pouring himself a cup of coffee, his movements relaxed. I looked at his shoulder. How does he do to look relax. He drinks coffee and I don't... I sighed, slightly, then sat.

I hesitated to speak at first, then I thought it would be weirder not to say a thing. Hello- Hi- Good morning- No. I need something better... I thought about how he sent me the bookstore address, instead of telling me directly to come here. "That was stupid." I let out, leaning lightly against the counter. My eyes widen and I covered my mouth. Shit-

Arthur turned. I thought he did because he heard me, but I was wrong. He startled for a second when he saw me. When his mind processed the information, his hand jerked, sending coffee splashing onto his shirt.

"Ah—fuck!" he yelped, jumping back as he frantically dabbed at the stain with his free hand.

I froze for a second, unsure how to react. "Oh," I managed, my voice catching somewhere between surprised and concerned. "Are you—?"

"Nope! Fine! Totally fine!" he cut me off, his words hurried as his face turned an impressive shade of pink. Without another word, he rushed toward the back room, leaving me standing there.

I sat down at the counter and glanced around, my lips twitching as I tried to suppress a laugh. Alright, that was cute. Haha. I looked at the door from which he exited. Now I know he is definitely not a serial killer, I thought, my gaze sweeping over the cozy space. I look at the fireplace of the bookstore. That's nice... but dangerous for books... I look back at the counter, turning to face it while I am still sat.

I let my fingers trace the edge of the countertop as I waited, taking in the warm lighting and carefully organized shelves. The place felt inviting, a little chaotic, but charming in its own way—kind of like Arthur, now that I thought about it.

He reappeared a minute later, wearing a sweater, his expression a mix of embarrassment and determination. He went in front of me, still on his side of the counter.

"Sorry about that," he said, giving me a sheepish smile. "Not exactly my smoothest moment."

"No worries," I replied, fighting the urge to tease him. Future boss, I reminded myself, though the corners of my mouth betrayed a slight twitch.