Coffee, Books, and Bad Decisions: Merry Christmas

7/12

8:50 A.M., I received a text from Arthur. "Hey, I'm downstairs, ready to go if you are?" I texted back, "Hi, I'll be down in a minute." I took my keys, put my shoes on, and looked at myself in the mirror one last time. I love that outfit. I look great! We'll look great! I thought, blushing at the idea of matching with Arthur. I hope he'll look good. I mean, he will, obviously. I sighed, feeling my cheeks being warm.

I went downstairs and saw him, waiting next to the car, an old brown suit jacket on. The winter sunlight is giving a nice color to his hair. They usually look like a darker brown, as he is always inside a place and not out. But at that moment, there were shades of a lighter brown, from dark golden brown to light cool brown. I like that... I kept looking at him, his face focused on his phone. He wrote something, then my phone rang. And he looks at me. I felt my cheeks turning red when our eyes met. He touched his screen, still looking at me, and the call stopped. I saw a warm smile drawing on his face, my heart beating. "Hey." I let out, a bit weak as I haven't breathed yet. He chuckled. "Hey." He responded. "Ready to go, love?" He asked. I blushed and nodded. "Yes, I am." I said as he opened the passenger door. I went in the car; he closed the door and walked around the car to get in as well.

He turned the engine on and started driving.

"So," He started to say, "We have 5 main bookstores I'd like to go to. One of them is owned by an old friend, so I am not really sure if we should go or not." He explained. "We will start at the coffee shop; order something nice for both of us. Perhaps a snack too. Have you eaten?" He asked.

I looked at him. "What?" I let out, surprised he'd buy a snack too.

"Have you got anything for breakfast?"

"Oh, um, no, not really. I'm not a morning person when it comes to eating, to be honest." I confessed, a bit embarrassed.

He chuckled, having a small grin. "It's fine; I know a place." I look at him, puzzled. "Trust me, I know the best place to make you hungry just by the smell." I was about to speak, but he did before. "Trust me, Ellie. Seriously. You'll get hungry somehow. And if you don't, I'll eat your order." He added, seriously, laughing a bit. He seems to love that place. I'll just let him order what he wants. I thought.

But when we arrived at the bakery, I changed my mind. The smell of freshly baked chocolate croissants, cinnamon rolls, cookies and biscuits filled the air. I swallowed as I saw the cake displays. Oh! Wow. I was so focused that I did not notice Arthur being already at the checkout. "Eleanor?" He called out my name—not too high, just enough for me to hear him. I rushed to him.

"Sorry." I said, having a small nervous laugh.

He chuckled, smiling. "Did you see anything?"

I nodded. "I saw some chocolate cake, but I'm not sure that it would be practical to eat while walking." I said.

"Don't worry. Just take what you want. We'll sit at a table for this part."

"Are you sure?" I asked.

He nodded. So I turned and asked if I could have a petit entremet au chocolat (a small chocolate dessert). He acknowledged a bit surprised I'd eat a desert for breakfast but did not comment it. Instead, he just joined me with an almond croissant.

He paid for them, despite me insisting on paying my part. Then we sat at a table. I took a bit. "OH MY GOD." I let out, smiling, looking at my pastry. "It's so good!" I stated, moving it to Arthur so he could try to. He had a small laugh and tried it. His eyes widened a bit; he nodded and went off his chair. "I'll be right back."

I looked at him, puzzled, as he walked a bit away, then I saw him ordering other pastries. He went back to the table with a box. I gave him a look, and he explained. "For my mom and sister when I'll get home tonight."