Connie's Cafe/Book Shop

Chapter 7 The Meet

Amy was attractive and forthright. Generally speaking she got what she wanted and it hadn't taken her to long to explain the situation and convince him to go to the shop the following afternoon to have coffee, buy a book and chat to Connie.

Amy had explained that Connie knew nothing about the whole set up and they only thing she was asking was for him to spend a little time with her. If he liked her to then ask her out, if not he only needed to buy a book and coffee and he could walk out and no-one would be any the wiser.

Everyone thought this was a fantastic idea as this would mean no one would be embarrassed or let down, it would only go forward if they genuinely liked each other. It was a brilliant plan.

............

Thursday morning started with drizzly rain and the threat of thunderstorms. Connie liked angry weather as she called it. It showed character. She patted Peach who did not share her sentiments at all, she checked Peach's bowls were full of water and food and left her apartment for another day at her shop.

Thursday was generally a slow day, although she had to admit to herself that this whole week had been a little slow. As she opened the door Tim was not there, he had been acting a little strangely this whole week, she hoped he was alright. He was quite a private person and didn't speak much about his personal life.

She had just turned on the lights when Tim arrived a little out of breath, "Sorry I'm a little late" he said breathlessly as he entered the shop.

"No worries" Connie answered, noticing his new shirt and rather carefully combed hair, "Nice shirt" she added.

"Oh this," he answered with a shrug, "It's old" a slight blush came to his cheeks as he put his jacket away and busied himself with the preparations at the counter.

Connie smiled to herself, maybe his funny behaviour of late had something to do with a new boyfriend, but she let it go and started tiding up the magazines.

.................

At 3 pm sharp Betty, Pat and Amy arrived.

"Gosh all of you at the same time" called out Connie from the counter as walked up to her,

"The weather is awful" answered Amy, "So I thought I would spend the afternoon with my best friend" she answered with a wink, "I met Betty and Pat coming in"

They all went to the cafe area and took a table close to the counter.

Just as Tim was serving them coffee and pastries the door of the shop opened and a tall, dark haired man walked in.

Dean

Tim, Amy, Betty and Pat all looked up, gave him a coy smile then looked at each other, brilliant, he had come!

Connie was over by the shelves stacking up a couple of new books, she had taken it upon herself to move the books around a little to see if she could attract more attention to some novels that were not selling.

Dean walked up to her, "Hello, I wondered if you could help me?" he started. She looked up. She immediately focused on his amber eyes, they were so unusual, they almost shone.

"I'm looking for a novel, light hearted but with a good plot, something that will keep me interested al through the book" he continued.

Betty prodded Amy in the arm with her elbow, "did you see that?" she whispered excitedly, "did you see how she looked at him?"

"Oww" Responded Amy rubbing her arm, "Yes I did, but hush, they'll hear us"

Connie took Dean further into the shop suggesting various novels and soon they were chatting away like they were old friends.

After Dean Chose a book and paid for it Connie asked if he would like a coffee and they joined Amy, Pat, Betty and Tim. The sic of them had a great time chatting away and before they knew it it was 6 pm and time to close the shop.

Dean hung back a little and when they were finally on their own, he asked "Connie, I know we've only just met, but I wondered if you would like to come out to dinner with me tomorrow night. Nothing fancy, maybe that little French place they have just opened in Drury Road?"

He looked into her eyes directly, willing her to accept. She hesitated but just for a second, she looked at his face and her heart flipped. "Yes, that sounds good" she answered quietly, "I'd like that."

"Great," he let let out his breath, he hadn't realised he had been holding his breath all this time, "I can pick you up from here at 7 o'clock?"

"Yes that's fine, we tend to close around 5pm so I'll be ready by 7." she answered, "See you then!"

"Yes, see you tomorrow" Dean answered awkwardly. "Bye"

He walked away and Connie walked the three steps to the entry door to her apartment.

OH my god she thought as she let herself in. I am actually going on a date. The first time in over a year.

Connie didn't know what to feel, she was elated and worried at the same time. She was totally confused.