The Secrets to New York

Twenty-Three | Nine Thirty Two

You made coming to Margie’s a habit after that. Every morning at exactly 9:32 you would walk through that old glass door only to order your vanilla coffee. I don’t really know why you chose Margie’s coffee (there is much better coffee only two doors down).

Every morning I would greet you in the way that I had been trained (Hello, my name is Emery. Welcome to Margie’s. What can I get for you this morning?) and you would always say The Usual, please. It became so predictable that I could almost put your order into the register before you walked through the door.

It was a surprise when you didn’t show up for a few days. I had started to think that you liked seeing me every day as much as I liked seeing you.

Every time that that clock would turn to my favorite time of day, 9:32, I looked to the old glass door in anticipation.

You finally showed back up on Tuesday; your hands tucked deep inside the pockets of your khaki’s and that bright smile gracing your face. Your hair was as messy ever and your dark eyes were shining.

You came up to the counter and we went through the usual greeting. I went to make your coffee and decided to write you another note on the cup.

                                          I missed seeing you this past week.

I handed you the cup and watched a smile spread across your face as you read the words and looked back up at me.

Emery you shook your head slightly. When do you get off today?

Five I answered as casually as I could; my heart was beating too fast and I felt like I could faint at any given second.

Great, I’ll see you then you said quietly, leaving the dollar twenty seven on the counter and walking through the door.

The rest of the day proved to be a challenge as I waited for the clock to hit five.

Nine twenty three would hold a new meaning now.