Summer Escape

Hardest of Hearts

I stepped into the quaint cafe, my nose filling with the aroma of caffeine and coffee beans. I groaned at the long line that had already formed and that I would now have to wait in.

To Dani: Hey the wait for your coffee might be a little long....huge line 😁

From Dani: ugh! I hate people! I need my caffeine!

I silently laughed to myself and then slid my phone back into my pocket. I stared off into space as the line inched forward and finally after what felt like an eternity, I reached the front of the line. I placed mine and Danielle's order and waited patiently for the barista to call my name, alerting me that our drinks were ready. She handed me the drinks over the counter and I grabbed a drink tray then placed them inside. I walked backwards out the cafe door and as I turned around I was hit by a force that sent my coffee to the ground.

"Ugh dammit!" I groaned under my breath.

"Oh my gosh I'm so sorry!" That voice sounded familiar.

"Skyler?"

"Oh thank God, it's you. I would've felt terrible if I had knocked over a strangers coffee!" I punched his arm which gained a chuckle from him.

"Danielle is gonna be pissed at you." I laughed, I was upset I lost my coffee but there was no way I was waiting in that line again.

"Eh she'll get over it." He shrugged it off. I was about to leave when he started a new conversation topic.

"You know, you're all Jack has talked about at work. It's kinda've annoying." He lightly laughed, I smiled at the thought. "Just, please give him a chance okay?" I looked up to meet Skyler's now serious face, something he rarely was.  I simply nodded my head before he walked away. I decided to take the long way home, which meant walking by the music shop. When I reached the window, I looked inside, seeing if I could spot any sign of life. I spotted Jack organizing some records people had returned, his back turned away from me. I took a deep breath and forced myself inside before I could change my mind.

"Welcome to Criminal Rec-Phoebe?" Jack asked, finally turning around.

"Hey." I said slowly walking towards where he was standing.

"Uh hey, what's up?" He asked, fiddling around with the records again.

"Well first I wanted to apologize for overreacting the other night. You were just trying to be nice an-"

"It's okay Phoebe."

"Just please let me finish."

"Okay." He was quiet now, staring at me.

"You're a really good guy and I would be lying if I said I didn't have feelings for you." By now a faint smile had appeared on his face. "And before I start babbling, I'm just gonna get to the point. Would you like to go on a date with me Jack?" My heart was beating at an alarming rate, I rubbed my palms on the side of my jeans to get rid of the sweat. I waited patiently for him to answer, my nerves growing the longer he took. Suddenly a smile grew on his face and he said "I would love to." I smiled and sighed in relief. He came from around the counter and pulled me into a hug. As he pulled away he said "although it was a bit emasculating to have you ask me." He laughed and I lightly punched his arm.

"Well, now that I got that off my chest, I should probably get going." I smiled walking towards the door.

"Wait," I paused, the door already ajar.
"I'll pick you up at 8" he said with a wink, and with that I walked away with the biggest smile on my face.

~~~~~~~~

"Danielle! Why did I ask him! I'm freaking out! I have nothing to wear!" Danielle barged in my room with half of her closet, waiting to deal with my pre-date panic attack.