phil
it's 2:57 as i'm walking in to the coffee shop. i was a little early, only because i didn't want to leave him hanging if he arrived early. i don't know if he would, but just in case.
i pick a booth by the window and sit, messing with my hands nervously. the bell chimes and i glance up. like an angel, dan's walking in, looking around. his eyes are search the shop, then they land on me. a small smile lights up his face. i notice sleep circles under his eyes, but i don't think anything of it.
he slides into the seat across from me. i don't know what to say, so i just speak.
"hello."
"hi."
we both speak at the same time. i laugh and he laughs. it sounds nice, and feels good.
"so how're you?" he asks, caution lacing his words.
"i'm.. good. how are you?"
"i've been better.." he trails off. i feel guilt in my chest. we agree to talk about it after we order our coffee.
when we get to the register, we both order caramel macchiatos. the barista raises an eyebrow but sets to work. i argued with dan about paying, gently pushing his money towards him and handing her the money after she set our coffee down.
"so.." i try to decide to tell the truth or to just say i was extra busy. "i don't really know. i kind of freaked out because i figured if i became really close friends with you, you'd leave me like chris did. i know that sounds incredibly stupid because we've only known each other for around a month but i couldn't help but get panicky." i rush out, finishing it with a shy sip of coffee.
dan studies me for a moment before laughing.
"what're you laughing at?" i furrow my eyebrows like a child.
"you seriously thought.. or still think that i'd ever be like that jerk chris? i'd hope you'd know me enough to know i'd never by like that guy." dan stops laughing towards the end. i stare down at my drink, ashamed. why would i ever think he'd be like chris? i feel incredibly stupid.
we sip our drinks silently, staring off into space. a familiar song starts to play, 'ilusm' by gnash.
"i love this song." we both say at the same time. we start laughing. it feels good to be friends with dan again.
