Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop |Joji|

Chapter 3: You again

September 10, 2012
It was the gloomiest day we've had in a while. Clouds upon clouds all day, with a high chance of raining. It's quite a relief because the heat here is terrible. I've been working for the last three hours and my shift was almost over. I looked over to the big white clock hanging over two-year-old event posters. 5:35pm; twenty five more minutes and I'll be able to go home.

After what seemed like forever, I was finally finished with my shift for the day. I waited until the next employee came in so I can leave the front counter. When he came in, I remembered that I wanted to buy some beers and frozen pizza. I got my purse and went to the back of the store. Suddenly, as I was looking at all the beer packs, laughs were heard across the store. Sounded mostly like guys having a good time. I took the cheapest beers on the aisle and walked towards the frozen aisle. A guy out of nowhere bumped into me. I got mad, until I saw who it was. It was him. The guy from the coffee shop. I felt my face turn red like a tomato. He smiled at me and spoke,

"Hey, it's you again! Sarah Gates!" I felt butterflies in my stomach at the thought that he still knew my name. He got closer to me, as if he was offering a hug. I couldn't possibly say no to that. He gave me a warm, tight hug. He whispered near my ear, "I realized I never properly introduced myself. We only talked and then you ran away." He laughed at his words and stepped back a little bit, giving me space.

"Yeah, it's just that our conversation was so good that I didn't realize I was late for work and had to leave as quickly as possible." I tried being smooth but I really suck at it. He scratched his head and smiled, slightly blushing and looking away.

"It was a good talk. I'm glad I met you, Sarah. By the way," he said while grabbing a few boxes of frozen pizza, "My name is George Miller, but you can call me Joji." He closed the freezer door and stood next to me.

"Joji... I really like your name and nickname." I said while reaching a box of frozen pizza. "Hey, you wanna go hang out a little while? I got some beers and we can order real pizza." I asked shyly and giggled. He thought of it for a second, but then answered,

"Sure. I'd like to hang out at your place a while. Let me just give these to my roommates. They're in the front part waiting for me." And with that he walked towards the front to pay for the things in his hands.

"Damn don't go to fast, man. Take it slow!" One guy said. It was followed by an unfamiliar laugh.

"Shut up. She's special to me." George said quietly. I heard it because I was walking towards the front counter to pay. When I got closer, he looked at me and smiled. By this time, the other guys had gone outside. He smiled at me and asked, "So, are we ready?"

"Yes. Let me just pay this and the beers." After I paid for everything, he took the bags and walked me to my car.

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We had small talks while driving over to my place. There was some quiet moments, but they never felt awkward. It was all pleasant. Something about him just made me feel safe.