3:
After 2 weeks at the University of Leeds, I can honestly say that dance class has been my favorite so far.
I roll out of bed extra early this morning. After a quick shower, I pull on my favorite floral dress and throw on an oversized black sweatshirt. It looks cute without looking too formal. I keep my long hair down and apply light makeup. I smile to my reflection in the mirror, reminding myself that it will be a good day.
I reach over a sleeping Avery to grab my keys from the coffee table. She’s asleep on the couch after partying all night. She’s probably going to be quite hung over this morning. I really should get into the habit of leaving my keys in my bedroom, rather than on the coffee table. I wouldn't be surprised if Avery sold them off to one of her crazy frat party-goers in trade of a bit of cash.
I've been meaning to try the coffee place on campus for weeks now, and I finally pulled myself out of bed early enough to stop in there. I’m pleasantly surprised when I walk in. The whole place smells of delicious espresso and chocolate. It’s a bit rustic, in a modern sort of way. Framed black and white pictures hang on the brick walls and sunlight streams in through the huge skylights and windows. Tall tables line one wall and the other side has shorter café like tables. In the far center of the café hangs a huge chalk menu above a bar-like counter.
I walk over to the bar and sling my leather purse over the back of the stool. I hoist myself onto the stool, flattening my dress as I’m seated. I study the menu closely trying to decide on a coffee to get.
“The mocha roast is really good, you know.” A voice suddenly pulls me from my distracted status. A smiling Liam watches me from behind the counter. He wears a grey sweatshirt, the sleeves pushed up to his elbows, showing off his muscular forearms. I notice he has a tattoo written in script on the back of his arm. Another tattoo adorns his wrist. Over his sweatshirt he wears a black apron.
“I didn’t know you worked here,” I say, returning his kind smile. I would’ve forced myself to come into this coffee house much earlier if I had known Liam worked here. Liam has been nothing but nice to me my whole time here.
He runs his hand through his short brown hair as he watches me. “Every Monday through Thursday, 6:30- 9 am,” he says with a smile. “So what’ll it be?”
“Oh, I don’t know! Everything looks so good,” I say with a light chuckle.
“Well, does the mocha sound good? Let me surprise you.”
“Sure, that sounds wonderful.” He turns around and begins to mix something up for me. I distract myself from watching him by looking out the window at the people that rush by. I’m glad none of my classes start until 9. It’s hard to grasp at the fact that each one of these people have their own lives, their own problems, fears, dreams. I can’t help but daydream and wonder about each person as they run by the shop, kiss their partner and hurry off in opposite distractions.
“Here you are,” Liam’s low accent interrupts my daydreams.
“Oh, thanks,” I mutter. In front of me, he has placed a dark Frappuccino topped with whipped cream, caramel, and shreds of chocolate. “Whoa! I expected a boring coffee… this is beautiful!”
He laughs lightly at my surprised excitement. “You’re very welcome.” Liam watches me for another moment before walking to the other side of the counter to serve a girl with black glasses on a Mac.
I flip through my English binder as I sit at the counter, sipping my delicious drink. Liam returns every few minutes, distracting me and making me laugh. He leans on the counter and smiles widely, his eyes crinkling. I notice a little birthmark on his neck.
