Two

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It was Wednesday. Frida rampaged my closet for the perfect outfit. I've told her many times that this wasn't a date. We were only meeting to begin a class assignment. Yet, I didn't know why I was feeling nervous the closer it was to two o'clock. I've only caught a glimpse of the guy on Monday, noticing that he attends that class too. Has he always sat there? I shake my head. Why did it matter? We were only partners. After the assignment we'll be complete strangers again.

But last night - we talked all night. Nathan was staying up all night finishing an art project for his class. He had sent me pictures of the progress. I staid up even though my eyes got heavy. I wanted to see the finished piece. Eventually I fell asleep; but when I woke up later in the day, Nathan sent a text.

It's been an hour since I've sent my last text. You have probably fallen sleep. Sorry if I kept you up late .... Anyways here's the finish piece.

P.S. Thanks for staying up though. I'll buy coffee for you.

A smile spread across my face. The afternoon sunlight crept through the close blinds - giving a natural glow in my bedroom. It felt warm.

After having to stare in the mirror for fifteen minutes, my phone dinged. Nathan was heading his way to Cafe Azul after his last class. Shit, I had to go out now. Being late was not part of my habits. Grabbing my bookbag and laptop, I walk out of my room and head out the door. Frida had left to work right after she dressed me. She had wished me luck if this "meet up" were to be a success to meet again.

Cafe Azul was a Cuban owned coffee shop by Matilde. She escaped Cuba during the dictatorship of Fidel Castor and fled to Little Havana, Florida. There she met an older woman who taught her her secrets to brewing the best Cuban espresso. She moved to California, worked at Starbucks and Coffee Bean, bought an old boutique shop with her savings, and worked her way up. There is only one Cafe Azul in all of California (including all of the US). Many customers have asked her if she planned opening another Cafe Azul. Her only answer is, "if they want coffee from Cafe Azul, then they must come here."

I sat by a large window at the front of the cafe. Today it was storming with a lot of customers. I was lucky to even find this table available. I had texted Nathan that I was already at the cafe. He sent one back that he was close by. Putting my phone down, I resumed to the book I brought with me. I couldn't concentrate. Nathan was near, so he'd be here any second. Why am I suddenly nervous?

The bell dings when the cafe door opens. I look up from my book to see Nathan searching the cafe. I hold up my arm to wave him over - calling out his name. The second he spots me, a large grin spreads across his face. He walks over to the table I sat at, taking the empty seat across from me.

"Busy today isn't?" He asks.

I nod.

Nathan looked incredibly different today than he did on Monday. He wore black slacks cuffed to his ankles with shined dress shoes. He had on a white-ironed dress shirt that was tucked in and a blazer - that was then tugged off his shoulders. Nathan gelled his hair back, but as it being a windy day a few hairs fell over his face. I noticed that he has both his ears pierced; two ring earrings on each ear.

He looks at the small menu with a concentrated look. Brows furrowed and his thumb will brush the bottom of his lips. Nathan rolls up the sleeves, revealing a decorated arm with tattoos. He looked frustratedly attractive. As if he walked out of the Asian dramas Frida has been binge watching lately. He was too real to be sitting right in front of me. Nathan's whole demeanor questioning if he's the Nathan Park I met on Monday.

Nathan looks up to meet my gaze. Oh shit, he caught me staring. I dart my eyes away. Grabbing the menu, barely seeing what to order. A small chuckle escapes his lips. I feel my face heat up of embarrassment. Why am I so observe? (I blame my dad, he's an archeologist after all).

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