Moments

Chapter 13: Coffee

The sun pierced my skin as I made my way down the street lined with shopping places of all kinds. It was a rather busy day on the street as I weaved in and out of people doing their weekend shopping, but I couldn’t help but notice a new store next to my favourite store across the street. I braved the busy road and made my way towards the new shop. The shop’s door swung open as a customer walked out, I caught a whiff of a very familiar scent that perked up my senses.

I walked into the store with the pushchair and collided with the smell of freshly brewed coffee. It made me feel instantly more awake and alive. I walked up to the counter and stood behind a guy who was wearing a hat and sunglasses that was looking up at the menu board.

The guy turned to me and says, “You can go ahead. I’m not really sure what I want.”

The sound of his voiced immediately caught my attention. It wasn’t the fact he had an Irish accent, but more that it sounded familiar.

“Um thanks.” I say to him trying to catch a better look at him, but the hat and glasses made it impossible.

The line was moving slower than I expected it too and it wasn’t helping that I couldn’t shake this strange feeling like I knew him from somewhere. Slowly, I tried turning my head to look back at him hopefully without him noticing, but he still was staring up at the menu. He definitely was cute I thought to myself.

I took a deep breath. It can’t hurt to ask him if we know each other.

I took in another deep breath, and muttered “Here goes nothing.” I turned to face him. “Hi, um you look really familiar. Do we know each other?” I say to him.

He shifts slightly as he looks nervously around. “Yeah.” He says holding a finger to his lips and making a “shh-ing” noise. Then he moves his sunglasses down slightly showing me more of his face. I smile at him knowing not to make a scene. It’s my turn up at the counter to order.

I walk up and say, “I’ll have a tall Caramel Latte, and whatever this guy wants.” Nodding to Niall behind me.

“You don’t have to pay for mine babe,” he says taking out his wallet.

“Please,” I say to him, “I insist.”

“No, what kind of gentleman would I be to make a beautiful lady pay?” he said smiling and throwing cash on the counter. “My treat. You can repay me by sitting over there and hanging out with me.”

A smile flew across my face. “I think I can do that.” I say.

Niall grabbed both coffees as I pushed the pushchair and we made our way over to the table in the corner and sat down.

The hours flew by as we sat there and talked about everything and anything. Night was just beginning to fall as Niall stood up.

“Come on lets go home.” He said smiling.

“Ok.” I replied.