Something Different

Float On

Noon
March, 2003
Sacramento, California

My Saturday drive to New Helvetia coffee shop is as insignificant as any other. I work there to make some spare money to have, but mainly so I can afford concert tickets and art supplies. I blast the radio to escape the boring reality of my life as my hair flows in the wind. With purpose I sing along to Modest Mouse and seek solace in the lyrics. Even if for just that moment, I feel like everything really will be alright.

I park my car and walk into the shop. I make small talk with my boss, Adam as I hop behind the counter and get ready for my shift.

"Hey, Claire, could you go outside and make sure the tables are tidied up?" Adam requests as he makes a latte. The place is becoming more occupied by the minute. Lunch rush is no joke.

"Sure thing!" I say and make my way out the front doors and onto the patio section.

I survey the space to find a couple sitting on a bench and a family of four enjoying their meal. Further down I notice a wavy haired boy in dark clothes reading a book and smoking a cigarette. He looks so aloof and unbothered, as if he is in his own world. Though he's at a distance, I swear I can feel his aura so strongly it's as though it could consume me. I straighten some chairs and check up on the family.

"Enjoying the meal?" I say with a smile and they respond joyfully. "Okay, great, let me know if you need anything."

As I start to walk back inside I notice the boy look up at me. His eyes were hazel green and his gaze was so steady that it intimidated me. A smirk appeared on his face as he lowered his head back down to his book.

Jeez, what was that all about?

I shake the thought for my mind and continue to go on about my work. I take orders swiftly and do menial chores in between. This will all pay off when I have enough money to buy tickets to The Strokes concert.

My back is turned and I'm polishing cups when I hear a faint grunt from behind the counter. I pivot on my heels to see the same guy from outside standing with his hands clasped on the counter, half smiling at me.

"Hi, what can I get for you?" I say with a smile.

He pauses for a bit, slightly biting his lip and carefully surveying the menu above me.

"I don't really know" He says in a monotone voice.

Goodness. Just order something, already. It's not a life or death decision.

"I could recommend something" I offer, hoping to speed up the process.

"I mean, I don't think you have it on the menu." He scrunches his mouth and his eyes slowly move directly to mine.

For once I'm flustered. I truly do not know what to say to this boy.

"I don't know how to help you there" I say with pursed lips.

"Could I get your number? My band L'Enfance Nue is looking to set up some more gigs here" He finally asks with a cool tone. "My name's Kyle, by the way" he adds.

He's in a band? Okay, now we're talking.

"Sure thing" I reply, a bit shocked at how eager I was to give out my phone number. My heart thumps a bit as I grab a pen and look around for a slip of paper to no avail.

Kyle notices and holds out his hand to me. When I touch him I feel an electric sensation pulse through my limbs and to my center. I slowly engrave my phone number on his skin. He smiles at me one last time and strides out the door.

  I can't help but stare as he exits the building and lights a cigarette on the sidewalk before moving out of sight. And I can't help but wonder if he was trying to get my number because he wanted to talk to me. Throughout the rest of the day, I do on about my work, all the while Kyle pops in and out of my head without fail.

  As the sun goes down, my shift ends so I close up shop. I walk out to my car and time I sit down, my phone goes off. It's a call from a number I do not recognize so I eagerly flip it open.

  "Hello??" I say enthusiastically.

  I instantly recognize the deep and mellow voice on the other end.