Breathe (GirlxGirl)

Chapter 37 - Awkward

Once out of town and headed to the Reiley's for Christmas break, Faith adjusted the rear view mirror making eye contact with Dana. "Soooo, how did coffee go with Erin?" she finished with a smile.

Dana's eyes widened. Her cheeks became warm. Crimson red faded to pink and disappeared into her ears. "Umm, it went OK. I've had better moments, you could say."

Samantha turned in her seat. "What do you mean, 'better moments?' Holy Shit Dayne! Your face looks like a tomato." Sam reached her hand back and placed it on Dana's lap. "Dayne... what happened?"

"I tripped all over myself! That's what happened... I get so damn nervous around this girl! I couldn't talk right. I spilled my coffee all over the table! I even got some on her lap. Then, When I tried to help clean up, I got more nervous, cause, you know... it was on her lap, and I was like, do I help wipe it up and seem like a perv or do I let her clean it up and seem insensitive? So, I ran to the barista and asked for a towel. Once I got back to the table I just threw the towel on her lap like an idiot. I stood there stuttering not knowing what to say. I was a regular rain man. It was so embarrassing..."

At the coffee shop:

Dana rushed to the napkin dispenser and practically emptied it. Once back to the table she began to sop up the coffee that remained on the table. "Erin, I'm so sorry! I'm such a klutz." Erin continued to dry off the latte soaking into her jeans. A barista arrived with a mop bucket and began to clean the coffee on the floor. "Thank you. I'm so sorry."

The woman moved the mop back and forth under the table. "It's fine hon. You won't be the only one today this happens to. We keep a fresh bucket in back just for this reason." She dunked the mop back into the soapy water. "Can I get you a fresh towel dear?" the woman asked Erin.

Erin handed the once white towel, now spotted with light mocha stains, back to the woman. "No, I'm fine now. Thank you."

"I'll be right back with a fresh drink for you miss." The woman said, smiling at Dana.

"Uh, you don't have to do that." Dana answered sitting back at the table. A bead of sweat trailed down her cheek next to her ear.

The woman placed her hand on Dana's shoulder. "It's our policy and I don't mind. I'll be right back with that." She then took hold of the mop handle and drove it through the doors to the back of the coffee house.

Dana looked at Erin still in horror. "Are you OK?"

Erin reached across the small round table and placed her hand on Dana's stopping them from shaking against the other. "I'm fine. Accidents happen. Besides, it could have been worse." Erin gently smiled at Dana.

Dana pursed her lips and gave a small awkward smile. "I'm not sure how it could be worse?"

"Well, I could be wearing white pants or khakis instead of jeans. It could have been hot coffee instead of an Iced Latte, which doesn't smell too bad I must say." Erin winked. "I'll be right back." Erin stood and headed to the bathroom. Dana couldn't help but notice how nicely those jeans fit Erin, despite the slight coffee stain on the front. Why am I such a wreck around this girl? Dana thought.

The woman returned with another drink for Dana. Dana smiled at the woman. "Thank you. You don't happen to have sippie cups do you?"

The woman chuckled. "No dear. We don't. I'm pretty sure you can handle this one. We rarely see anyone do it twice in one day." The woman began to walk back to the counter. She observed Dana's hesitation to touch her drink. She leaned toward Dana. "Breathe sweetie. She likes you."

Dana grimaced at the woman and took a deep breath. "How do you know? All I've managed to do is spill coffee on her and stumble over myself and my words."