There's No Way

Chai Tea Latte (with Coconut Milk)

I couldn't help but grin when I saw the small styrofoam cup sitting on my desk as I trudged through the glass double doors of the office building. When I reached my desk, I picked the cup up and scanned over the scribbles on the side.

"Chai latte w/ coconut milk", and written haphazardly under that, "Sean".

I couldn't help but chuckle. He had been randomly surprising me with my drink of choice ever since finding out (and endlessly teasing me for) the fact that I wasn't much of a coffee drinker. He couldn't seem to go an hour, let alone a whole day without it.

I did feel bad for the guy, though. Through the countless drinks he's brought me, I don't think I've ever seen a barista actually spell his name correctly. I glanced over to his cubicle and saw him staring sleepily yet intently at his computer monitor. Despite his depleted demeanor, I still found myself comforted by his mere presence. I slung my jacket over the back of my chair, threw my keys in my desk drawer, and wandered over to where he sat.

"I swear it's like you can read my mind."

He turned his chair around to face me, his attitude making an obvious 180 upon hearing my voice. He flashed a quick smile at me.

"I mean seriously, I was literally thinking to myself as I walked in - 'wow, I really should've stopped at Bellow's and gotten a drink before coming in'. You're always one step ahead of me, Mendes." I joked.

Bellow's was Shawn's go-to coffee shop. There are many others that are much closer, but he swears that Bellow's is the highest quality in the city. It all tastes the same to me, but I wasn't about to tell him that.

"Anything for you, Cabello." he retorted. "Besides, what's the point of having a work husband if he doesn't spoil you every now and then?"

I'd be lying if I said his words didn't make me swoon.

"I guess that's a valid point. I promise I'll find a good way to make it up to you!" The words fell out of my mouth much flirtier than intended. He just shook his head and chuckled, obviously aware of the unintentional innuendo. I just awkwardly giggled and started to walk backwards to my cubicle before his words brought my feet to a quick halt.

"Are you busy tonight?" he quickly inquired. We had hung out outside of work a few times, but usually only when one of us was having issues with something we didn't feel comfortable discussing with someone we were super close to.

"No, actually. All of my big Monday night parties got cancelled." I joked. Once again, he chuckled and shook his head.

"Would you want to come over to my place for some pizza? I had a pretty rough weekend and would appreciate some good company to get my mind off of it." I paused for a moment. Sure, we had hung out a few times but never at each other's places. Suddenly I started to worry that maybe he took that "make it up to you" comment a little too seriously. I was quickly brought back to reality when I remembered the drop-dead-gorgeous fiancée of his that lived with him. I didn't know him super well, but I knew that he was one of the most honest men I'd ever met. He wouldn't try to pull anything with me, even if she wasn't home. I had nothing to be worried about.

"I'd love to." I replied, before quietly slipping back over to my cubicle. I glanced at the time on my computer screen - 9:07.

5:00 couldn't come soon enough.