Box Of Matches | ✓

4

The days that followed Colby's visit to The Book Nook were a blend of routine and subtle anticipation. Ariel's mornings began with the comforting ritual of opening the shop, the familiar routine of dusting shelves and arranging books providing a soothing start to her day. The shop was a place of solace and discovery, a small haven amidst the bustling life of Santa Monica.

One Tuesday afternoon, as the shop basked in the golden light of the setting sun, Ariel was absorbed in reorganizing a shelf of classic novels when her phone buzzed on the counter. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from an unfamiliar number.

 Hey Ariel, it's Colby. I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing. I've been thinking about our conversation and would love to catch up if you're free.

Ariel's lips curved into a smile. She quickly typed a response.

Hi Colby! I'm doing well, thanks. I'd love to catch up. How about meeting for coffee sometime this week

She hit send and continued arranging the books, her thoughts drifting to their last conversation. The shop had been quiet that day, and she found herself looking forward to Colby's reply.

It wasn't long before her phone buzzed again.

Sounds great! How about Thursday afternoon? There's a nice café a few blocks from the shop. We could meet there.

Ariel nodded to herself, pleased with the plan. Thursday sounds perfect. I'll see you at the café!

The rest of the day passed pleasantly. The shop saw a steady trickle of customers, including a regular who came in for their weekly fix of mystery novels. As Ariel wrapped up her tasks, she felt a sense of excitement about the upcoming meeting with Colby. It was a welcome change from the predictable rhythm of her days.

On Thursday afternoon, Ariel closed up The Book Nook a bit early to meet Colby. She locked the door, ensuring that everything was in order before heading to the nearby café. It was a quaint spot with a relaxed atmosphere, a favorite among locals for its delicious coffee and warm, inviting décor.

As she stepped inside, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped her, and she scanned the café for Colby. He was already there, seated at a corner table by the window. His easy smile was immediately visible as he spotted her and waved.

Ariel walked over, feeling a pleasant flutter of anticipation. "Hi, Colby! Sorry I'm a bit early."

"No problem at all," Colby said, standing up to greet her. "I'm glad you could make it. How's your week been?"

Ariel took a seat opposite him, settling into the cozy chair. "It's been good, just the usual routine at the shop. How about you?"

Colby smiled as he signaled to the waitress. "Busy but good. I've been caught up with work, but I've been looking forward to this. It's nice to take a break and just relax."

The waitress arrived with menus, and Colby quickly ordered for them both, knowing Ariel's usual preferences from their last conversation. As she placed the order, they continued to chat, their conversation flowing as effortlessly as it had during their previous meeting.

"So," Colby said, leaning back in his chair with a thoughtful expression, "you mentioned you've been working at the bookshop for a while. What's the most memorable book or experience you've had there?"

Ariel considered the question for a moment. "That's a tough one. There are so many books and stories that have come through the shop. But I'd say one of the most memorable experiences was when a local author came in to sign copies of her debut novel. It was such a special event, and seeing the excitement and pride on her face was truly inspiring."

Colby's eyes lit up. "That sounds amazing. There's something really special about witnessing someone's journey and success. I can imagine how fulfilling that must have been for you."

Ariel nodded, her eyes reflecting the warmth of her memories. "It really was. There's a lot of magic in books and in the people who love them. It's one of the reasons I enjoy working here so much."

Their coffee arrived, and they took a moment to savor the rich flavors. The conversation continued, touching on their favorite books, the quirks of their respective cities, and their personal interests. Colby shared anecdotes from his life in L.A., and Ariel responded with stories from her experiences in Santa Monica.

As they chatted, Ariel found herself increasingly comfortable and engaged. Colby's genuine interest and thoughtful questions made their conversation both enjoyable and meaningful. They laughed over shared interests and discovered new common ground.

After a while, Colby glanced at his watch and sighed. "I hate to say it, but I should probably get going soon. I've got some work to catch up on, and I don't want to be out too late."

Ariel nodded, feeling a bit of reluctance but understanding. "I completely understand. It's been really nice catching up with you."

Colby stood up and reached for his jacket. "It has. I've really enjoyed our time together, and I'm glad we could meet up."

Ariel smiled, feeling a warm sense of connection. "Me too. Let's definitely stay in touch. I'd love to hear more about your adventures in L.A."

Colby's smile was sincere as he took out his phone. "Absolutely. Here, let me give you a call so you have my number too."

Ariel handed him her phone, and Colby quickly added his contact details. As he handed the phone back, he said, "Thanks for meeting up today. It's been great getting to know you better."

With a final exchange of smiles and promises to keep in touch, they said their goodbyes. Ariel watched as Colby left the café, his figure gradually fading into the bustling street outside.

As she walked back to The Book Nook, the evening sky was painted with hues of pink and purple. The encounter had been a refreshing break from her routine, and she felt a pleasant sense of anticipation about the possibility of future conversations with Colby.

Back at the shop, Ariel closed the door behind her and turned off the lights, her mind still lingering on the café conversation. The bookshop awaited her in its quiet, familiar state, but today it felt a little brighter, a little more hopeful, thanks to the connection she had made. As she left the shop, the cool night air was invigorating, and Ariel walked home with a sense of contentment and the promise of new chapters yet to be written.