“Nia is fine.” She chuckled a little.
“So, you’re writing a book about chemistry, and I happen to know a lot about chemistry. Any chance you might need someone to help you or act as a reference?”
“I thought you had to head out,” Nia said.
“I am suddenly very glad I told my TA to take my afternoon lecture and that I’d be in my office, grading papers. “
Nia smiled and said, “Well, then, yes. I’ll happily accept your services as long as I can buy you a cup of coffee to repay you.”
“What about dinner?” Emmy asked.
“Dinner?”
“What ifIboughtyoudinner sometime? Tonight, if you are free.”
“How is thatmepaying you back?”
“It’s not.” Emmy laughed. “I just wanted to ask. I stared at you for most of the day today, trying to plan how to introduce myself, and my second goal was to ask you out. I’ve now accomplished both, so even if you say no because you’re not into women, you’re with someone, or no because you’re just not interested, I’ll still feel brave today.”
“Can we talk about what made you want to ask me out?”
“Need an ego boost?” Emmy teased.
“For the book. It would make a nice intro. I’m sitting in a coffee shop, working on the book, and a gorgeous woman walks up to me and asks me out on a date.”
“And you’re wondering what got me interested, and we talk about it?”
“Exactly,” Nia said.
“Over dinner tonight?”
Nia laughed and replied, “Yes, over dinner. But we can also talk now, if you don’t have to go.”
“I don’t.” Emmy shook her head. “Can you make some space for me over on that table, possibly?”
Nia glanced at the table, smiled, and turned her head back to Emmy.
“I think I can do that.”
“Good. Oh, and spoiler alert: it was your eyes.”
“What was?”
“I saw your eyes when you walked in yesterday, and that was it. I was a goner. I immediately looked down and saw no ring on a certain finger, as well as short but well-kept nails, so I was hopeful. After that, it was your legs. My heart started going crazy.”
“So, chemistry?” she asked more herself than Emmy.
“Got me first, yeah. But then, I watched you buy stuff, I’m guessing just because you’re taking up the table for most of the day, and you walked outside to give a bagel to the guy on the corner. I saw you do it again later. You left your stuff in here, walked outside, and gave food to a stranger in need, and my heart went a different kind of crazy.”
“So, chemistry first. Then, interest in other things?”
“Yes,” Emmy confirmed. “Now, I’d very much like to discuss those other things over dinner.”
“Seven?”
“I’ll pick you up.”
“Can I get you that coffee now?” Nia asked.
