Page 34 of Pining for You

“I mean, points for inspiration,” I say, “but no thank you.”

Izaac rolls his eyes at Cash and me and takes a sip.

“Uh, that is legit Christmas dinner in a glass.” He points, and puckers like he’s just taken a bite of a lemon. “Not bad at all, but I’d prefer to eat the dinner.”

“All for me, then.” She shrugs.

“And you?” Cash asks me.

“The house mocha,” I say.

“Really?” Izaac asks, which is odd since it’s basically my standing order back home. “Well, I look forward to your thoughts…”

“Weird, Z,” I reply, and go for a sip. I was worried it might be too hot—I’m still traumatized from the cider burn on my hand—but the heat level is just right, and I smile as that familiar, caffeinated cocoa hug begins to comfort me. Until…

“B, what is happening to your face?” Cash asks.

I am too horrified to answer at first, which I’m sure is coming across in my twisted expression.

“Oh my god, what… why?” I ask.

“Oh, it’s miso!” Diya says, looking back at the offerings on the board. “Is it so amazing? Seichi’s mom makes miso chocolate chip cookies that are basically the best thing ever. That sweet-savory combo—” She pauses for an actual chef’s kiss. “Scientifically proven to be delicious.”

“Miso?” I say, and look at the mug like it might actually bite me, even though I have no idea what that is. “I… did not catch that.”

My friends are all laughing now.

“Oh, Bosley,” Izaac says. “And here I was, thinking you were deliberately trying something new.”

I’m not usually one to compromise my coffee in order to earn a little respect, but even though I know they’re just teasing me, the way their expressions switched from impressed to Never mind, it’s the same old Bosley bothers me enough to be motivating.

I reach for the cup and tentatively lift it again. They’re all watching. Now that I’m not moving as quickly, I can tell from the aroma that something’s different. Not bad, though. I take a sip and, now that she’s pointed it out, I see what Diya means. The contrast between sweet and savory is actually kind of…

“Delicious or what?” Cash asks, watching me closely.

All I can do is humbly hang my head, because damn, after another sip I have to give it to them.

When I look up, I realize Izaac has grabbed my camera and I’m the one staring into the lens… which is unsettling.

“Hey!” I say. “That’s my job.”

“Just getting a little BTS of the director herself,” he says. “Someday you’re going to want the footage. The moment you tried something new—and did not die.”

Izaac, always thinking PR strategy—while also referencing Gonzo in The Muppet Christmas Carol. I couldn’t love him more.

“On that note,” Diya says. “Let’s hear more about this new project since we’re living it all day. A documentary?”

I nod.

“Documentary filmmaking, miso hot cocoa,” Cash says. “What’s next, an actual savory meal?”

“Let’s not get crazy,” I say.

“Speaking of which,” Cash says. “This seems like a very good place for footage.”

“Seriously. New York in general feels like a solid setting for this project,” Izaac says. “Not that I’m saying I fully approve.”

“So far, very good,” I agree, ignoring the last part.