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“Anywhere in particular you want to go for breakfast?” Aiden asks, breaking me away from my rambling thoughts.
“I chose dinner, you choose breakfast.” I don’t want to seem like I’m making all the decisions in this… friendship, relationship, whatever you want to call it.
“I know just the place.” We turn into the parking lot of a café just off the main road. Wind chimes dangle along the log roofline chiming in the slight breeze. The outside is like a log cabin with round panels of distressed wood on the walls. For California, this seems out of place, but I guess for where we are—off the beaten track—this feels right at home.
Comforting. Warm. Inviting.
And I like it instantly.
We leave Mike asleep in the car, and Aiden ushers me up the rickety porch inside. As we enter, it’s like an old-world vibe hits you. Pictures of the 1920s music crooners line the walls. The booths are like something you’d see in an old diner from a cheesy sitcom movie. The entire place feels dated, but even though the décor could do with an update, something about this café feels like it’s embracing you with the warmest hug you’ve ever had. I don’t know what it is, but this café has the best atmosphere, and I instantly feel like I have been here a million times, and I want to come back a million more. It’s hard to explain, but the wide smile on my face tells the story, I’m sure.
Aiden moves us to a table for two next to the window, and once we’re seated, an elderly woman with short, silver hair potters over to the table, with the friendliest greeting on her face. “Good morning, Aiden. You’re out and about early this morning. And who’s this lovely young lady you’ve brought to meet me?”
Aiden smiles at her lovingly—he obviously knows her well.
“This is Jenifer. We had a late night which seems to have merged into morning. We’d love some breakfast, so I thought I’d bring her to the best café in the state.”
She pats him on the cheek and turns to me. “Nice to meet you, Jenifer,” she gushes kindly, holding out her hand for me to shake.
“Nice to meet you, too. Sorry… I don’t know your name?”
“Just call me Nana, sweetheart.” She winks at Aiden.
“Nice to meet you, Nana,” I reply.
“Breakfast for my favorite customer I can do. I’ll be right back. Would you like anything to drink, Jenifer?” Nana asks kindly.
“I’ll have a coffee and some orange juice, please.”
“Coming right up.”
Aiden’s watching me intently as I grin at him. “She’s lovely.”
“She’s the best.”
“How long have you known Nana?”
“A long time.” He grins, not giving anything away.
I don’t want to push the subject, so I change it. “This place is wonderful… no incredible.” My eyes wander around the marvelous space once more, trying to take in all its little idiosyncrasies. There is so much to see.
Nana steps over with my orange juice and coffee for both of us. “Here you go, kids.”
“Thanks, Nana.” Aiden touches her gently on the arm with affection.
She places her hand on his, almost in a nurturing way. “Anything for you, darling.”
Aiden takes hold of my hand as Nana makes her way back to the kitchen, and our thumbs stroke each other’s. My eyes shift out the window, and in this moment, I’m the happiest I’ve been for a long time. So much so I don’t want this date to end. Right when I thought I was void of feeling anything, especially after all the bullshit with Jason, Aiden makes me feel all kinds of emotions. I thought I was closed off to these feelings. I thought I’d never let anyone in, but Aiden’s been nothing but honest and caring, and it makes me think that maybe, just maybe, I might be able to give him the chance I haven’t given anyone else.
“You’re deep in thought over there… what are you thinking about?”
“That this is the best date I’ve ever been on…” I pause with a grin, “… and the longest.”
“For me, too. Thanks for the entertainment.”
My eyebrows draw together. “Entertainment?”
“Yes. You’re very entertaining, Jeni. You’ve fallen for me, tumbled into the car at your work for me…” He has the cheekiest grin on his face. “It’s all very… entertaining.”
