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“Do you have a cell phone?” I asked.
“Yes.” He dug into the pocket of his pants and pulled it out. “I had it turned off during the party,” he explained and pointed to the phone as he powered it back on.
“I’d like to give you my number. Anytime you have questions or want to talk, I’m more than happy to help you navigate these waters.”
“I would really like that.”
I took Andrew’s phone from his outstretched hand and entered all of my info into his contacts.
“We can meet anywhere you’d like and talk, or we can talk over the—”
“Want to go get coffee?” Andrew blurted out.
I handed him back the phone and smiled. He needed time with someone. I was more than happy to be the one to give that to him.
“I’d love to. Are you familiar with the area?” I asked. I didn’t think he’d find it very comfortable to sit for a long drive.
“Yes. I know the area.”
“At the end of this street, if you make a right and follow it past two stop lights, there’s a shopping area. It’s well lit, and there are some restaurants and bars. There’s a coffee house, and we could either sit there or walk around and chat.”
“I know the place you’re speaking of.”
“You lead the way, and I’ll follow you.”
Chapter 5
James
I parked near Andrew and got out of my car. He smiled when he approached with his hands in his pockets.
“Hi, James.”
“Hello, Andrew.”
We walked side by side at a leisurely pace toward the shops, bars, and restaurants.
“This place has some really good restaurants. I hear the bars are great too, but I think perhaps something calmer is better suited for us tonight.” I paused as we climbed the handful of steps leading from the parking lot to the shopping plaza.
“That sounds fine to me,” Andrew said.
“Coffee?” I asked and gestured toward the coffee house that was only a short distance away.
“Yeah. I love coffee.”
“Is this place okay?” I asked him as we approached Three Brothers Coffee.
Andrew laughed, and a huge smile spread across his face. “I happen to love this place,” he said.
“It’s not too late for you to have caffeine?” I teased.
“No, caffeine is in my blood.”
“Mine too,” I said as I pulled the door open for him.
Though it was close to nine p.m., the coffee shop was bustling. As we stood in line, I noticed that several people behind the counter waved at Andrew and greeted him by name when it was our turn to order.
“Just a black coffee for me,” Andrew said and then gestured to me. “Go ahead, James.”
