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“He’s still staring,” Riley muses at my side, enjoying herself too much. “I’m sure he’s wishing you’d come over and give him your number.”
I swat my hand, beckoning her to go wipe something down and stay busy until the next brutal rush comes our way. There’s definitely some restocking to be done.
“A guy who looks like that has the option to get any woman he wants. I really doubt he’d want someone who smells like dirty water and coffee beans to get even close to him.”
She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “You’re hopeless, boss.”
Isn’t that the truth?
Sawyer
The familiar sound of whirling reaches my ears as coffee beans are crushed into a powder. The smell is strong, somewhat fulfilling my constant craving for caffeine.
For once, the cafe is quiet. I can think long enough to eat my meal in peace without hearing one of these customers order their drinks with attitude.
I don’t know how these baristas do it every day. My personality wouldn’t allow me to stay calm. I’m not enough of a people person to deal with demanding assholes all day.
Sitting in the corner, I lift my gaze when I hearhervoice. Julie, the owner of this business. The redheaded goddess caught my attention two months ago when I finally decided to try this place out. My eyes linger, my sandwich half eaten.
She’s talking to the guy who took my order, smiling slightly while telling him to go take a break. Is she planning on watching the register now?
I can’t lie, I did feel a bit disappointed that she wasn’t the one who took my order earlier. Still, seeing her despite the distance, I’m not one to complain. Will she stay behind the counter, or is there any chance she’ll come my way and ask how my lunch tastes? I’ve seen her ask others, though she’s never approached me. I’m not scary, am I?
Some of the guys at work like to say my scowl is permanent, but they’re not Julie. I can’t go smiling for everyone.
I don’t notice her turning her head until I’m looking at those green eyes. Seconds linger, feeling everlasting before I remember how staring works. People normally don’t do this, not unless they want to be perceived as some kind of creep.
Lowering my eyes, I shake my head at myself. Five days a week I come here, specifically on the days she works, just to watch her tend the cafe and drink some good coffee.
It’s a bit sad, really. If anyone at the headquarters caught wind of my lunch routine, they’d tease me for being a fool in love. I can’t possibly love a person I haven’t even held a conversation with, can I? We’ve always just looked at each other, nothing more. If a stare could speak volumes, she’d know my feelings right away. I swear I’ve got them written all over my face. A whole novel, all of the words I wish I could say out loud without startling her.
Even with months of daily visits, I’m still as much of a stranger to her as I was back then. What’s it going to take to change that?
I’d ask her out on a date, nothing intense or fancy. Just a stroll down a few of the quiet sidewalks would be enough to satisfy me. Having the woman brush my side as we walk, her hand accidentally touching mine from time to time, sounds like a dream come true.
I’d hold her hand and take her wherever she’d want to go. Maybe I could show her the mountain, let her explore what all that nature up there has to provide. If I convinced her to go that far, what’s stopping me from showing her my cabin and all of the land I own?
A hopeless fool, no doubt about that. A horny one too if I’m going to be honest with myself. I’d scare the poor woman if she knew even a bit of what kind of thoughts crossed my mind when simply looking at her. She’d ban me from her business and even warn the other neighboring ones while she was at it.
So no matter how tempting it is to approach her, and see those emerald eyes up close so I can count her freckles one at a time, I’m going to keep my distance and drink my coffee. If she ever even considers giving me the time of day, that’ll be when I crack and cave.
In the corner of my eye, I see movement. Lifting my gaze, I’m surprised to see Julie roaming the eating area. She’s got a rag in her hand, checking out tables and the trash.
As badly as I’d love for her to come my way, she keeps her distance. Even with the few feet separating us, I smell the same strong coffee aroma I love. There’s also a hint of vanilla lingering, but I can’t tell if that’s her perfume or not.
Breathing in, I grip the poor cardboard cup a little too much. Not enough to catch her attention, unfortunately.
When I can’t fight the urge to keep my eyes away, I glance up for only long enough to feel that lonely pang in my gut. A small reminder that I can’t have what I want.
Sighing under my breath, I take my cup and drink the little of what’s left of my latte. Sandwich already gone, I know I’ve got no reason to stick around with an empty table. Need to get back to work anyway. If I’m even a minute late, I’ll get the hounding of a lifetime.
I’m supposed to be setting an example after all. Relaxing at the cafe is unfortunately not viable enough for an excuse to avoid getting an earful.
Julie
Today is going to be different. Wearing my favorite blouse, I’m set on speaking to Sawyer. The busy rushes are over and nothing is going to get in my way. Confident that I can’t mess up my plans, I’m going to change up the silent pattern we’ve created.
Not just some greeting or passing by conversation. No, I’m going all out this time. I’m going to look him in the eye and use more than three words in a sentence.
