Jules
One week later…
“Jules, it’s good to see you.” Jenny, the owner of the coffee shop, A Frothy Start, had her hand on the cash register, ready to take my order. “I haven’t seen you in forever.”
“Hey, Jenny.” I glanced at her and back at the large board on the wall behind her. “I guess it has been a while. Your menu looks completely different.”
“We’ve made a few updates.” She winked. “I can still make your favorite if you like?”
“You remember my favorite?” I knew I looked confused. The woman saw hundreds of people every week. How was it possible she remembered my order? Especially since I couldn’t remember when I last ordered it.
“Large hot latte with an extra shot of espresso and sugar-free vanilla syrup.” Jenny shrugged. “I don’t know what it is, but I could tell you everyone in here, their favorite drink. I can’t decide if it’s a gift or a curse.”
“Um, gift.” I shook my head. “And I’m impressed. My regular would be perfect, thank you.”
“Great. I’ll call you when it’s done.” She took my payment and turned to start making the drink.
The table by the window was open, so I made myself comfortable.
From my vantage point, I could see Olly’s produce stand. I leaned forward and rested my elbows on the table, ready to enjoy the view. The only person working at the stand was Devon, Olly’s produce manager.
“Whatchya doing?” A low, soft voice said from behind me.
“Fuck.” I jumped, and my chair moved back half an inch. “Stacy, what the hell?” I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Don’t sneak up on people like that.” I threw my hand over my chest. “You could’ve killed me. Is that what you want, to be responsible for my death?”
“I believe this is yours.” She set my coffee cup in front of me. “Nobody is going to die today. Unless you’re dying for some Olly time, then that’s a different story.”
“Ha ha.” I took a teeny tiny sip of my coffee to check the temperature.
“Stacy,” Jenny yelled from behind the bar over the music and the talking.
“Yes.” She hopped in place and ran to grab her coffee, which was only a couple of feet away. “I’m surprised to see you here.” Stacy had her coffee in one hand and pulled out a chair with the other to sit down opposite me.
Honestly, I was surprised when I parked the car and walked inside. This was the place where I met my late boyfriend, Eric. The building held a lot of memories for me.
On a typical day, I drove by the building without a second glance.
Today, I had a craving for coffee. More precisely, something other than the stuff I threw together in my pot at home every morning.
Since meeting Olly, the places where I frequented with Eric didn’t feel so scary. I found myself missing the people and the environment.
A Frothy Start was the perfect example. Jenny, the owner, and I met in college. I had told her all about my small town and how I couldn’t see myself living anywhere else. Initially, she didn’t reveal it, but she had spent a considerable amount of time researching the town while in bed, under the covers in our dorm room.
She grew up in New York City. After she opened the coffee shop, she told me how I made the small town sound magical during our conversations.
It wasn’t magical, but the town did hold a lot of charm.
“Yeah, I’m surprised, too, Stacy.” My friend joked because I never responded. My mind was distracted.
“Oh, stop.” I rolled my eyes and took a sip of my coffee. “I don’t know. I guess I just needed a scene change this morning.”
“Does that scene include one very hot guy who just so happens to own the produce stand across the street?” She moved her chair forward a little and rested her forearms on the table.
“Um…” I glanced out the window again and noticed Olly was now at the stand. My body ignited at the sight of him. “I don’t think it included him, but I am enjoying the view.”
“That’s my girl.” Stacy tapped her hand on the table. “Have you talked to him lately?”
“Last night. He sent me a text.” I was still watching him. He was restocking tomatoes.
“And you responded, right?” Stacy touched the top of my hand, pulling my eyes back to the coffee shop and her.
“I should lie right now.” I shrugged, because I received the message late and forgot to respond when I woke up this morning.
“But we both know you suck at lying.” She wasn’t wrong.
“I could respond now.” My phone was sitting next to me on the table.
“Or you could walk across the street and say hi.” She leaned back in her chair. “Was it a time-sensitive message?”
“Sort of.” I held my phone in my hand. Walking over to see him did sound nice, but I needed to get to the market soon.
“Jules.”
“Stacy.” I mirrored the exasperated sound in her voice.
“I’ll get to the market. You go see a guy about a message.” She hopped up and grabbed her coffee. “Come on.”
I paused for a beat before standing. “Fine.” I shoved my phone in my pocket. “It may take longer than a couple of minutes, though.”
“Good. I hope it does.” She giggled and started toward the door. “You can even call in if you want.”
“That’s not happening, but I will be a little later than expected.” My plan to avoid Olly for a little longer backfired. I wasn’t mad about it either.
He had been on my mind every day since the night of the fair.
I waved to Stacy and walked across the street. From where I stood, I could see that Olly was taking care of someone. He was wearing a white T-shirt with a bright-colored logo on the back.
“Keep walking. You’re almost there.” Stacy yelled from out of her car window as she drove by.
Her voice must’ve carried because Olly glanced up and then turned his head my way. A smile emerged, and he motioned for Devon before walking around the stand holding strawberries, and proceeded to walk toward me.
Our eyes were locked on each other. He was only a block away. I felt excited to be near him. We didn’t say a word until he was a few steps away from me.
“Hi.” He smiled and readjusted the box of strawberries he was holding.
“Hi.” I sighed. “Sorry, I didn’t respond to your message last night.”
“It’s okay. This is better than a text message.” He took a step closer and reached for my hand.
AUTHOR NOTE:
It sounds like Jules is finally enjoying life again. That means meeting Olly was meant to happen. I’m curious what his message said. What do you think?