There are five things that, to me, make this world a little less bleak: dogs, music, coffee, sweaters, and food.

The sixth had my attention one afternoon in a cliché coffee shop. I was doing another gig. Nothing crazy, same dim lighting in the corner with a lone stool that I usually keep warm every Thursday. It was fine at the time; all I needed was my guitar. I didn't think anyone was listening though; I did it mostly for myself. I'd practice covers, play around with the harmonies and sing what felt right.

Turned out someone was listening past the coffee grinders and keypad clicking. I just couldn't tell when she did. She always wore a cap with the shop's logo as she ran around making fancy cappuccinos. Out of all the baristas there, she was the only one I never really spoke to. She was always making drinks but never touched the register. The only contact we shared was her calling out my name as I waved lamely to collect my coffee. It didn't help that she was gorgeous. There's no sugar coating here. She was knee-buckling, heart attack-inducing gorgeous; the kind to make your throat close and ears red just with a glance.

There was no way she didn't know it. Mirrors exist. The best part about her was how humble she was. This girl never fished for compliments but knew how to take them with a ridiculously dazzling smile.

The point is, even when I tried to strike up something polite or even ask about her day, I just wasn't quick enough. Or she'd look me straight in the eye and I'd choke because she might as well have been looking into my soul. I wasn't good at being anything but awkward, so you can imagine how creepy I probably seemed most times that I just stared at her. It was cringe-worthy.

This girl, the one that turned off all my social skills with a smile, was listening to me more than anyone else there.

I noticed on a particularly stormy Thursday while the shop was dead, minus a few college kids cramming after weeks of procrastinating at most. There wasn't much of a crowd but it was raining and playing for a few hours seemed like a smarter option. I set up per usual, tuning a bit before starting off with a new song I'd memorized. My eyes scanned the familiar room, not really caring that the college kids had headphones on. My fingers moved along the neck of my acoustic lazily as I sang softly.

Then one of the baristas, Kristoff, dropped a mug he was cleaning out of boredom. It didn't shatter but the loud thump grabbed my attention enough to glance at their station.

That's when I saw her in the corner, leaning over the counter on her elbows with her head in her hands and an easy smile. I faltered for a second, taking a breath too long before finding the rhythm again.

She didn't miss the slip up, ducking her head as her smile grew behind her black cap. She didn't look back up, I think she knew then how nervous she made me feel. But her smile was still there and it was so warm. It made it hard to stay focused on the lyrics. She was still listening though, slightly swaying her body as I finally hit the last cords.

The rain was still pitter-pattering in the back, making the silence comfortable with the final note still echoing. A beat passed as she looked back up, her eyes gleaming at me. It was inducing that heart attack I was telling you about as I quickly looked down to my guitar. I stalled, plucking random notes until I finally decided to woman up. Glancing back up at her, I cleared my throat and spoke into the mic.

"Looks like I'm all yours today, so... uh... Any requests?"

She shrugged, "Surprise me." It was the first time we spoke to each other and I tried not to freak out on the outside as much as I was inside. Fuck, I had it bad.

I hummed quietly, tuning the strings until they sounded right to me. My calloused fingers strummed to a steady melody as I glanced from the cords to her.

"Well, maybe I'm a crook for stealing your heart away
Yeah, maybe I'm a crook for not caring for it~"

Then the door chimed and some poor soaked soul tried to shake off the rain as they walked up the counter a bit out of breath. She didn't move as Kristoff took to the register, a minute later he was repeating the order to her. She looked at me a few seconds longer before sighing and fixing up the man's drink. I didn't miss the little side glances she'd give me over her shoulder or the way her ears perked to listen past the grinder. It was cute and my lovesick mind started to wonder if this could actually go somewhere. It would be worth getting stuck longer than my usual bit.

"You love, love, love
When you know I can't love you..."

I struck the last note as she passed the man his drink. He tried to slip a folded piece of paper over the counter, which I'm sure was his number along with hopes and dreams. I'm also sure he wasn't expecting her to look at it curiously and toss it in the trash as if it was just something she'd missed cleaning earlier. I had to cover my mouth to hide my little snort. Good thing he was already rushing out the door in embarrassment before he could hear it. She leaned forward on her elbows again, smile stretching to a grin as I giggled softly.

"That was a bit harsh, don't you think?"

She waved a hand, "I have no idea what you're talking about." But her wink said otherwise. For the rest of my short time there, I sang for her instead of myself.

Before I knew it, it was closing hour and Kristoff kicked me out. I sighed, throwing my guitar case over my shoulder and looking back regretfully. All that time and I didn't get her number.

It was still showering a bit as I pulled over my hoodie to hide my head. Trotting closer to my car, I fished for my keys, unlocking it with a little beep. Before I could actually get in my car, there were footsteps splashing behind me. Then there was a light tap on my shoulder.

There she was, in the Seattle rain with these hopeful eyes and a small smile. It was as if all her confidence was left behind the counter. I smiled back gently, waiting for her to say something as she fiddled with the buttons of her coat.

"Um..." Yeah, I still didn't know how to speak in front of her.

Then almost as if she couldn't wait to get the words out, she asked in a rush, "Do you wanna grab dinner?"

I raised my brows as my smile grew. With a quick glance to my watch, I laughed nervously, "Is there anything even open right now?"

"... Do you like Taco Bell?"

Yup, she's a keeper.