Anthony Strallan awoke with a purpose. Well, one doesn't really wake when one hasn't actually slept. But when he arose that morning, he decided today would be the day he found out what game the young woman at the coffee shop was playing.
The radiant young goddess, Anthony immediately halted that thought. For goodness sakes man, it's improper for you to think of her in such terms. And at your age!
The young girl in question had begun working at Beryl's, a local coffee shop, the first week of March. Introducing herself as Edith, he'd responded with 'pleased to make your acquaintance, I'm Anthony.'
What began as just a friendly greeting exchanged each morning by customer and employee soon turned to shy glances and small smiles between the two. Anthony blamed his inability to have an intelligent conversation with her, on his social awkwardness, especially where women were concerned.
It wasn't long before the young lady began to greet him with 'hey there good looking' or 'hello handsome.'
Anthony shook his head and chuckled remembering how, the first few times, he'd actually glanced over his shoulder to see to whom she was speaking. But each time, it was only the two of them and he had to admit such a greeting from the lovely young creature did wonders for his old ego.
After a few months, she began writing little notes on his cup, innocent remarks such as 'have a great day handsome.'
At first other, than being mildly embarrassed, he'd just disregarded them as scribbles but as time went on the content became bolder, more personal.
"I missed you this weekend" or "hope to see you tomorrow" seemed on rather a personal level to Anthony at least.
Surely she was only toying with him, a bookish, socially inept, middle aged man. Why on earth would Edith give him a second thought much less notice his absence for a day or two?
And later that summer, he was flabbergasted when she began to flirt with him. Well, Anthony thought she was flirting. He was definitely out of practice so he couldn't be sure.
Unexpected remarks passing her lovely lips "How's my favorite fella today?" Once, she'd even asked "watcha having this morning Anthony, coffee, tea, or ME!"
And he'd attempted to flirt back answering "might I have all three?" only to be floored when Edith had responded that could certainly be arranged!
Once he'd even worked up the nerve to ask if she had plans for the weekend.
"No, do you?" she asked in response.
"What? Me? Erm uh no." he'd replied.
"Maybe we should make plans together. Do something new and EXCITING" she'd suggested.
To which he'd blushed and mumbled incoherently about needing to get on and nearly spilt his coffee trying to escape the alluring look in her dark eyes. He felt his face color at the recollection of the scene.
She probably pitied an old codger such as him or worse, made fun of him with her lively coworkers once he left the shop.
No, today he would end this little charade he'd been enjoying over the past months. Anthony was beginning to develop greater feelings than he had any right to. He'd been lonely and her attentions were welcomed but he couldn't afford to lose his heart to Edith only to realize too late, that she was trifling with him.
Foolish old man, he sadly thought. She probably treated all male customers with equal charm. It was good for tips. And certainly such a wonderful young lady had a boyfriend or a fiance' even.
Anthony continued on to his destination with even greater urgency. He needed to resolve this issue before he ended up in a situation where his heart would be broken.