NA : Thanks for your reviews! I'm working everyday but I will do my best to post faster. It's not really long, but I will do my best for that too! Hope you enjoy this story. Thanks again for your review! still motivating! It's like a coffee-boost!
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34...35...36... After the third time the light turned red I decided to cross the road to reach the Superb Coffee.
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It's not that I was nervous – even if I was a little..to be honest – But there are times like this, you are at a crossroads and you have to make a choice. A choice that could change many lives. And it's you who will be the trigger. The change. A simple word but that has so profound impact. Some people fear change. They flee from it. But change is part of life. As the movement. Immobility is a form of refusal to be part of this eternal dance which leads beings in a whirlwind of life and fire ...
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I pushed the door and walked in.
Again the gentle smell of fresh coffee, the same warmth and my table was still free.
I smiled, I already claimed this table as mine. After 2 days, what a rush.
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As I sat down and put my bag on the chair next to me, a hot cup of coffee appeared before me.
"Morning, it's nice to see you again."
I couldn't control the smile on my face. It was an automatic response.
"Hi. Thank you for the coffee."
"You're welcome. If you need anything, just make a sign."
I nodded and watched her take another command at the table a few steps away from me.
She moved like the wind between the chairs and the tables, like she was dancing on a song that just her ears could hear.
I was captivated by this woman. And I didn't even know her name.
But it wasn't important...
I took a sip of coffee and looked at the thin layer of foam turn, following the movement of my spoon.
Since yesterday, I couldn't take her away from my mind, she was different. She had something that made me want to be around.
But I couldn't place it. This 'something' she had.
Maybe we could be friend. Maybe I should go back to my old coffee shop.
'Or maybe I should stop overthinking.' I replaced a strand of hair behind my ear and let out a sigh.
"You called?" The brunette was in front of me, smirking, one hand on her hips and the other on the back of the chair, offering a slightly indiscreet view. I adjusted my gaze to hers.
"I called?"
"I saw you make a move with your hand, so I decided to take that as a sign."
"Well, I suppose we can see signs everywhere when we want to..."
I spoke more for myself but my words seemed to hurt her somehow because she started to back off.
"Sorry, I didn't mean... Do you want a coffee?" I lifted my eyes on the ceiling because of my silliness..'What's wrong with me.. Am I five?'
"If I want a coffee?" She laughed, lightly. "It's the first time someone offers me a coffee here. I have to admit you intrigue me."
I could feel my cheeks blush, I wasn't use to it. I replaced another strand of hair behind my ear to cool me down.
"I usually have a more logical speech. I'm going to think that you put something special in your coffee."
"Only coffee and some love."
We shared a look for one second but it felt more.
"Well, Kenzi adds some vodka sometimes, but only at night."
"I'm fine with only love. I mean coffee. Well both is fine too. It's not that.."
"Hey, relax. Maybe you should stop caffeine..." She bit her lips and then handed me the bill.
I took it, avoiding any physical contact, for my own health. I looked and saw she had count 7 coffees.
"Seven coffees?" I frowned.
"That's right. One for yesterday. One for today. One for tomorrow. And the day after..."
Her hair fell over her shoulders, hiding her cheeks who took a warmer tint suddenly.
"So, I presume I must come all the week here for these coffees I'm going to pay now?"
"That's the idea..."
I couldn't control the smile on my face, she was being adorable and I could put my poker face on.
« I must say it's a good idea. I do enjoy your coffee. And this place has « un je ne sais quoi » that makes me want to come back. The atmosphere is kinda magic, if I can say so.»
I stood up and put the money on my table.
"I have to go, times is flying away in a blink of an eye when I'm here."
"Bo."
"Bow? What bow?"
She shook her head and let out a laugh.
"No, not a bow, I'm Bo. It's my name. Actually, my full name is Ysabeau, but I like it shorter."
The woman in front of me amazed me. She was so confident and yet she had something vulnerable somehow.
"It's a beautiful name. Nice to meet you Bo. I'm Lauren."
"Nice to met you too Lauren. Really."
She held out me her hand and I could see in her eyes that she was genuinely sincere.
This time I couldn't avoid the contact. I took a breath and I reached out to take her hand...
"Hola chica! Blondie, I hope you have money this time."
Her sudden arrival was startled me and stopped me in my tracks. Bo gave her a pat on the arm.
"Kenzi, it's not a way to welcome a client. Do you want to work – really work – to buy shoes and vodka or do you think you can show some courtesy?"
Bo was hiding a smirk but her friend didn't seem amused and stuck out her tongue.
She then turned to me and gave me a bright russian mafia smile : "I hope you enjoyed our coffee and time in our place and we will be glad to see you again."
I nodded, not knowing what to say and afraid to awake whatever was under her smile.
Bo whispered something in her ears and then she was gone as fast as she was come.
"Sorry for that."
"Don't be. She is very...passionate."
"She's not the only one to be. But I'm not that kind of passion."
The air was becoming really thick and I felt my internal temperature rising dangerously.
"I..hum.. I have to go. Work's calling."
"Go save the world Lauren." Her dimple was back in force. I swallowed hard.
"Well, maybe not 'saving'... 'Helping' should be more accurate."
"Really? Who are you Lauren of table 7?"
"Table seven?" Where did my brain has gone? Bo pointed me the number on my table.
"Oh, yes. Seven. Hum, I'm an ordinary woman who works in the Center Hospital. I'm a doctor. "
"Indeed, you are helping the world. I don't want to make you late at work now that I know there's people who need you."
"I should go, yes. Thank you for your.." She cut me off.
"..coffee. And you're welcome."
We shared a smile and then I headed to the exist. Something was growing in my stomach. Maybe I should reduce my caffeine... My hand was on the door when I heard someone coming behind me, almost running.
"After work. I have a break between 6pm and 9pm. If you want to offer me a coffee. As you were offering, a few minutes ago."
Indeed, I did offer her a coffee. 'What was wrong with me?' I couldn't think straight. I was struggling between reason and desire. I really wanted to take a coffee with her. But I couldn't do it. Not like that. It wasn't fair for..
"But it's not an obligation Lauren... If you want to come after work, you know I'm here, you have my schedule of the day. And otherwise, I see you tomorrow morning."
How amazing she was.
"That depends on the amount of work I will have today. If I can, I will pass by. Have a good day Bo."
And with that, I saw the brightest smile that I had never seen in my life.
"Get out of here doctor, work's calling."
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The sunlight caressed my face but the warmth I felt was of an entirely different nature.