(Maria's POV)
Angelica dropped me off at a small coffee shop for my date. She turned to look me in the eyes. "Stay safe. And don't get into trouble." I saluted. "Yes Ma'am." She laughed as I got out of the car. She sped off. I straightened my dress and saw James walking in my direction. This is it Maria. You can do it! He came up and offered his arm to me. I giggled and accepted it. We walked into the shop and sat down. The waiter came over. "What shall we order Miss?" He raised an eyebrow. I smiled and looked at the little menu. "I shall take a cream latte. And you good Sir?" I replied. "I'll take an espresso." He said to the waiter. The waiter left and we sat there. "You look lovely. I'm guessing the Schuyler's helped you?" He said, touching my arm. "Yes. How did you know?" "Well no offense, but I don't think you have the talent to make that hair crown." He chuckled. I nodded. "True. Much less do it on myself!" He leaned in. "But you're talented in many other ways." "Like?" "Well, you have natural beauty that many envy. A perfect smile that has the ability to charm." He said as I smiled to the waiter bringing out coffees. The waiter grinned goofily and blushed, but hiccuped nervously when James glared at him. "So to say, you're perfect." He finished. I picked up my latte and blushed. "Thanks." I muttered. "You're perfect too." He raised an eyebrow. "How am I perfect?" "Well, you have that essence of confidence and control. People listen to you. So to say, you're perfect." I couldn't help but add some cheek to my sentence. He smiled. I leaned in closer to him. Our noses were millimeters apart. Then, he sipped his espresso before I could do anything, breaking away. "Aww, come on!" I said. He laughed. I took a sip of my drink and we talked and laughed til 6:30, when we finished and he drove me to a park. The sun was setting. "What a beautiful view." I breathed. "Yeah. Oh, you meant the sunset." He said. I giggled. "What did you mean?" "You." I blushed. "Thanks." I wrapped my arms around him, looked up at his face, and kissed his lips.
I know, short chapter. Happy New Year! I'm excited for 2019. What about you?