Edward let out a deep sigh. It was time for his 2 o'clock coffee break. He straightened up his desk and headed downstairs to the coffee shop in the lobby of the high-rise building where he worked.
As soon as he stepped off the elevator, he saw her waiting in line. His stomach flipped. He had ridden the elevator with her one morning a few weeks ago. He had not been able to stop thinking about her since. He didn't even know her name, but she was beautiful. She had long dark hair and big brown eyes. He moved into the coffee line, several people behind her. He gave himself a little pep talk. Today is the day, Edward. Say hello. It's not complicated. Just ask her name. The line moved while he was convincing himself to talk to her, and soon he heard the barista yelling at him. He locked eyes with the girl, she was smiling and shaking her head. Great, she thinks I'm a moron. He apologized to the barista and made his coffee order, moving his way over to the pick-up counter.
"Ellen, Ellen." The barista called. The girl rolled her eyes as she picked up her coffee. He guessed by her reaction her name wasn't Ellen. She was walking toward him. This is it, Edward. Deep breath. Introduce yourself.
"Excuse me, can you hand me the cinnamon, please?" She asked.
"I'm good. How are you?" He responded. Wait… what did she say to me?
She laughed and pointed, "the cinnamon? I'm having an okay day for a Wednesday, I guess." That smile.
He handed her the cinnamon as the barista called his name. He turned to grab his cup. When he turned back to ask if she wanted to ride up together and she was gone.
Finally, five o'clock. He grabbed his umbrella and headed out. The clouds had darkened around three, and now rain was coming down in sheets. As he walked across the parking lot, he saw her. She was soaked. She was bent down, picking up the contents of her briefcase while fighting with her purse.
"May I?" He asked as he held his umbrella over her.
"Thanks." She smiled as she stood up.
He smiled back and helped her to her car, keeping her under cover. She unlocked her door and got into her car. She started to shut the door, then stopped.
"We haven't formally met. I'm Bella." She said, smiling.
"Edward. It is really nice to meet you."