Chapter 11 Coffee

Amelia waited with nervous anticipation for Phil to join her. She arrived at Bucks early and got her coffee. She found a table that was within eye shot of the door, but was spaced away from other tables so they could talk comfortably. She came from work and was thankful none of the kids got paint on her. She put on makeup while waiting for her white chocolate raspberry mocha. She needed her favorite drink. She wasn't sure if she should call this a date or out for coffee with a friend. Either way, this was a first time for her in a long time.

Every time the door opened, she tried to look that direction casually. She didn't have to wait too long as Phil arrived on time. She saw him as he pulled the door open. The harsh lighting in his office played down his good looks. She didn't notice how lean his body was until now. She quickly looked away so he wouldn't think she had been staring at the door and drooling.

He walked in and scanned the room. Amelia raised a hand and waved. He smiled and she was so glad she was sitting down. His smile made her knees go weak. He walked over to her.

"Hi Amelia."

"Hi Phil, she said. "I already bought my coffee. I can wait here while you order yours."

"Sounds good", he said. "I'll be right back."

He walked over to the counter and she watched his ass with every step. She noticed a few other ladies looking at him and she blushed.

I can't believe he is here for me, thought Amelia.

It seemed like forever until he was back at Amelia's table. He stood opposite her as he waited for his drink.

"How has your day been," Amelia asked.

"Not bad," said Phil. "Listening to people talk, paperwork, and phone calls. My usual. How about you?"

"Pretty good," she said. "Teaching preschool has it's ups and downs, but I've been trying to see things from new perspectives."

"Good," he said. His name was called and he retrieved his coffee. He came back to the table and sat down. They sat there quietly looking at each other.

"So," said Amelia, "I have to tell you that I felt bad changing to another therapist, but I felt that I needed someone who didn't know me as part of a couple. I hope there's no bad feelings."

"Not at all," Phil said. "I totally respect you for finding someone who can help you with this new phase of your life. I honestly thought you switched, because you were a little embarrassed of being with me. I was there with you when he served you the divorce papers. I felt bad that he did that in front of me."

"I was embarrassed at first" she said. "But I have to thank you."

"For what?"

"I was in shock after getting those papers and I couldn't wrap my head around what happened. You sat next to me and held my hand. You didn't say anything at all until I was ready to go home. You didn't even charge me for going over our time. You were my rock and when I was going through everything, I remembered the feel of your hand in mine. I remembered your calming presence and I was able to breathe. I was able to take another step and face another day. I asked you to coffee to tell you all of this and to say thank you."

"Wow," he said. "I didn't know I impacted you that much. I knew that you needed comfort, but I didn't know the best way to help."

"Well, just being with me in that moment was all I needed."

They stared into each other's eyes again and Amelia felt a stirring in her heart that she hadn't felt in a long time.

"Amelia, thank you for saying all of that. I really do care about you and I found you attractive too. I kept my professionalism and didn't treat you any differently. I have not stopped thinking of you since that day."

"Really," she asked.

"Really. Do you want to go on a date with me?"

"Yes!"

"Great," said Phil. " I have an appointment in 15 minutes. I'll call you and we can work out a good time?"

"That sounds great," Amelia said.

They stood up and hugged each other. Amelia watched him leave and couldn't stop smiling for the rest of the day.