Little Coffee Shop

One rainy day, I was late. You were already standing in front of coffee shop that day. From far, I saw you were hugging yourself (I supposed because it was cold and not because you were a little bit different) and try to avoid the rain. I smiled. As I walked to your direction, you saw me and then smiled. I never knew, that all I need was your smile after a long and tiring day. And yeah, I guess, that is all I need. You hugged me as I helped to pat away the raindrops in your coat. You smelled so fresh, unlike the other day where you smelled like 'food'. What can I do when I was dating a Chéf?

You stared at me as you say,

'Do you know? I have so many to tell you today! You have to be the first person to know about this!'

I looked back into your eyes.

'What is it? A good news or bad news or so so?'

You laughed and shrugged my hair. 'Let's go in first! It was too cold outside.'

I was ordering a cup of Americano with double espresso, while you were ordering a cup of hot chocolate for today. As we sat in the corner, you held my hand.

'Okay. So I was accepted.'

I was so shocked and surprised.

'Oh my God! Are you being serious!? Congratulations, Lucas!'

I run to your place and hugged you. 'You deserve it, you faggot!'

He hugged me back and laughed. 'I told you they would accept me, you potato!'

I supposed that day was one of the best days in your life. But you said no. You told me the best day in your life would be the day where I became his wife. I smiled and nodded. I assured him that one-day we would be together as a Scott family. We spend the rest of the day by talking about our dream job and how hard were your training session only to be accepted in the company. I was so proud of you. Even until today, I am still proud of you.

Clock was ticking. It is some kind of reminder for me that I could not stop the time. It will always-ticking one second to another second. Then a crazy idea popped out. I decided to invite you over a cup of coffee. I supposed it is not that hard, is it? I am in town for a week and I would be leaving to Mexico after this. So, why not?

'Hey, Lucas. I am in town. Are you free for a cup of coffee now?'

Message delivered.

As soon as I saw the message was delivered, the nervous feeling popped out of nowhere. I mean I have not been really in touch with him since that day I left the town. I have not been in touch with him, even when he flew to Paris to pursue his career. And suddenly I texted him and invited him over a cup of coffee. In a place we used to love. As a couple.

It does not make any sense! I told myself.

As I relaxed myself, a new text arrived. It was him.

'Oh hey, Louisa, how are you? Sure. Where shall I meet you?'

I mean, look at me! Do I look like a pathetic twenty-five years old girl who invited her ex boyfriend over a cup of coffee in a coffee shop where they said those three words? It does not make any sense! But, oh well.

I replied him. 'I'm good, thanks. I'm at the street coffee shop. Is it okay with you?'

Message delivered.

Few seconds later, he replied with a simple 'Okay, I'll be there soon.'

Oh my God, he really is going to come. What should I do!? Feels like I dig my own hole.

As I wait for him in a nervous state, he showed up fifteen minutes later. He walked in with his coat and he directly looked at exactly where I sit. I mean, after all it was our corner in the past.

I waved at him. Awkwardly. I repeat, awkwardly.

I stood up to greet him. 'Hi..'

He smiled. Do you remember his crooked smile oh my God!

'Hi. Sorry to make you wait.' He sit down.

'No, no. I am good. I mean, after all I invited you in such a short notice.'

He smiled and as the waiter came by, he ordered a cup of Americano. Which surprised me. Since he never really really liked Americano before. He found my eyes and he explained.

'Are you surprised to saw me order Americano instead of Mocha Latte now?'

I nodded.

'Well,' he continued. 'To be honest, since that day…' he stopped. 'I mean, you will never know if you never try, right? That is what happened between me and a cup of Americano' he smiled. 'And, Paris taught me a lot of thing'.

I could not lie. I was surprised. Three years. Three years I tried to convince him to try a zip of my favorite Americano, but I always failed. He never wants to try. Even a zip. Which is now very surprising. I mean, after three years, people do change. But still, him and Americano? It is something like me and commitment to have a family. Even though you can not really compare a cup of coffee and a commitment for life. But still…

'So…' he looked at me. 'How is Melbourne?'

I took a zip of my Americano.

'Well, it is good. I love the weather, I loves their foods and culture. I love their pace. It is always fascinating to be in a busy city. I always love the idea of people and their cup of coffee; in their hand.'

He nodded. 'You always do.'

We both laughed. I talked to myself.

Ugh, not bad for our first meeting since three years ago.

As his cup of Americano came, we started to talk about everything. He told me about his award in Françe, I told him about my experienced bringing a group of tourists' to Africa. He told me about Françe, I told him about Spain. He told me he owned a dog called 'Casey' now, I told him I owned a pair of fish but it died as soon as I bought them. He told me he planted a lemon tree, I told him I tried to plant a Strawberry but it died (again!).