The stranger gives me a charming smile, a smile that he knows I was staring. I always thought the romantic movies Alli and I binge-watched every Saturday exaggerated scenes like this. But damn, here I am, living that scene in real life. I could swear he’s moving in slo-mo, too.
The stranger clears his throat, officially knocking me back into reality. “Can I get a large Thai green tea? Less ice, no topping.”
My eyes double slightly, I was hoping he didn’t notice my surprise. “Uh, sure.” I tap the touch screen register to punch in the order. I pull out a clear cup and stick the freshly printed label on the cup. “It’ll be $6.”
He hands me a crisp $10 bill. I tap the register to trigger the drawer to open and pull out his change. I reach my hand out with it. “Just give me a couple of minutes to make your drink.”
The stranger nods but remains rooted in the same spot, not moving toward any tables or hovering by the usual pickup counter like most customers do. I swiftly begin crafting his order, the routine of concocting his drink is second nature to me: a shaker cup, less ice than the standard, the pour of the premade Thai green tea, a measured addition of half-and-half creamer, then sliding the cup into the mixing machine for the perfect blend. Once the shaker’s done its dance, I prepare a fresh cup, capping off the process by sealing it with our trusty sealer machine.
I walk over to the counter and hand him his drink along with a straw. “Thai green tea for one.” Our hands graze just a bit, and maybe it’s me not knowing how to flirt properly, but I swear a shock of electricity filters through my body.
I’m insane.
He flashes a smile at me, grabbing his drink and stabbing his straw at the top. “Thanks…” Pausing at the end.
Does he want my name?
“Serena.”
“Serena.” He repeats as if he’s committing that to memory. He takes a sip of his drink and I swear his eyes twinkle in joy. “I have to say, the best Thai green tea in town. It’s so hard to find this drink at other places.”
I offer a friendly smile at his statement. “Thanks, it’s one of my favorites. I practically begged the boss to sell it.”
He sets the drink down on the counter and returns the smile. “I’ll have to come around often.”
What do I say back?
“Yeah, you will.”
I’m horrible at this.
He holds out his hand again, offering me his hand… to shake? “I’m Tyler.”
Fuck, do I shake his hand? What would the movies do? Think like Devi Vishwakumar or Lara Jean Song Covey.
I accept his handshake. “Hi, Tyler.” Excitement bubbles under my skin at the skin contact.
I stare, yet again, at him. I make even more mental notes about his charming appearance. Chiseled jawline. He’s lean for sure and is that… a tattoo peeking through his sleeve?
“You’re staring.” Tyler chuckles.
“Sorry,” I mumble. “I’m just not used to people complimenting the drink. It’s not popular around here.”
It’s not my fault his striking blue eyes are holding me hostage.
“Their loss, my gain,” Tyler remarks with a playful wink. “Thai green tea is my absolute favorite. Tried it back in California, and I haven’t been able to find it anywhere and if I do, it doesn’t hit the same.” His gaze momentarily dips before meeting mine with a shy smile. He retrieves his drink, taking a step back.
“Thanks again, Serena,” he says, lifting the beverage in a grateful gesture before retreating, his eyes holding a warmth that lingers even after he leaves.
I wave my hand slightly and watch him slowly back up, keeping his eyes on me. That is until he almost trips on nothing. I stifle a laugh, but I fail, “Nice moves.”
I’m flirting, right? Me. Flirting. Yeah, I think so.
Tyler regains his balance swiftly after his near fall, flashing me a deathly smile to signal he’s alright. “See you around, Serena,” he says with a playful wink before turning to exit.Despite the brief moment, his departing grin holds a lingering warmth that seems to echo in the café even after he’s gone.
“Who was that?” Dylan’s voice sneaks behind me, making me jump.
With a hand over my chest, I compose myself after his jumpscare. “Why are you sneaking up on me?”
