That's why my years-long crush on Ellie felt oddly safe. She was so far out of my league that it never occurred to me she would be interested, let alone call and ask me out for coffee. But now that she had, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to pull back. Or worse—I wouldn't want to.
I didn't even know the girl. What kind of coffee did she like? Did she take it black? Or was she one of those tea people? Maybe she liked it extra sweet, just like her.
I told her to give me a few days to recover before I was ready to get out of the house, but a week had passed, and nothing.
Maybe she forgot or changed her mind. Hell, maybe I should text her. I wasn't even sure what the hell to say.
Before I could stop myself, my fingers were typing.
ME
So, do you like your coffee sweet, or are you more of a black coffee and nothing else kind of person? Or are you a tea girl?
ELLIE
Um, hi Sawyer, lol. I’m a sweet coffee person. You couldn’t pay me to drink black coffee. What about you?
I start typing…
Same. Fill me with sugar and cream.
Yeah, I backspaced that real fast.
Same. Gimme all the cream and sugar.
Sorry, I haven’t texted you. I’ve been so busy prepping to go back on tour soon.
How’s the concussion recovery going?
It’s all good. A little boring. I’m on the mend. I’m taking it easy, but I’m ready to get back on the field.
I’m glad you’re doing better. When are you free for coffee?
Right now?
Like… right now? It’s ten at night…
No, I’m joking. I mean, yes, I could. I literally have no plans, so whenever you’re free really.
How about tomorrow? 11? You still in San Francisco, right?
Yeah. 11 works
She hearted my message, but I wasn’t done, so I sent another text.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Lol. Well, probably music. I’m sure that’s an obvious answer, but it’s true. I can’t go a day without it. I swear, sometimes it’s the only thing that keeps me sane. You?
Would it be lame if I said football?
Not at all.
Well, no, it’s not actually football. I think I’m gonna hang up my helmet after this year. Really, the only thing I couldn’t live without is my family. I would be lost without them.
That sounds nice.
What are you doing right now?
