“Not in the way you’re probably thinking. By submerging the coffee in water, it removes the bean from the cherry before they’re dried and roasted. Unripe cherries float to the top while the ripe ones sink.”
“And they only use the ones that sank?”
Stefan nods. “It ensures only the finest beans are used. Washed coffees tend to taste brighter and cleaner.”
I’m not sure how coffee could taste bright or clean, but I’ll take his word for it. “I never knew any of that. It’s fascinating.”
“You don’t have to humour me.”
“I’m not. It is. I swear.”
He laughs as he turns the grinder on, and then he looks at me over his shoulder. “You know Hendrix will have decided you fancy me because you followed me?”
I frown and rub the back of my neck. “We did have a conversation last night, didn’t we?”
“Yes.”
“And I did ask you out, didn’t I?”
Stefan smiles. “Yes.”
“Oh, good. I thought I’d dreamt it.” I sit just in case. “You must know I do fancy you. If you don’t, I do. I hope you do too. Fancy me. Not you.” I make a strangled noise as I realise I’m making a fool of myself.
“I do. Fancy you. Not me.”
My cheeks heat. “So, err, do you want to go for a drink sometime?”
The tension drains out of Stefan’s face. “You don’t need to ask me out again. I already said yes.”
“Oh, right, yes, of course.” I clear my throat. Things were less awkward last night. “Later today? The Library isn’t open on a Sunday, is it?”
“No.”
“No?”
“It’s not open. Yes, I’d like to go for a drink this evening.” He nods to the closed door behind me. “As long as you’re sure you can handle Hendrix’s teasing.”
I shrug. “I put up with it anyway.”
Stefan transfers the ground coffee into his fancy coffee maker, which wouldn’t look out of place in a fancy coffee shop. He turns it on. Almost immediately it starts to bubble and hiss, and the room is filled with the rich aroma of coffee. I detect some fruity undertones as I breathe in.
“Where would you like to go?” Stefan asks.
“Have you ever been to the Humble Grape in Islington?”
Stefan shakes his head.
“It’s classy. It’s got a Mediterranean vibe. It’s also pretty light and airy, which means I’m less likely to fall asleep on you.”
Stefan raises his eyebrows. “Seven?”
“Uh, sure.” I wouldn’t normally choose to go on a date in the evening, but I’m sure I can make it work if I have a good nap beforehand. “We could meet there if you don’t want anyone knowing we’re going out together.”
“By anyone, you mean Hendrix?”
“Basically, yes.”
A look of concern sweeps over Stefan’s face.
