Me: You’re a mess, lol.
Lo: Starting school without you doesn’t feel right, I already miss you.
Me: I feel the same. I’m going to try to come for a visit during Christmas break.
Lo: Yayyyy, I would like that, and so would Saint and Micah.
Me: I’ll call you tonight.
Lo: Okay, love you.
Me: Love you, too.
After a quick shower I decide to wear tight burgundy shorts, a white halter top and sandals before I head out to explore. I put my box braids in a ponytail. I grab my sunglasses and keys. I lock the front door then walk over to my car. As I drive through town, I see locals going about their daily routines. I park in front of Tom’s Café. I walk inside to a small, quaint, and homey atmosphere. Brown round tables with matching chairs are scattered around the establishment. The pastries, bagels, cakes, cookies, and donuts in the display case look amazing.
“Hello, how may I help you?” an employee standing behind the glass display asks.
He looks to be my age. I wonder if he attends Montgomery Academy.
I read his name tag. “Hi, Jackson.”
“Hi.”
“My name is Cocoa, nice to meet you.”
“Likewise,” he says with a smile.
“Are there any positions available?”
“I’m not sure, but the owner is in the back. I can get him for you.”
“That would be great, thanks.”
“No problem,” he says, walking to the back.
A short man with a pot-belly and thinning hair emerges from the back, following behind Jackson.
“Hello, how may I help you?”
“Hi, I’m Cocoa,” I say as I extend my hand to him.
“Nice to meet you, my name is Richard.”
“Are there any openings available?”
“Unfortunately, no, not at this time. Try, Mary’s Famous Pizzeria. I know Mary is finding it hard to find reliable employees.”
“Thank you.”
“No problem. The pizzeria is a few blocks that way.” Richard says as he points to the left.
“Thanks, again.”
Since the pizzeria isn’t far, I decide to walk instead of driving. I’m looking at my cell phone as I turn the corner. I collide with a hard body causing me to fall to the ground hard. I’m still attempting to gather my bearings when a hand appears in front of my face.
“I’m sorry about that,” I sat, grasping the offered hand.
I look up to meet a striking pair of dark blue eyes.
