To my surprise, his reply arrives a few minutes later.
TO: Millie Oaks
FROM: Finn Ashford
SUBJECT: Re: Coffee
Hello Millie,
I am guilty of delivering coffee to your desk this morning. I had hoped to catch you in person, but Eleanor said you weren’t in yet.
Maggie’s is not my usual coffee stop, but I enjoyed my own coffee from there this morning. Is there anything else you recommend?
My next episode ofStar Trekis starting now. I must boldly go where no real astronomer has gone before.
Best,
Finn Ashford
Director, Astronomy Department
I reread his email three times, startled by the humor in it.
Apparently, this is friendly Finn—a side of him I’ve never met. This Finn jokes about my sassy comments and delivers coffee to me as an apology.
Bringing the paper cup to my lips, I grin behind it before taking a sip. I picture his tall, brooding form standing in the line at Maggie’s with the intent of buyingmea coffee. His scowl is still in place as he orders it, but there’s something oddly endearing about the pinch between his brows and the way his lips turn down at the corners.
With a shake of my head, I try to clear the disorienting image and focus on a natural reply.
TO: Finn Ashford
FROM: Millie Oaks
SUBJECT: Re: Re: Coffee
Finn,
You cannot go wrong at Maggie’s. It’s out of this world!??They could serve me anything and I would eat it, but my personal favorite is the almond croissant. There is no better way to start the morning than with a coffee and croissant from Maggie’s.
Is your nose okay? And have you had your car looked at? I’m still so sorry about that.
I’m glad you’re getting those episodes in before the camp kids get here next week. They’re expecting you to teach them something.
Have a good day,
Millie Oaks
That should be good. I sound normal. Butter-on-toast normal. So normal, I’m borderline boring.
Send.
TO: Millie Oaks
FROM: Finn Ashford
SUBJECT: Re: Re: Re: Coffee
Millie,
