Once I’ve showered and shaved, I style my hair, leaving it more mussed than I normally would. I’m going for open and approachable. With that in mind, I decide on a pair of black jeans and a light gray T-shirt. It’s more undone than my usual style, but I’m not looking to highlight our age difference or the difference in our financial situations. I need her to remain open and welcoming to me.
Now, the question is… will she show?
And what will I do if she doesn’t?
7
HATTIE
As I walk toward the entrance of the café, I second-guess myself for probably the thousandth time. Should I be here? I don’t even know this man.
Then I remember how he said it was lonely being in a town that wasn’t his own, and I get that feeling in my chest because I know that exact feeling. Still do, if I’m honest.
So here I am, going to meet a man I had a brief encounter with last week and don’t really know much about.
But we’re meeting in public, so really, there’s no harm.
I walk in five minutes early and find Bastion already seated in the lounge area. He spots me as soon as I enter, and the look of relief on his face when he raises his hand in hello lets me know I wasn’t the only one who was nervous the other might not show up.
I gesture to the counter, indicating that I’m going to order my drink, but he holds up a steaming mug. With a smile, I approach him.
He looks more at ease than he did last week. His hair is a little messy and his clothes show off that he must work out every day. He’s so attractive, and I hate that I wonder what he wants with me.
“I grabbed your drink already. Figured since I invited you here to meet me, the least I could do is pay for your hot chocolate.”
I sit across from him and set my purse next to me. “You remembered what I drink?”
He shrugs. “I remembered thinking how interesting it was that you had a hot chocolate this time of year, when most people would be drinking a coffee or tea. Or maybe an iced coffee.”
“I don’t like coffee.” I scrunch up my nose at the thought of sipping the bitter drink.
Bastion smiles and raises his glass. “Thankfully, I don’t suffer from the same affliction.”
I chuckle and lean forward to pick up the hot chocolate. “Thank you for the hot chocolate.”
“My pleasure.”
There’s a beat of awkward silence. As always with someone I don’t know well, I’m not sure how to fill it. Thankfully, Bastion saves me from having to figure it out.
“How was your day at work?” He brings his coffee to his lips and sips.
“Nothing exciting.” I shrug. “The usual.”
“Is that how you like it?” He tilts his head, and it causes a lock of his hair to fall down over his forehead.
“What do you mean?”
“Not exciting.”
“Oh, um… I’ve never really thought about it. I suppose I’m a bit of a creature of habit. What about you?”
He thinks my question over, and I like that he doesn’t just give me some pat answer. “My life was very eventful for many years. These days, I prefer most things to be predictable and easy. I think there’s still room for some excitement, though.” He winks.
It takes me a moment to understand his innuendo, and when I do, my eyes widen and I feel my face heat. “How… how about you? How are things going here in town? What exactly is it you’re doing again?”
He leans back in his seat and crosses his legs, resting his ankle on his opposite knee. “I won’t bore you with the details, but essentially I’m looking for somewhere to invest my money.”
I get the sense that whatever reason he’s here in town is private. I certainly don’t want to pry and have him thinking that I’m trying to figure out his financial situation.
