The afternoon dragged on at the coffee shop, filled with tidying up and organizing just to keep from feeling as though I were frozen in place.
“Good afternoon, Luna,” a familiar voice chimed as the door swung open.I turned to see Andrea entering, his face lit up with a grin.
“Hey there!The usual?”I asked, returning his smile.He nodded in response, as he often did, coming by every afternoon for either a quick coffee fix or a longer chat.
“How's school treating you?”he inquired while I prepared his coffee.
“Pretty good,” I replied, focusing on the brewing.
“And your boyfriend?”he added with a cheeky grin, setting me up for a moment of hesitation.I knew my mom had been chatting about Zane with her friends.
“He's doing well, too,” I answered, my cheeks warming slightly.
“You know what I'm about to do?”he teased, a mischievous glint in his eye.
“Please don't,” I replied, rolling my eyes in annoyance.
“I can't help it!I'm going to keep asking until you say yes,” Andrea declared with determination.
“Alright, let's plan a photoshoot, but not right now.Maybe late April or May?”I finally relented.After so many requests, I started to think it could be fun to have some professional photos taken—perhaps one to give to Zane, all done up with my hair and makeup looking nice.Andrea erupted into a little dance of joy, making me laugh.
“Okay, okay, but stop!I could still change my mind,” I chuckled.He immediately complied, and I couldn't help but smile more.After a few minutes, he had to leave for a client.
Once my shift wrapped up, I told my parents I'd walk home.I strolled by, and Elias emerged from his store.
“Hey!Long time no see.What's new?”he exclaimed, pulling me into a warm hug.
“Hey!You're closing late today,” I remarked, surprised as he stepped back.
“Actually, I closed about an hour ago, but I forgot something,” he replied, revealing a pink box tied with a white ribbon.Noticing my curious expression, he added, “It's for my girlfriend—her birthday.”
“Happy birthday to her!”I said with a smile.“I won't keep you then.I'll see you around… or more specifically, at your store,” I joked, ready to walk away.
“Wait, do you need a ride?”Elias offered.
“No, I'm good.I enjoy walking,” I declined politely.
“Come on, it's just a five-minute drive,” he insisted, knowing my address since everyone in town was familiar with one another.
“Really, there's no need,” I tried to refuse, though I wouldn't mind the ride.Elias stepped closer and took my hand, gently guiding me along.His touch was warm and comforting, and I found myself not resisting.
His car was parked right outside his shop, and he opened the door for me before getting in on the driver's side.I settled into the seat and closed the door.
“You know, if you're going to open the door for a lady, you should wait for her to get in and then close it,” I said playfully.He always brought out my sarcasm.
“Oh, I'm sorry, your highness.I didn't realize we had a princess in town!What's your majesty doing mingling with commoners?”He bowed mockingly.I playfully punched his arm, and we both laughed.
Unfortunately, the drive was short, and we soon had to part ways.I thanked him and hopped out of the car, eager not to hold him up for the romantic dinner he mentioned planning for his girlfriend.
Once I entered the house, my mom was at the window, watching me.
“Who was that?”she asked as I stepped inside.I paused for a moment.
“You know Elias, the guy from the stationery store?”
“Oh, right.I know him.I didn't realize you two were friends,” she said, curiosity piqued.
“It's a small town; everyone knows each other,” I replied, heading upstairs.
