“No, your father didn’t threaten me. This was all on me.”
Bianca gave me a shocked look.
“I guess miracles happen,” she said, smiling softly. “Oh, this place is adorable.”
I smiled, taking a deep breath, absorbing the scent of coffee and cinnamon. I’d found this coffee shop when I’d gone out for a run shortly after moving here. I’d quickly fallen in love with the mismatched furniture and the exposed brick wall, giving the place a vintage look that I loved. I looked up at the chalkboard menu, squinting to read the script font while a woman in front of us placed her order.
I looked over at Bianca as she scanned the menu, her lips moving slightly as she read. I’d noticed that when she was concentrating on something, she’d move her lips slightly and then bite her bottom lip.
“What is good here?” she asked, still studying the board.
“Depends. I know you like coffee, but do you like specialty coffees or just plain black?”
“I love all coffee, but normally only drink specialty coffee as a treat.”
“Okay, then skip anything that has over three adjectives in the name. The Americano is solid, and if you like cold brew, this place has one of the best. The seasonal drinks are all like a dessert in a cup, but if that is what you’re in the mood for, then go for one of those.”
She looked back at the board, once again chewing on her bottom lip.
“What do you get?” she questioned.
“What I normally have at home. Black coffee, medium roast. What can I say? I’m boring.” I winked.
“Nah, you’re practical. There is a difference.”
When it was our turn at the counter, a young girl who couldn’t have been more than seventeen smiled.
“What can I get you folks?”
“Go ahead.” I nodded to Bianca.
“Medium Americano and a blueberry muffin, please.”
The girl behind the counter nodded and then turned to me.
“Large black coffee, medium roast,” I added.
“Anything to eat?”
“No, thanks.”
“Will that be together or separate?”
Immediately, I reached for my wallet. “Together, I invited her so…”
“Oh no. I can pay for my order,” Bianca said, opening the zipper on her clutch, pulling out a twenty.
“I know you can, but since I am trying to be less of a dick, let me do this.”
Bianca hesitated for a moment and then nodded. “Okay, but I am getting the next one.”
“Deal.”
I handed over my credit card, feeling somewhat shocked that she’d implied there would be a next coffee date.
I waited for the coffees while Bianca grabbed us a table over by the window, and once they were ready, I carried everything over on a tray, sliding it onto the table. Immediately, Bianca reached for her coffee, holding the cup between her hands, warming them.
I realized now as we sat here that I sucked at small talk and I did not know how to continue. She looked at me and shyly smiled.
