To say that I was nervous was an epic understatement of the century. I was excited and scared at the same time. It was going in the direction that I wished this relationship would progress. That was what scared me as well.
Was it really ok to be attached to a person whom I have met only twice and exchanged less than 4 or 5 texts?
Probably not. But when did anything about me made sense? You would not doubt my sanity at this point as we have crossed the point too long ago when I wrote my number on his hand. Heck, it went out of the window when I first saw him on that side of the highway.
He was doing this because he was interested too, wasn't he? You wouldn't ask a person you are not interested in to hang out in a coffee shop, would you?
But he was new in town and he could use a friend. Again, you wouldn't call a friend 'baby' or ask them to write in your hand, right? If you would, we need to have some conversation.
It was a date. Ok, maybe not. I was feeding my own delusional thoughts and I was not stopping anytime soon.
Would he be nervous too? Nah. It's impossible. He might have had coffee with random people on a daily basis. I wouldn't know.
Actually, coming to think of it, I didn't know anything about him other than his name and the fact that he was new in town.
Heck, I didn't even confirm his eye color. How would I describe him later to an officer of law?
Not that I would need to. Right? "He was really hot" would not be that helpful.
People usually get to know each other during coffee. I might have been inexperienced but I have heard things.
Getting a coffee. Opening the door. Pulling up a chair for the other person. How difficult could it be?
I should just go with the flow. I believe everyone has their own strength and weakness. Mine was over-thinking. Strength or weakness, you ask? I would say both.
He just wanted to get coffee and I was already light-years ahead in my thoughts.
"Muffin for your thoughts?" Rose waved her hands in front of me.
"Isn't it penny for your thoughts?" I was confused.
"Penny is not much of a bribe. Here, have a muffin. And tell me what are you analyzing with that head of yours? Don't tell me it's about work, I know that look."
"Nothing. Does getting coffee count as a date?"
"Depends. If you are getting me one, it's not a date. Are you getting me one now? If yes, grab me a cookie too. Sorry I am getting side-tracked. So who is this mysterious person? I don't get to meet them? Oh my god! Did you get another friend?" Rose gasped dramatically.
"Slow down Rose. Breathe. It's just someone I met the other day. He is new in town and wanted my help".
"Wow. And you kept it as a secret? That's suspicious. Is he hot?"
"I just didn't think it was that significant". I tried to avoid the "heck yeah" for the "hot" part but left it out for the reasons you could obviously guess.
She didn't look convinced but her mobile saved me. Someone was calling her. "I have to go now. I want all the details after your date". She said with a wink and left me with my thoughts.
"Not a date". I don't know why I bothered replying. She went in a hurry. Her boyfriend was picking her up everyday.
When I came outside, Rose and a guy were standing near the exit. That might be Jake. I haven't met him officially yet.
Rose looked at me and waved me over. "Sorry, I forgot to introduce you. Jake, this is my best friend in the whole universe, Alex. Alex, this is Jake, my boyfriend".
Jake shook my hands. "How are you doing, man? Rose told me so much about you. It's nice to finally meet you".
He seemed nice enough. "Likewise. Thanks for driving Rose to work. I am finally able to get some peace".
Rose punched me playfully and said, "He is just cranky because we are making him late for his date. Bye, Alex. Go get 'em, tiger".
"It's not a date. Anyway, I have to go. Bye, Rose. Nice meeting you, Jake". It was time to leave for my not-a-date.
When I entered the CJs cafe, Dean was already sitting on a table near the window. So much for opening the door and pulling up the chair. Wait, I could still buy coffee for him.
He wore a button down blue shirt with jeans. He probably styled his hair to look effortlessly cool. Ugh. Why was I so interested in how he looked?
He saw me and shot me a curious smile. I sat down on the chair opposite to him. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I was talking to my friend for a minute".
I didn't know why I needed to excuse myself as it was 10 minutes before 5, which was our agreed time.
"Hey, don't apologize. I am the one who is early. I didn't know how bad would be the traffic so I arrived before time".
I nodded and took the menu and started scanning the pages.
He looked sheepish and said, "Actually I have ordered coffee for both of us. I was sitting here without ordering and waitress was staring at me. So I felt guilty and ordered coffee. If you aren't ok with it, feel free to order something else".
I was sure that was not why the waitress was staring. I stifled a laugh and said, "No worries. I like all kinds of coffee".
He looked releived. Was he really concerned about my choice of coffee? That was good to know.
The waitress came with our coffee and not-so-discreetly smiled at him and handed him a napkin with her number. He politely declined and she left with a pout.
"So, what would you usually do on a date?" He chose to ask this question right when I started sipping my coffee.
A/N: On retrospective, it's a cliche thing to write about a waitress hitting on your love interest but they don't pay attention.
But why didn't I delete/rewrite this chapter? Because of a thing called "own your flaws".
I love this story in spite of the cliches because this is my first and I spent a lot of time on this.
So, own up! YOU are lovable, flaws included.