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A Latte Love
Introduction
A coffee shop romance.
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Chapter 1
Carrie came to the coffee shop everyday just to see him. All she knew was that he had come to America from Israel, and that he spoke very little English. He looked to be in his early thirties, like her, and seemed to enjoy his job.
She watched as he worked diligently, wiping off tables, taking time to make sure everyone's coffee was filled, to smile and say one of the only English words she'd ever heard him say, "Hello," to the patrons. She thought she might be crazy, thinking that he took a little extra time at her table each day, but a girl could dream.
Today, he brought her a vanilla latte, her regular. She paid him with cash, touching his palm with her fingertips as she looked up at him. He let his gaze linger as he walked away, almost colliding with an older gentleman who was walking toward the exit. She cheered inwardly, hoping she'd been the cause of his clumsiness.
She couldn't explain why, but she felt drawn to Amal, almost as if she needed him. That was crazy, though, she told herself, since she hadn't even been able to hold a conversation with him. Still, she couldn't shake it. She often dreamt of him, of holding hands and walking along the beach. It was cliché, she knew, but she couldn't help herself. When she stared into his espresso colored eyes, she prayed that he felt the same unexplainable pull.
*****
Amal could count on her to be here everyday. She was his vanilla latte girl. He had trouble focusing when she was in the shop. Her bright blue eyes captivated him, and the way she smiled to herself when she thought no one was looking drove him mad. He could only hope that he caused that smile.
He was mortified after bumping into his caramel cappuccino man. Thinking that she must have realized that it happened because he'd been staring at her, he dared to glance back after the incident. She raised her hand and moved her fingers in a small wave. He looked behind him to see who the recipient might be, but realized it was meant for him. He returned the gesture. After serving the remainder of his customers, he approached her table.
"Refill?" he asked, his accent thick.
"Sure," she said, meeting his gaze. Neither broke the stare until she was jumping out of her seat as the hot liquid overflowed from her cup, onto the table, and into her lap.
"So sorry," he said, reaching for the napkins on the table to help with the spill.
"It's okay," she said, taking his napkin-filled hands into her own. "O-K," she whispered.
Their eyes locked, and instinctively he pulled her closer. He forgot where he was as she leaned toward him. He closed his eyes as her lips rested on his for a split second. When he opened his eyes, she simply said, "Tomorrow," and left the shop. He couldn't wait.
~