Page 12 of Gary
“I am so sorry.”
He nodded. “Is there any chance of getting a second cup?”
Her eyes glimmered. “What do you think?” She rose gracefully and glided over to take the empties away.
“Same?”
“How about a plain black coffee this time?”
Her laughter tinkled out as she went behind the counter. “I had you pegged from the moment I saw you.” Walking over to the coffee pot, she selected a cup and poured it in.
“How?”
“A black coffee kind of guy. Why didn’t you order it in the first place?”
He sent her a sheepish smile. Pushing back his chair, he moved towards the counter to take the beverage.
“I did not want to disappoint you.”
She gave him a curious look. “How would you do that? Cupcake?”
“Pardon?” He felt a jolt and for a second he had no idea what she was talking about.
“Another cupcake?”
“Oh. Yes, how about the pumpkin one this time?”
“How would you disappoint me?” She handed him the muffin on another plate.
“You sounded so enthusiastic about me trying the beverage.”
“You did not like it.”
“I tolerated it. I suppose I would have to get used to it. By the way, my name is Gary Russo.”
“Mine is Sadie Ellicott.”
“Very nice to meet you,” He stood there staring at her for a few seconds before turning away and going back to his seat. He could look at her all day long and wanted to ask her out.
“Here’s your card.”
He had been so absorbed in his thoughts; he had not heard her come from around the counter.
“Thank you. I like the name, Sadie.”
“Thanks.” She smiled at him, and he felt the warmth deep inside his chest.
He was about to say something, when the bell tinkled, indicating that customers were coming in. The frustration at being interrupted had to be forcefully tamped down.
Sipping the coffee slowly, he watched as she charmed the two men who came in and glowered as they openly flirted with her. He wanted to smash the younger guy’s face, for touching her hand.
His frustration mounted when the shop started filling up with more customers and he realized that his coffee was finished and so was his muffin. And he was taking up space that was needed for other patrons. Besides, two women had taken the other table and made themselves comfortable.
One had even grabbed a book from the shelf and was already buried in the pages. The intimacy was finished. He would not get a chance to speak with her again. Pushing back his chair, he took the plate with him to the counter and handed it to her.
“Thanks.” Giving him a distracted smile, she continued to tally up the sale. He lingered for a minute, but then more people started coming and he had no choice but to leave. Grabbing a business card from the holder, he waved goodbye and strolled out. It was the most difficult thing he had ever had to do.
Getting into his vehicle, he sat behind the wheel and stared at the simple white card with the name of the shop and the numbers. None of which was her personal phone number, he had no doubt. Should he wait until the place was free? The shop was open until late, he could come back.