Two could play this game. “Well, I’m not sure it could even trump what I just saw.”
Nate was already nodding. “I suppose you’re right. Maybe hot chocolate wasn’t a good idea.”
Maddy stilled and she knew that if she were a dog, her ears would have perked up.
“Hot chocolate? You wanted to get hot chocolate?”
“Yes, but if there’s no need for that anymore,” he let his sentence trail off.
“There is! I am so cold, practically freezing. Look, my fingers are turning blue.” She all but shoved her hand in his face, showing her rosy fingers that in no way were turning blue.
Nate’s smirk softened into a more genuine smile.
“Madison?”
“Hm?”
“How does a hot chocolate sound?”
“It sounds heavenly.” Maddy couldn’t help but beam.
Nate nodded and led the way, his hands in his pockets. “Let’s go then.”
Maddy followed right next to him, pinching and holding on to the bottom edge of his hoodie with her fingers. Just to keep up with his long strides more easily, she told herself.
If Nate noticed, he didn’t show it.
nine
Nate took them to a small cafe in their neighborhood that she remembered from her childhood. It was easy to get there, so they decided to walk, even though Nate could have driven them.
A light drizzle had started but Maddy found that she didn’t really mind. If anything, the subtle raindrops made everything around her sparkle, the colors of fall slowly receding, the beginnings of winter setting in. She felt the wet breeze on her face, stray drops landing on her glasses making her surroundings slightly blurry. Everything but the strong presence at her side.
They reached the cafe just as the rain was starting to get a bit heavier.
It was warm inside, a delightful heat suffusing her body.
Maddy was met with the familiar images of the local coffee shop. Cute, round tables were strewn everywhere, many of them already occupied. Large windows provided the perfect view out on the street and the passers-by running to find shelter from the rain.
Hues of burnt orange, auburn and mahogany created the perfect autumn atmosphere, while the accompanying aromas of strong coffee blends, the sweetness of chocolate, and the spiciness of cinnamon filled Maddy with a sense of warmth she only ever associated with home.
She inhaled greedily, feeling a smile forming on her lips. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed this.
Nate was already scanning the place. They moved towards an empty table in the shop’s corner with comfortable-looking chairs. Taking a closer look, Maddy frowned at their seating choice.
“I don’t think you’re going to fit,” she said and promptly realized how that might have sounded.
Throwing a sideways look at Nate, she hoped her comment hadn’t been misinterpreted.
Nate’s sly smirk proved her prayers would go unanswered.
“I’m sure between the two of us we’ll figure something out,” he replied helpfully.
She coughed. “Good to hear.”
They made themselves comfortable, shedding their coats and jackets to let them dry. Maddy took the seat opposite the big window loving the rain-soaked scenery outside, and Nate sat opposite her, his long legs sprawled in front of him, almost entangling in the legs of her own chair.
See?
