The kiss brought a halt to my bloodflow. Every vital organ in my body shut down completely. But, with the second kiss he planted right on my wrist, I was revived. Brought back to life. He had quickly become a defibrillator, restarting the same heart he’d stopped.
“After you–”
He released me, against my will. Just like my AirPod, I wanted to be his hostage. Disappointedly, I entered the cozy coffee shop accessorized with plants of all kinds. The gardener part of my heart leaped with glee.
A line started at the counter and ended just feet shy of the door we’d just walked in. I prepared for the wait, though I couldn’t recall a time in my life I’ve had to wait for service. It wasn’t in my nature.
My family didn’t allow it. For our safety and the safety of others. However, things were different now. As the idea of taking a place in line settled with me, I was pulled in the other direction.
The wooden floors beneath us remained silent as we trekked through the warm space. In addition to greenery, bringing life to the space, dark wood accented almost every corner. Large,beige signs with minimal words served as the menus, decor, and informative art. The letters were bold and black, adding a modern touch.
Matching cups were nestled between the fingers of patrons. Wooden tables with black legs and chairs were spread throughout. A seating area resembling a conversation pit was the star of the show. A few steps down allowed guests to gain access.
Inside the large rectangle was an oversize, custom sectional that was black in color as well. Low profile coffee tables, blankets, books, and board games covered the middle of the floor where the sectional ended.
Patrons parted, sure to clear our path. Our journey was uninterrupted. I observed the courtesy Sac was given without as much as a request for it leaving his lips.
People knew him. People loved him. People adored him. People were happy to be in his presence. People wanted their encounter to be a seamless one. People didn’t want to be remembered by him, they wanted to remember him. And, this moment.
At a brown table near the back of the building, we ended our stride. Sac’s long, sun-kissed arm extended to pull out my chair. I took the opportunity to sit. A yawn tore my mouth apart. I used my right hand to shield my face as my eyes watered and saliva pooled underneath my tongue.
“As much as I’d like to get you home to get some rest, I can’t fathom letting you out of my sight right now. Admittedly, I’m being selfish. However, if you insist, then I will get you to where you need to be.”
Right here is where I need to be, Sac.
I shook my head, placing my hand on my lap.
“I’ll be fine.”
“What are you having? Maybe coffee will help.”
“Matcha.”
“Not surprising.” He chuckled. “Any specifics?”
“Iced. Iced matcha caramel macchiato. Oat milk.”
“Iced matcha caramel macchiato made with oat milk?”
“Um hm.” I nodded.
“Say less.”
Without taking his seat, he disappeared through the onlookers, watching his every move.
He’s no ordinary guy, I concluded.
As the thought escaped me, my phone vibrated against my body.
Bzzzt.
Bzzzt.
I reached into my pocket and retrieved the device.
Bzzzt.
Bzzzt.
