The Coffee Date (2): Drinks on me!

“Where are you?” Arn typed the question with as much excitement as he waited for the reply.

“Office, how?”

“Let’s grab some coffee. Any place nearby your place will be fine,”

“Are you here? Where do you stay?” Flo asked him. He didn’t say anything earlier about being in town, so it was quite surprised her.

“I’ll send you the location,” he said.

.

Arn checked the map on his phone to make sure he was heading to the right place. It was 6.30, the sky got darker, and it seemed about to rain. He opened the door, breathed the air full of coffee, and directly stood in line.

“I’m here already. Would you want americano, latte, or cappuccino?” Arn texted her.

“I’ll order it myself; I’ll be there in 10,”

“Okay, safe ride,” he replied as the line moved closer. “Drinks on me! It’s my birthday,”

“Gosh, my bad. Happy birthday!” She didn’t answer the question.

“So, what is it?”

“Latte, it is,” she replied just in time.

.

Flo opened the door and immediately saw Arn’s back sitting nearby the window. Black shirt, as always. She walked towards him, passed through the strangers in the café that evening.

“Hey! Sorry for running late,” she said.

“It’s okay,” he smiled as he was looking at her. “I’ve ordered you a latte. Guess the flavor!”

Flo thanked him and sipped in the familiar flavor. It warmed her. “Hazelnut, no doubt,”

“No doubt,” he smiled again.

“You didn’t hesitate, did you?” she laughed. “Ah, I’ve got you something,”

She grabbed something inside her bag and pulled out a medium-sized white box. “It’s nothing fancy, but we happen to have cake at the office, so I brought you some. I hope you don’t mind having a left-over piece of cake for your birthday?”

Arn laughed as he looked at her opening the box. Chocolate. “It’s okay, thank you,”

.

Time flew. The freezing wind brought along a heavy rain as the street got crowder. Flo knew the café was full of people, she could hear the song played, and people chattered, but she could only listen to the voice from the person who sat right in front of her. The cup in her hand was no longer warm, but she felt the warmth.

“You didn’t tell anyone else that you’re here?” she asked.

“Not really, I’d tell them if I want to,”

“I see. So, you are here, in the faraway city, running some errands and celebrating a full of contemplation kind of birthday, I guess?”

Arn smiled, nodded to her question, “This is just how I want to spend it,”

He hoped the light was not that bright on his side.

---

The city light shone just like the other days.

It was the warm caramel light, with the hints of bright blue and green,

And the scattered red dots coming from the vehicles rushing home, or anywhere

I recalled the wind blew through my fingers as I crossed the street

Everybody seemed to be in a rush while the time was going slower in my sight

I recalled the crowd, the smell, and the sudden rush to find somebody

I found him in no time; facing back, reading something on his phone

I recalled the laughter, the warmth, the pouring rain that held us to stay longer.

Tell me how the slight happiness could be so deafening that I couldn't remember any of our conversations, yet I remember that I didn't wanna leave.

But I had to. I have to.