Stop thinking about that!
This is the third time I have said that to myself, but I could NOT stop thinking about what happened.
I CAN'T believe I called him Jack. UGH. I want to find a hole to hide in for the rest of my life!
I couldn't sleep the entire night. It was my day off today. I texted Marlene, holding her fully responsible for what happened, and asked her to do the damage control, a.k.a hang out with me till I recovered.
"Yep! Damage control accepted! Wanna go grab a coffee?" Marlene texted back.
Caffeine!That is exactly what I need to erase the embarrassment.
I texted a quick OK and moved to my closet to get ready.I picked out a comfortable pair of jeans and an oversized hoodie. I tied my hair up in a bun and checked my reflection one last time before leaving.
I met Marlene near the bus stand.She had her platinum blonde hair tied up in a ponytail, her makeup light but perfect for her features. Her blue denim jacket matched her eyes, making them look even brighter.
"Looking cute, Marl!" I complimented her, hugging her.
"You too, love," she said cheerily.
"I found this cute new place. Let's go there today!" She said, dragging me along, way too excited for some reason.
We soon found ourselves in front of a cozy little coffee shop, sandwiched between a florist and a bakery. I pushed the door open to be greeted with the smell of roasted coffee beans and buttery croissants.
The lighting was dim, it was low-key romantic. We moved to the table near the window and plopped ourselves there. Soon, the rain droplets started to patter down the windowsill.
"Your usual love?" Marlene asked, and I nodded as she got up to order.
She came back in a couple of minutes with a smug smirk on her face. Something is VERY wrong here. I looked around to see what the deal was.
OH NO!
My brain short-circuited when my eyes reached the counter. There he was, Mr. Leather Jacket, not in his Jacket but a black apron, white shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbow, wiping a porcelain coffee cup gently, with utmost concentration.
It was kinda cute! NO! I came here to recover. I whipped my head to look at Marlene, She turned her head to avoid eye contact at all costs.
She knew! This is NOT damage control!
I couldn't NOT look at him again, so I opened my laptop to get some of my assignments done. I typed three words, and my eyes automatically went to the counter.
"Trying to focus, love?" Marlene asked with a teasing grin.
"Yeah, all thanks to someone," I bit back quietly, making Marlene laugh.
"Stalking me, love?" I looked up lightning speed, to see him standing with two cups of coffee, his signature smirk plastered on his face.
"Uh.. NO!" I fumbled with my words. Not again!
"No name tag, huh?" Marlene chimed in, for once, saving me from awkwardness.
"Nah, it's not mandatory," he replied with a shrug.
"Although I might throw in a free refill if you guess it right," he said, meeting my eyes. He remembers!
Can I move to a different country?
I hid myself behind my laptop.
"Come on, love, guess!" Marlene prodded me. While Jack, NO, not Jack, Jacket guy, looked at our exchange with amusement.
I thought for a while, I should say something witty and put an end to all the embarrassment!
"Leofred!" I blurted out. What the hell? Is that even a name? Where did that come from!?
Marlene was trying so hard not to laugh, while Jack completely lost it and started laughing like no tomorrow. That influenced Marlene to start laughing as well.
I hid myself more, praying for the laptop to suck me in.
He does look cute laughing, though. NO! Stop thinking, you just said something stupid!
"Leofred, huh? Do I look like royalty love?" he asked, holding his forehead, trying to control his laughter.
"Yeah, Leofred, King of Lattes," Marlene added, still laughing.
"You know what? I am having too much fun. If you guess it right, I will throw in a croissant as well!" he added, continuing the stupid challenge.
The sane part of me told me to quit, but free food pulled me back in.
"Julius," the words left my mouth involuntarily. I stared blankly at the wall. NO, This is not my fault!
"Nope," he said, trying to control his smile.
"It's not a history lesson, love," Marlene teased.
I know! I should try the trendy, stylish ones!
"Aurelian," I said. This time, a bit proud. At least I am good with names.
"A bit shorter, love," he replied. Looking more amused every passing minute.
"Bob," I said, finally giving up. I can no longer do this.
Marlene let out a snort, almost spitting her coffee.
"Now I am lowkey offended," he added, placing his hand on his chest, letting out a fake gasp.
He walked away as someone walked to the counter to order. I kept looking at his retreating figure.
"So, I am the maid of honor, right?" and that pulled me back to reality.
I gave Marlene a warning look.
We sat there for a while doing our coursework. I kept sneaking glances at him after every two words I typed. My delusional brain told me he was glancing my way as well. The rain finally stopped, and we were ready to leave.
Marlene's phone rang, she pointed to the door, signaling she would be waiting outside while I packed my stuff.
I stuffed my laptop and notes back into my backpack, I sensed a presence near me. I turned to see it was HIM.
"Leaving already, love?" he asked with a smile, taking the empty coffee cups from our table.
"Yeah, the rain stopped," I replied, fiddling with the sleeves of my hoodie.
He leaned a little closer, lowered his voice, and said,
"It starts with R, by the way, just giving you a head start for next time." With that, he straightened his back, walked for a bit, turned back, gave me a mischievous smile, and left.
I swear I need therapy after this.And he knows it too!
An involuntary smile spread across my face.I could already feel the sleepless nights brewing.