Begin Again

Chapter XI. Mornings & Cafés

"I'm not late for once, so that's great." I say into the phone as I got out of my car. "You want coffee or something? I'm at the café right now."

"Mocha latté would be great, thank you." Tristan replied. "I'm going into the meeting now, I'll talk to you later."

I get in the cafe, pushing back my hair. "Alright, bye." I hang up and hurry behind the line before it gets longer.

I get a little jumpy as the line slowly moves, hearing names being called to get their orders and the chatter of the lucky individuals sitting at the tables and having breakfast like they have no responsibilities. I try focusing on this moment, but I couldn't as I kept thinking of the many things I had to do today.

Just as I was going through my agenda in my head, I reach the counter and I order Tristan's drink first and I stick with a hot chocolate since I'm about to be late. I stand by as the person behind me orders, and I hear a familiar voice. I glance up, just for a second, and it's enough for me to want to rush to the bathroom or anywhere else to just hide.

Okay, you need to stop.

I don't know why I try so hard to avoid Harry everytime I see him, I just do. Like it's a reflex. I face the wall on the other side as I notice him paying, almost seeing me. I busy myself with my phone, going through my email inbox. I can already tell this week is going to be busy and that alone distracts me from Harry who could possibly be behind me.

I hear my name being called up loudly, and I step closer to the counter, not really turning fully, but I wave the waiter over and I take the drinks and thank him, rushing out and dodging people as I stride to the glass door.

"Wait, Tay-"

I heard that loud and clear, but I was already outside at that point. I stopped at the side to not block the entrance, and was going to my car but I felt bad. I got no reason to act so childishly, I mean he didn't even do anything.

Well yeah, he did, but that was years ago now.

I looked back into the cafe through the glass, seeing him grabbing a cup only before rushing out too. I'm pretty sure that's iced tea but I'm not going to say anything. I take a deep breath when he notices me standing, and I let out a small polite smile.

He got another haircut, and I just noticed.

"Fancy seeing you here in the morning," he remarks, his left dimple appearing on his cheek.

"Good morning to you too," I chuckle.

"How are you? I keep seeing you around but you just disappear when I turn away for a second. " he bites his lip, refraining a wide smile from taking over.

Oh crap, he noticed.

"I'm always busy nowadays," I let out a laugh, finding that the only real excuse I could rely on. "In fact, I need to get to work right now." I raise the cups holder with the two drinks as an evidence.

"O-oh before you leave, when are you free?" He asks quickly as I was stepping away.

I think for a second, this isn't a good time to think if this is a good idea or not, I really need to get going right now. "I don't know, Saturday maybe?"

"I'll give you a call, I don't wanna hold you up any longer." He waves with a smile as he starts stepping the other side.

"See you later, Harry." I turn away and jog to where my car is parked at the far end of the parking line.

+++

"That's an amazing idea! Why didn't you tell me about it last summer? This would have been perfect for the theme."  I rush, still flipping through the catalogue of the designs.