The Road to Us

ing around her like a cozy blanket. The place was bustling, as always-regulars chatting in line

ragging, her deadlines piling up faster than she could tackle them. She tugged at t

ting. Coffee. The rich, dark liquid was her antidote t

ing it jerking forward. Before she could stop it, her favorite notebook-filled

p on the table. The notebook slipped from its spot, sliding right into his fresh latte, splashing it across his

a gasped, rushing to retrieve t

. There was a long pause. She stood there, heart po

occurrence. "It's fine," he said, his voice su

, really, let me buy you a new one! I'm so clumsy." She

I'm used to it. My shirt's probably been a little too prist

"You're used to people

chuckle. "But I've had my shar

she could say, but nothing felt right. Instead, she just smiled nervously

he barista making another batch of lattes. "You kn

whole thing. His calm demeanor was the opposite of her usual frantic energy. She wanted to say someth

ing to break the silence. "I'm... usua

rner of his lips. "I don't know. It seems l

but genuine. "Well, if nothin

starting to think that coffee shops might not be the best place for yo

and this one's always the best," she

for their drinks, Emma felt a warmth creeping into her chest. Ther

grabbed his coffee. "I'll be here tomorrow

an unexpected flutter. "I'll

r wallet was still on the table. She groaned internally and headed bac

ticed him watching her with tha

ing," he said with

g things," she muttered, grab

in, she caught Max's eyes

tomorro

d a beat. She had a feeling this wasn't the last tim