The Road to Us

t the caffeine craving she had, but the thought of seeing Max again, that familiar flutter in her

d the air filled with the comforting scent of roasted beans. She spotted the same corner Max had been sitting at yesterday

sign

o him being on a tight schedule or simply not showing up. After

h, gave her a friendly smile as

lost in her own thou

led out her phone, distracted by a couple of work emails that were already

ou really need to stop

t voice-she'd k

d flip when she saw Max standing behind her, holding a

a bit flustered. Was he here to make fun of h

ell, I'd say I'm the one who wasn't expecting you. I t

place is... familiar." She motioned around the coffee shop, trying to seem nonchala

Well, since we seem to have bumped into each oth

"A tradition?" she asked, her voice a

g notebooks." Max's smile grew wider. "We could start

eady for that much commitment." She raised her coffe

kling with amusement. "You

regarded each other. Emma could feel herself getting lost in his gaze, trying to figur

king the silence. "Y

ed. "Isn't that the whole point of this 'tradition' you're propo

ing slightly. "I see. Well, I'll try

. "I'm starting to think you might

and she bit her lip to hide a smile

ks, their jobs, and what they liked to do in their free time. But despite the casual flow of their words, Emma cou

do after this?" she ask

g hers. "Well, I could tell

ith work?" Emma int

hed. "E

jingled as a group of people entered. Max glanced

all sigh, clearly not wanting to leave just

s. "Same time. And this time, I promise

old you to that. See

e hustle of the coffee shop, leaving Emma standing th