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She can say what she wants, but I think Liz, the barista at the coffee shop, should count as making friends. We address each other by our first names. I did have to give her my name for my orders, and I have been there almost every day for the last couple weeks. And her name is on her name tag, she didn’t technically share that information.
Still counts.
Two
LUCY
Thankfully the nextday delivers clear skies to accompany my optimistic walk down the street to the Regency Roast Coffee Shop. This is my go-to coffee place, not only because of its proximity to my apartment but also because of its name.
My love for Jane Austen was a heavy contributor when selecting my new home for the international move. I spent years of my life dreaming of the English countryside she would write about in her books. Sure, I’ve watched the movies based on her books, but I knew I needed to experience these locations for myself. Now, I just have to get myself out to the countryside to see those views with my own eyesand pretend I am a heroine in one of her stories while I’m there.
With my e-reader tucked safely in my bag, I spot an empty table in front of the shop that I plan to occupy after I get my order. These outdoor tables fill up quickly, but tonight, it appears I may be in luck.
The large wooden framed door takes some effort topull open, but it’s worth it for the delicious coffee aroma that waits behind it. The cozy café is decorated with neutral colors and art to complement the dark wooden benches lining the walls with small tables and chairs on their opposite sides. The middle of the shop is occupied with four-person square tables with the exception of one large table that sits about eight. Tonight’s crowd clearly prefers the indoor seating.
Checking the counter, it appears Liz must have the day off. I order a cold brew coffee with light cream from a young man whose name tag I purposely ignore. He puts a little too much cream in, but I’ll survive. Not everyone can have Liz’s skills. Luckily the small table outside is still open, I quickly settle in with my coffee and my e-reader. This is what I consider a perfect night out on the town.
My mom’s advice rings in my head—“Look friendly!”
How can I look friendly?
I recall a conversation that I had with Ellie.
“You have to work on your resting bitch face. It frightens people away.”
“I don’t mean to. I can’t very well sit here constantly smiling either, Ellie. I would look creepy!”
“No, don’t smile. Just pretend you’re in a photo shoot, getting your picture taken. How would you school your face for that?”
I can always rely on Ellie for good advice.
Baby steps, I’m out of the apartment, that’s enough for today. I open the e-reader to the last super spicy novella from one of my favorite romance authors.
The roar of laughter from the group of twenty-something friends coming out of the coffee shop catches my attention. Making eye contact with one of them, Ishare a small smile and go back to my book as they take seats at the table next to me.
Throughout the next half hour, their lively conversation continues. Enjoying my book, I don’t pay much attention to the topics of their discussion. That is until one of the men in the group leans back in his chair toward my table. I look up and he introduces himself.
“Hi! I’m Oliver Brooks.”
Look at that! Am I making a friend?My mom will be so thrilled. As I sit there getting excited over the potential of making a new friend, I remember he’s waiting for a response.
“Hello, Oliver. I’m Lucy Taylor.”
Be friendly, be friendly. Don’t blow this. They must realize I’m in my thirties. If these super cool twenty-somethings want to be your friend, do not miss this opportunity!
“Nice to meet you, Lucy.” He turns toward his friends to introduce them as well. “This is my brother, Finn.” Finn waves—the similarities in their features are obvious—both handsome British men. Although there are differences, Oliver has dark brown hair that has a bit of a wave at the top. Finn’s hair has more red tones mixed in with the brown. Their striking smiles shine back at me.
For anyone who wants to be surrounded by British men with their good looks and flirty accents, I highly recommend moving to England.
“This is my stunning girlfriend, Hannah.” The beautiful young woman next to him lifts her hand to wave and calls, “Hello, Lucy!” Her natural beauty glistens despite the cloudy evening while long dark braids cascade over her shoulders.
Oliver continues pointing to the remaining woman with breathtakingly red hair, “And this is Mia, Finn’s girlfriend.”
Mia gives a brief nod before saying, “Hi there!” It’s difficult to tell any of their heights, but Mia is more petite than the rest. She reminds me of one of those young, hip influencers who knows exactly how to do thier makeup and wears all the latest trends.
Two couples. So not necessarily a friend group, but rather a double date with two brothers and their partners.
Oliver turns his attention back to me. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but my friends and I need your assistance. You see, when we come here and sit for hours, we sometimes like to make a game out of different things. We noticed you are reading and we each guessed as to what it could be. The losers have to buy coffee for the person who guesses the closest to your book’s genre.”
