Page 75 of A Coffee Away

Chapter 20: Hello Again

Robbie

Another day, another morning.

I glanced inside. Gaby, the barista who took my order every morning, wasn’t at the counter. I willed myself some courage, gripped my book, and pushed the door open.

His eyes met mine as the bell jingled.

“Morning.” He wiped his hand on his cream apron.

My heart somersaulted, but I swallowed and approached the counter. “Good morning.”

I could swear there was a flash of something in his eyes. A twitch in his eyebrows. I furrowed my brow, but then he smiled, and my soul melted.

“I’ll be right with you.” His baritone stirred something within me.

A sort of recognition. Attention. An indescribable urge to get closer. My skin rose in goosebumps as I closed my eyes for a moment. The feel of his whisper against my neck. Commanding. Caring. Unrelenting. Loving.

I shook my head. Was it a memory? Or a fantasy I created the first day I walked into this café? The moment I laid eyes on him, the pull was strong. So strong that I’d come back every day since.

His name was Esteban. Ever since I stole a glance at his name tag, that name had been circling my mind. There was something about it. About him. Something my soul recognized, but my mind didn’t.

His blue eyes settled on the drink he was preparing, his attention on the shape he created with the creamer.

I silently watched, letting the warm ambience of the café run through me like a balm. The soft jazz mixed with the rich aroma of coffee embraced my lost heart as I clutched my book.

He wiped his hands with a towel, then came toward me. “How can I help you?”

My voice caught in my throat, and I looked down.

He leaned in, tilting his head enough to meet my eyes. “Are you all right?”

I nodded. “A latte, please. The largest I can get.”

He grabbed the twelve-ounce cup and a Sharpie. “Any milk preference?”

I put my book on the counter and picked something random from the menu. “How about almond?”

His gaze lingered on the book for an instant before returning to me. “Are you sure?”

“I…I think so. You see, I’m trying stuff. I…” Why was I blurting my life to a total stranger? But there was something about him that stirred my need to tell my story or at least explain myself. “I don’t remember some things about myself.”

He put the cup down. “I’m sorry about that.” He reached toward my hand but stopped mere inches away.

I shook my head. “Don’t be.” I touched the back of my head, rubbing the protruding scar that was the lone reminder of the day I lost myself.

Esteban lifted the cup. “Name?”

“Roberto, Robbie for short.” Why the hell was I being so weird? God. I wiped my palms on my gray jeans before pulling out my phone to pay.

I sat at my usual table and gripped my restless leg as I waited for my coffee. My heart thundered as I opened my book to the same page.

I caught him staring at me, and something woke within me. It was like a light had turned on. Like I was no longer empty.

He gifted me with a ravishing smile. “It’s almost done.”

Butterflies fluttered inside me, and I smiled back.