Chapter Text
It was a new beginning, a new life, and a brand-new city, completely foreign to her eyes. But it was what she needed after years spent thinking about what to do, years that took everything away from her, that had led her to run away from everything she was once familiar with.
This place had always been her happy place in her dreams, so when the opportunity presented itself she took it without thinking twice.
But a new life alone and a new job to support herself also meant new responsibilities...
And there she was, waking up early, ready to face another day. She was confident enough to be able to give her best even today, even if she wasn’t fully awake yet. After all, getting up early was never her forte, but things change...for better or for worse.
For this reason, she had also found the solution for this small problem.
A small and cozy cafe right on the way to work. There, they were able to make a superb coffee ), the perfect balance between sweet and bitter, and where the friendly environment reminded her of home in some way
After quickly getting dressed, and almost forgetting the latest project she spent all night on that needed approval that morning , she left the house . Next stop: Martìn cafè.
Oh good hell... it's snowing too now? - she murmured as soon as she found herself on the street, seeing everything covered in white around her.
It was not unusual to snow so much overnight during the month of December, but right now it was something she didn't need at all. She was already in a hurry, and slowing down her pace to be more careful trying not to slip was definitely a problem . S o when she finally entered the cafe , she stopped right at the door to warm up and remove the little bit of snow that had gotten on her.
She really wanted to stay, maybe to sit down and stare outside at the falling flakes. But thanks to this snowy surprise, she was already late.
"One medium black coffee on the go with two sugar, please," she said, ordering without even looking as she reached into her bag for her wallet .
"Would you like something to eat with it?" the man behind the counter asked, as he was quickly taking the order.
"No..." she was about to answer but the words died in her mouth as soon as she lifted her head.
She knew everyone who worked in that place, but not the man who was standing in front of her now. She had never seen him, tall and broad, with very short hair, a beard, and arms full of tattoos; he looked like someone you might easily find in a pub or riding a motorcycle, but instead... he was there, smiling, with a ridiculous apron on and a t-shirt that was definitely a size down.
"Ma'am...?" the same man asked again, concerned...
Damn it, why am I staring at him now?
" Sorry ...I'm still a little tired, I haven't been sleeping well lately," she replied awkwardly, hoping that he hadn't noticed anything.
Why am I even telling him that...
"So, nothing to eat then..." the man inquired once again.
"No, not this time, thank you" she replied while paying, smiling at him as she felt her cheeks blush a little...
"Alright, your order is coming right away..." he told her and winked at her before going over to the coffee machine to prepare it.
"Thank you," she added, nearly whispering, as she sat down on a stool nearby to wait.
Now that she was taking a better look at him, she had never seen him there at all... she would have certainly remembered someone so handsome and…
Do you really think you have time for that? Last time, it was a complete disaster
But a girl can dream, right?
Save yourself the trouble…forget it
Well, thanks ... very encouraging.
The last time she had been with someone, it was really a mess. So much that she almost lost part of her sanity... now it was definitely not the time: she had already set her limits and her priorities. Men, even good-looking ones were not among them.
He's too much for you anyway
Thank you brain, what a way to cheer me up.
She was deep in her thoughts when someone cleared his throat.
She blinked slightly and looked up…
Oh..damn he's even prettier up close
Shut up!
"Here you go, medium black coffee with two sugar" he announced with a smile so bright and genuine that she felt her cheeks turning red again.
"T-thank you...." she barely stuttered out, when her phone buzzed.
"Shit... I have to run" she exclaimed all of a sudden as she stood up and rushed towards the door "...thank you" she added, turning around one last time before leaving.
"My pleasure, have a good day..." the man replied with a wink as he was still leaning against the counter.
She was definitely late now and whether it was snowing or not, she had to run. But to her delight, once outside, she saw that the sidewalk was mostly empty and the remaining flakes were melting away.
As she started to drink the first sip of coffee, she looked down at her cup to see that there was something, some kind of writing...
Weird, usually they don't do that
Looking closely, she almost dropped its entire content on the ground. It seemed that the new employee had been very clever and thoughtful, as he had left a very unexpected but highly appreciated message, written in a nice handwriting.
- next time you’re in, name's Paz -
Good-looking and smart, that was a very dangerous combination, but maybe, she could give it a try. Flirting costs nothing and could be fun if done the proper way.