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There’s a cheerfully drawn polar bear holding a steaming cup of coffee on the fold out chalkboard outside. Surrounded by red, white and gold baubles, mistletoe and snowflakes.
Nicky had been staring at it for the last ten minutes. He knows because the last time he checked his phone, it was only ten o’clock. He worked his jaw, teeth biting into his lip out of an anxious habit.
"Try our "ICED" Hot Chocolate today!"
Nicky isn't proud of how long he lingered on that line. He assumed it was because of the mascot and the smaller polar bear sitting on the rim of the mug. He weighed his options, pulling out his phone once again. It rang, suddenly. He jumped, startling a woman leaving the café. He tucked himself against the corner and swiped to answer.
"You're still outside, aren't you?" Nile teased, ever perceptive.
"No, I was just about to go in when you called. Where are you anyway?"
Laughter that sounded much too close and seemed to echo was his only answer. A hand landed on his shoulder, his head jerking back to glimpse his best friend. He scowled at her amusement.
"Come on." She urged.
Nicky was then deftly swept from the cold into the bright, cozy café. There was a queue ahead of them, so they simply joined it as Nicky took in the bright lighting and decorative atmosphere. Tables were spread out despite the noticeably smaller interior, each one decorated with tinsel with small lights and baubles.
“Ah Nile, Nicky! My favorite customers! Please, please come forward.” A handsome barista with riotous curls, warm brown eyes and a closely trimmed beard greeted them. A second barista covered the queue.
Nile quickly grabbed Nicky by the arm and pulled him forward, nearly launching him into the bar before them. The man practically beamed at the sight of Nicky. “I have just the thing, wait here.” He spoke quickly and left them just as fast. He grabbed two mugs and the machines fired up as the pair waited by the pick up station. He returned moments later with two striped mugs with what appeared to be hot chocolate and a marshmallow polar bear in each surrounded by smaller more colorful marshmallows. “Two specials. On the house.”
“Oh Joe, you flatter us with your generosity. We couldn’t possibly accept this.” Nile tried to wave off, hiding a smirk that she shared with Joe. Nicky bit his lip, accepting the mug and taking a small, careful sip. It was sweet, but not overly so. He hummed, a small smile forming as muttered a small thanks. His eyes met Joe’s, who winked in response. He dropped his gaze and felt his cheeks heat up. He returns to the customers as they choose a table. Nicky then noticed a post-it attached to his cup. Turning the mug, he found a phone number with a heart. His lips thinned and he felt himself blush again.
He had been set up.
Call me