Chapter Text
The coffee shop was bustling with people, but to me, it was like time had stopped. There she was.
Everyday, I sat at the same table, by myself, and just waited for her to come in and order the same thing. A salted caramel mocha, double shot, and whatever baked good she saw first. The barista would ask her name, and she’d give it, but the place was always too loud for me to hear what she called herself. She’d pay, take her things, and walk right out the door. The entire ordeal would last about five to seven minutes, depending on how busy it was, and she’d be gone.
And I would still be sitting there, by myself, sipping Earl Grey because it reminded me of home.
The first time I ever saw her, it was a cold, wet day that reminded me of London. I’d stumbled across a neighborhood café that I heard served an authentic Earl Grey and I decided that that day was a good day to try it out. My informant was right. The Earl Grey was close to what my father would have served me, but it wasn’t the tea that made me come back for more.
She’d come through those doors, a dark, exotic, beauty, who’s black hair was evenly plaited into two braids. She strutted in, all sorts of confidence, and batted those brown eyes at the barista. I’d never before wished to be another man, but in that moment, I would have given almost anything to have been him. When she walked out the door, she glanced at me briefly, and offered a sort of half smile before the doors closed and the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on disappeared into the grim weather of Boston in the fall. The next day, I came back at the same time, just to see her. She never failed me and was always there when I waited for her.
Today, I would talk to her. I braced myself. She strutted up to the counter and ordered. Salted caramel mocha, double shot, and a sugar cookie today. She stood there, while the barista made her order. I walked up to her.
“Hello.” My voice came out a croak, and I cleared my throat and tried again. “Hello.”
“I heard you the first time.” She looked amused.
“I apologized. I had something in my throat. I was sick, recently.”
The barista handed her the coffee, and she took it without looking away from me.
“Is that why you weren’t here last week?”
“You noticed?” I was astounded. She’d noticed me? Heat rose to my cheeks, and to my embarrassment, I found myself blushing.
“Uh, yeah. Tom,” she gestured toward the barista, “told me you’re always here at the same time I am.”
“Coincidence?” I offered.
“Don’t believe in it. I’m Kaniehti:io.”
I stared. “Kaneh what?”
“What? To complex for a lil’ Brit like you?” She teased me. Teasing was good. “Ziio. You can call me Ziio.”
“I’m Haytham.” I told her. “Haytham Kenway.”
“Well, Haytham Kenway. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. My break is almost over, so I have to get back to work.”
I wasn’t ready for her to leave me yet. I’d only just met her.
“I suppose I’ll just be here then.”
“Damn right.” She winked and waltzed right out of those doors.