Chapter 6: A Cup of Coffee

The shop smelled of cardboard and coffee beans – an interesting, but relaxing smell. As I walked in the glass wood-framed door, a small bell chimed. A tall Native American man stood at the register, following me as I walked in.

"Hello, what can I get for you?" He smiled to me.

"Just looking around." I responded cheerfully with a smile.

That was a lie. I might as well ask.

"Actually," I started back up, walking up to the counter cover with dream-catchers and old leather books, "I'm looking for someone."

"Someone? Who are you looking for?" The man asked.

"Jacob? I think he's working today." I said.

"Ah, are you a friend of his?"

"You could say that." I smiled.

"He should be in one of those aisles back there, stocking up." He said, pointing at the wooden selves at the back part of the store.

"Thank you, sir." I smiled, "Also, could I get a medium coffee please?"

"Sure. That'll be $2.55." He said, pouring some coffee into the yellow stylized paper cup.

"Keep the change." I smiled, handing him a three dollars; grabbing two creams and sugars as I walked towards the back of the store.

The smell of books filled the air as I crossed aisle after aisle searching for Jacob. As I turned into the "new releases" section, a figure stood at the end of the aisle, his back towards me, placing multiple books on the shelf. I walked slowly towards him, closing in on him. With two taps on his broad shoulder, he turned quickly – his shock face quickly turning to a large grin.

"Eric!" Jacob smiled, "You showed up after all."

"Yup, did you think I wasn't going to show?" I laughed.

"I don't know," He laughed, "I'm just glad you're here."

"That's sweet." I smiled, "Oh, and here's that coffee I promised you."

I handed him the coffee.

"Ah, that's right," Jacob laughed, "Thank you. I guess that makes us even. This is perfect, I was about to take my break. Would you like to accompany me?"

"Sure, I'd love to." I replied with a smile.

"One sec', I'm going to go tell my Dad."

Jacob left the aisle for a moment, quickly returning and grabbing my hand – leading us to the back door. As he opened the back door, a small breeze slapped against us. The door led us out to a small back cement ledge where we both sat down on. Jacob took one sip of the coffee and smiled.

"Cream or sugar?" I asked, holding the packets out in my hand.

"No thanks." He smiled, displaying his white, pristine teeth, "Thank you, though."

"No problem."

Jacob took another sip and looked off in the distance.

"So Jacob," I started, "You also seem to be where I need you the most, as corny as that may sound, and I just want to thank you again."

"Eric…" Jacob said with concern.

"I just feel that coffee is not enough. I feel like I owe you so much more."

"Well then maybe you could take me on a date then?"

A date? He likes me? This was going so much better than I thought.

"Drive-in?" I asked.

"Yeah, I've never been to one." Jacob smiled.

"Here, let me give you my number." I said, turning away to grab the phone from my pocket.

As I turned back, Jacob was close to my face. I leaned forward and placed his lips onto mine. It was a surprise that sent chills down my spine. His lips were warm, a feeling I was not used to. Jacob backed away.

"Sorry."
"Don't be sorry." I smiled, "Anyways, here – take this."

I handed him my number and stood upwards.

"Thank you, Eric. I actually know a great one that I've always wanted to go to, so I could drive if you want. Pick you up at eight tomorrow?"

"Sure." I replied, "I'm buying though."

"Okay," Jacob laughed, "Thanks for the coffee by the way."

"Thanks for saving my life." I joked, turning away, "I should probably being heading home."

"I'm glad you came to the store, Eric." Jacob yelled towards me, turning me around.

"I'm glad to." I smiled back at him.

I walked home as the sun slowly went away. I felt happy and warm inside – as if I had a laugh that I couldn't get out. It was a feeling I wanted to keep. I had a good feeling about Jacob, and I couldn't wait until tomorrow night.

Author's Note: Please Please Please Review!!