They were just the tipping point. A surprise period, a dead phone, a flat tire, and a ruined favorite shirt from tire grime were the root causes of my terrible day. A good cup of coffee was just the thing to turn this all around.
The line was moving at a steady pace until it wasn't. I started to get antsy after standing in place for five minutes. With a frown, I stepped to the side to see what the hold-up was and why no one else was saying something.
And there, five spaces in front of me, was the guy from class. Leaning nonchalantly against the counter, he ran his fingers through his perfectly tousled hair, emanating an air of confident ease. A wide, devilish smile graced his lips as the barista laughed and blushed at something he said.
My frustration bubbled over. Of course, it had to be him, holding up the line with his charm. I crossed my arms, tapping my foot impatiently, but no one else seemed bothered. In fact, a few people behind me looked downright entertained by the spectacle.
"Hey, Romeo!" I called out, loud enough to cut through the barista's giggles and his smooth talking. "Some of us need our coffee, too, you know!"
He turned his head slowly, his smile never wavering as his eyes locked onto mine. "Well, if it isn't Hannah Walker," he drawled, his voice oozing with amusement. "In a hurry to get somewhere?"
"Just not in the mood for your antics," I shot back. "Maybe you can save the flirting for after you've ordered?"
His smile widened, clearly enjoying the attention. He turned back to the barista, who was now blushing furiously, and placed his order with exaggerated politeness. "I'll have a large Midnight Mocha Madness, please. And whatever the lady behind me is having, it's on me."
I blinked, caught off guard. "I can pay for my own coffee, thanks."
He shrugged, still smiling. "Consider it an apology for earlier. No hard feelings, right?"
I wanted to refuse, to tell him where he could shove his apology, but I was tired and just wanted my coffee. "Fine," I muttered, stepping back in line as the barista quickly made his drink and mine.
As I finally received my coffee, he leaned in slightly. "You know, Hannah, you should really try to relax. Life's too short to be so wound up all the time."
I glared at him, my grip tightening on the cup. "And maybe you should learn to take things seriously for once."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll see you around, Walker."
I watched him walk away, a mix of irritation and something else I couldn't quite place swirling inside me. He was infuriating, but there was no denying he had a way of getting under my skin. Taking a deep breath, I took a long sip of my coffee, letting the rich flavors calm my nerves.
Maybe today would turn around after all, even if it meant dealing with the likes of Terry Snacker.