A Different Kind of Morning
An hour passed in effortless conversation. They talked about their favorite books, worst first dates, and their shared love for old jazz records. The rain outside had slowed to a drizzle by the time Mia checked her phone again.
Her stomach dropped. "Oh no," she groaned. "I'm so late. My boss is going to kill me."
Jake leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "Or maybe this morning didn't go as planned, but sometimes the best things happen by accident."
Mia bit her lip, his words lingering in her mind. "I guess I'll find out."
As she stood to leave, Jake reached into his pocket and slid a card across the table. "In case you ever need another excuse to be late."
She picked up the card, her heart skipping a beat as she read his name and number.
"Well, Jake the Photographer, it was nice ruining your shirt," she teased.
He chuckled. "It was worth it."
Mia walked out of the café, feeling different somehow. The stress of her job still loomed, but it no longer felt so heavy. Maybe, just maybe, this morning wasn't a disaster after all.
And as she stepped back into the damp streets, she realized something—sometimes, the best days start with a little rain and a spilled cup of coffee.
The end.