Coffee or Tea

Date: 5th Mar, 2023, Sun

Writing Prompt: Coffee or Tea

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She was sitting by the window as she always did. Somehow, the seat there was always available when she stopped by. The drink menu was open before her, her eyes on it, but she wasn’t seeing the words.

There was a sudden waft of freshly baked pastries, croissants, it seems, and she was very tempted to get them. But she’d told herself, no tidbits, just a drink today. Even though she was hungry, she didn’t think it would be a good idea to eat anything that might mess up her lipstick. She wanted her lips to pop, draw in, entice.

There was a ping on her phone, and she looked at it. Nick had texted her. “Free for a drink?” it said. “I was hoping to talk to you.”

She sighed. She knew what it was going to be about. But, to be frank, she wasn’t really interested. She hadn’t been interested the last time, and things hadn’t really changed since. She wanted desperately for him to understand that, but he just didn’t.

Some may admire his persistence, but after a while, she mostly felt…indifferent. She’d been honest, direct, but he chose to persist instead, knowing full well she will never feel any differently. Let’s just say, she felt like she’d done her part. And this was the best she could do without cutting him off completely as a friend. And she still cared for him as a friend, of course.

A waitress bumped into the edge of her table, startled her. “Sorry!” she waved, and rushed over to the customer at the next table, who had his eyebrows in a furrow already. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the waitress nodding her head in apology.

She looked out the window, and saw a young couple pass by. They were both laughing, she with her head thrown back. And right in front of her eyes, they shared a kiss. A long lingering passionate one too, one that made people around uncomfortable, and have to avert their gaze.

She’d always envied that kind of passion. The kinds in movies. She’d had one long-term relationship that had ended up being a sore disappointment. It had been safe, ordinary, and boring, and had ultimately felt like a waste of her prime years.

She thought of Rob from work. Rob from work had dark wavy hair that she wanted to run her hands through. Rob from work could make her giggle like a schoolgirl. Rob from work had the brightest, most twinkly eyes. And Rob from work was, unfortunately, married.

But she couldn’t stop thinking about Rob from work.

Another ping on her phone, and she heaved a deep sigh as she saw the name Nick again. Oh, Nick. Nick had dark wavy hair too. Nick could be considered funny; he had his own brand of dry humour. Nick had kind brown eyes, always looking to her with hope. And Nick was so, so available; he’d made that plenty clear.

But Nick was just a friend.

The same waitress who’d bumped into her table now came by hers. “So sorry for the delay. We’re kinda swamped. Our other girl just called in sick, so it’s just me handling orders today.”

“It’s okay,” she said. “I’m waiting for someone. Maybe later?”

“Ah, sure. I’ll come back in a bit.” She practically flew to another table, where another young lady was waiting.

She looked out the window again, wondering if he was going to be coming soon, debating whether she had time to make a quick run to the washroom to touch up on her make up. She hadn’t eaten or drunk anything, but you know, just in case. Make sure her lips still popped. She’d chosen that rose red shade for a reason. “Kissable”, the packaging had said. And that’s what she wanted him to see.

“Hey.” The voice was deep, a little husky, like he’d just woken up, sexy. She turned to face him, smiling, intentionally biting just a bit of her lower lip. “Hey,” she replied.

Rob sat down opposite her. “Hope you didn’t have to wait too long. You look fantastic, by the way.” He smiled, his dimples showed, and she sucked in her breath.

“Not at all,” she managed to say, as she watched him swiftly flip open the menu, then place his hand near his mouth. That mouth. She wondered what it would be like to kiss him.

“Since I kept you waiting, this one has to be on me. And maybe…dinner sometime too?” he raised his eyebrow, eyes twinkling, almost mischievously. She bit her lip again, slowly, intentionally. Kissable, she thought.

“Well, if you insist.” She smiles, and looks down. His foot had stretched out from under the table opposite her, and was almost touching hers.

The waitress popped up again, like magic. “Hey! I’m back! Let’s take your order. Coffee or tea?” she chirped.

Coffee or tea indeed, she thought. Which should she choose? Another ping from Nick, and this time, Rob’s foot very lightly trails up her ankle.

She looks up at Rob, smiles, and leans forward. “Whatever he’s having. I’m in.”

-THE END-

(C) Copyright Lisa Kwan 2023

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If you've made it this far, hi. I used to write short stories, but hadn't written one in years. Thought I'd take the chance now during my confinement to challenge myself to write one short story a day (but lenient lar, ok. I still tengah pantang and breastfeeding 🤭).

I'll get a writing prompt from a random generator, and then write whatever comes to mind. Just to get the juices flowing once again.

Feel free to read, enjoy, comment. Would love to hear from you too. <3

#LizsStoryChallenge