The Elite boy who changed my life

Maybe for both

Imani’s POV

The lecture felt longer than usual, not because it was hard.

I was used to that.

My mind kept wandering, from notes, pdfs and the professor's voice.

I caught myself thinking of home, of mama’s voice, of the boy at the café.

Theo.

I shook the thought away as soon as the lecture had ended.

My phone buzzed. A message from mama.

“My girl, have you eaten? Don’t forget knowledge is sweet, but food is strength.”

I smiled as I dropped my phone back into my pocket. Mama knew I had a habit of starving myself.

Intentionally and unintentionally.

I looked up and that’s when I noticed it.

A car. Black Rolls Royce parked right outside the college gates. It was the type of car you didn’t just see.

Heads turned, students whispered, guessing which professor or celebrity the car belonged too.

I frowned. This car didn’t belong here.

And then I saw him.

Through the tinted glass, a familiar face sat quietly, watching. Not in a creepy way, more like someone lost in thought or waiting for someone.

I didn’t know why but my heart skipped a beat and then it quickened.

It can’t be him. But it was.

The boy from the café.

Theo.

He looked so different, sitting in a car that cost more than my dorm fee.

Who was he?

Our eyes met for a second, I looked away pretending to check my phone. He didn’t call, didn’t move, just watched me walk down the stairs.

Just as I reached the corner, I heard the quiet engine come to life.

I looked back.

The car was gone.

By the time I reached Monty’s that evening, the day had already died down. Customers weren’t as chatty as they were earlier during the day, and Maggie looked worn out from all the work.

“Sorry I’m late Maggie. Class ran over.” I said tying my apron.

“Don’t worry about it love. You’re here now.” She waved it off.

“Anything I missed?”

“Oh nothing much. Just your regular customer.”

“My regular?” I asked.

“The tall one. Dark hair. Pretty eyes.” She said,

Theo.

“He came in today?” I asked.

“Yup. He stopped by this morning, asked if you were in. I told him you had classes.”

“Oh.” I nodded. “Did he say anything else?”

“He asked where you study, so I told him.”

“You told him??”

“What? He looks harmless. Plus, I think he likes you.”

I laughed. “You think every customer likes me, Maggie.”

“That’s because they all do, but he’s different.”

“He’s probably just being polite.” I said, shrugging off the thought.

“Maybe, but he didn’t even order his regular today. He said he wasn’t that thirsty.” Maggie said as she shot me a wink.

I nodded as words failed me.

“Not that thirsty.” Said by someone who came in here every day for a drink. I wasn’t around today and he’s not that thirsty.

I didn’t know why but my heart raced just a little faster.

It was the weekend and I was off. I didn’t have anything planned out for today so I decided to spend the day in my dorm with Amelia.

She scrolled through channels as we decided on what to watch, she stopped at the news channel claiming that we needed to be more aware and involved in the activities of this city.

Laughter burst across the room because Amelia’s sense of humor was top tier.

Just as I caught my breath, I saw his face on the screen.

My breath caught as I read the headlines.

“Son of a wealthy businessman, and a billionaire himself, Theodore Montgomery announces the launch of his Architectural Project company this summer.”

My eyes were glued to the screen, I didn't notice I wasn’t breathing.

“Imani… Imani.” Amelia nudged me. “What’s wrong?”

“Huh? Uhm. Nothing, I'm fine.” I said.

“Are you sure? You don’t look fine.”

“I am. Really.”

How could I explain to her that this same guy on the news buys coffee from me everyday.

And I was slowly falling for him, more and more everyday.

Theo’s POV.

Everything was perfect. The cutlery aligned neatly on the dining, My father’s daily paper was arranged by the side too.

Everything was perfect except for me.

I sat at the far end of the table, my spoon idle in the hand as I watched the steam flow out of my untouched coffee.

Any coffee that wasn’t made by her now seemed useless.

“…and I told them the merger has to close by Friday.” My father was saying. “Alex, you'll fly to Greece tomorrow. I want those papers signed in person.”

Alex nodded. “I already told Bruce to get the jet ready.” He said.

“That’s my boy.” My father smiled proudly.

I looked outside, the city was filled with life. So unlike the stillness of this house.

“..Theo?”

“Hm?” I blinked back to attention.

“I asked you if you reviewed the portfolio I sent last night.”

The same email I ignored. Great.

“Oh. Yes. I’ll send you my notes this afternoon.” I lied.

“You mean you’ll start reviewing it this afternoon.” Alex laughed.

“I already did.” I forced a smile.

“You seem distracted lately Theodore. Is everything alright?” My father asked.

I hated when he of all people called my full name.

It disgusted me.

“I’m fine.” I said flatly.

“You’re working too much. Or maybe you’re just bored of all this money talk.” Sophie said, walking into the dining room with two colored socks and her hair an absolute mess.

Sometimes, I wondered how she got into the modeling world.

“Sophie.” My father warned.

“What? It’s true. You talk like we’re running a country and not a company.” She said, totally unbothered.

Alex smiled. “It is a country. The Montgomery kingdom.” He said proudly.

My jaw tightened. “Well, some of us didn't sign up for the crown.”

“Enough.” My father said as it echoed in the dining room.

Silence filled the room. Sophie almost laughed.

“I’ve got somewhere to be.” I said, pushing my chair back.

“Where?” My father asked.

“Out.”

I didn’t wait for a response.

Outside, the cool air hit me first. My driver rushed to open my car door but I waved him off. I needed to walk.

I shoved my hands into my coat and let my feet carry me. Away from the mansion, away from my father’s constant praises of my brother, away from everything that was expected from me.

I tried to think, but it was hard when everything around me was too polished, until I reached the stables.

The horses were so free. Everything just reminded me of how trapped I was.

Yeah, this nature walk wasn’t working.

I called my driver. “Monty’s.” I said.

The bell above chimed as I stepped inside.

Maggie looked up. “Well if it isn’t my favorite, ‘I'm not thirsty.’ Regular.”

I smiled. “Thought I’d give it another try.” I teased.

“Lucky for you, I’ve got the right person to make it this time.” Maggie turned to where Imani was tying her apron. “Imani your admirers back!”

Imani froze. “My what?”

And then she saw me. Her expression changed. I couldn’t figure out what shifted.

Up close, she looked so beautiful. Her brown skin and almond eyes were everything.

I finally cleared my throat. “Hi.”

“Hi.” She said, “So you do drink coffee after all?”

I laughed. “Did Maggie tell everyone that works here?”

“She might’ve. Who knows.” She said,

“Well, I’m working on it. Maggie said you’re the expert.”

“Guess I’ll have to prove it then. What will it be?” She asked me.

I hesitated. “Surprise me.” I said.

She looked at me. Like really looked.

“Dangerous words.”

Damn, she was so hot.

Imani’s POV.

I turned to the machine, trying to steady my hands as I measured and poured.

My heartbeat was louder than the hissing kettle.

I slid the cup to him and our fingers brushed.

He took a sip, then nodded approvingly. “You weren’t lying.”

“I never do. I’m glad you like it.” I said,

He smiled. “Maybe I’ll start coming here for coffee after all.”

“Not for the barista?” Maggie chimed in, pretending to take notes.

Theo laughed, but his eyes were still on me.

“Maybe for both.” He said.

I rolled my eyes, but my smile stayed long after he left.

I cleaned up after my shift, I was always glancing towards that door.

Part of me hoped he would come back and just stay forever.