MORE THAN A CRUSH, FATED TO LOVE.

MEETING HIM.

My thoughts wandered off, settling on my parents as I sat waiting for Niki. Growing up poor didn't deter them from being invested in my education.

"This is the only way you can make something happen for yourself," my mom would say.

She and my dad worked hard to make it possible. Although I wouldn't say that I attended the best schools, I can proudly share that they gave me the best of what our lives could offer.

They showered me with love and their time. Life was bliss and worth living, until the night I lost everything.

A drunk driver rear-ended their pickup truck that night, sending them spiraling down a slope till they hit a tree. The impact caused the car to explode. They died on the spot. I was still in high school, years left till completion. I remembered waking up in the hospital the morning after. I collapsed after hearing about it. Orphaned at fifteen, I was too old for the system. A family member had to take me in.

I spent the last two years of high school in my aunt's house. Working small jobs after school. My aunt only agreed to house, feed, and clothe me. I had to pay for personal and school expenses from my job.

I grew up way too early. Working two jobs, planning my expenses, and trying to excel in school. The downward slide in my grades happened rapidly. With no time left for studying, I barely passed my finals. Went on to the community College and passed out with the bare minimum.

At first, I had a steady flow of contracts, the longest being six months. But that changed 2 years ago as better-positioned candidates surfaced. I had to work odd jobs again to survive.

The sound of the back door opening brought me back from memory lane. A male and two blonde ladies walked in. They had on the cafés shirt with the logo in the center. The guy said something funny, and the others laughed along, stopping when they spotted me.

"You must be Sarah, the new girl. Niki told us about you." One of the girls said, walking closer to me. "I'm Vic, this is Anna and Richard, we call him Rich," Vic said, pointing to the other two as she introduced them.

Smiling, I said a soft hi to Anna and Rich, then took Vic's outstretched hand for a handshake. Anna and Rich returned my greeting with smiles, and I was relieved that they were friendly.

Niki came back out while we were making small talk, and she joined in. They helped me out with understanding how the place works and then sent me off to the bathroom to change into my work uniform, a replica of the one they had on.

We were done by the time the afternoon rush started. While I watched them work, I helped wait tables, slowly getting the hang of it. The shop opens at 7 and closes at 4pm. Serving employees of the companies around the block. They had two other shops on the street to meet the demands.

"Here you go. One order of black coffee with two sugars." I said dropping the last cup of coffee.

"Thank you, miss?" I heard.

My name tag wasn't ready yet. The question wasn't uncommon.

"Sarah," I answered, looking up at the customer.

It was him, the mysterious guy from this morning, but without his mask. He looked drop-dead gorgeous. Looking closely at his features now, I can see them clearly. Blue striking eyes, warm tone, full lips, a sharp chin that would be sharper than my kitchen knife.

"Done staring?" he asked

Oh my! That voice brings thoughts of iniquities into my head. I feel mentally undressed and having strange thoughts with him holding...

"Earth to Sarah." I heard, feeling slight pain in my forehead.

"Ouch, that hurts," I said, holding my forehead. I looked up at him with a frown.

He smirked, loving the look of my displeasure. He stood towering over me like the bully king. The hand he used to flick my forehead was already resting at his side.

"Sorry for the pain. I have to stop you from continously r****g me with your eyes." He responded, lowering his voice with a smirk still on his face.

I felt my face grow hotter as I lowered my head. Glancing back to see if anyone heard what he said. I am beyond ashamed. Looking back at him, I noticed he was sitting already, black mask back on his face. His eyes were cold, and it left me wondering why his mood shifted. Not wanting to escalate the issue, I quietly said sorry and walked away. I felt his eyes on me as I walked back, but I didn't dare turn. I resumed my duty, serving the customers still hanging by the counter.

The café had fewer than 5 customers left when he walked to the counter to order coffee to go. Unfortunately, I was the only one free, so I had to take and prepare his order.

"Want anything else?" I asked professionally.

"Just your number," he responded, smiling.

"I'm sorry, Sarah. I didn't intend to act that way. Let me make it up to you. Can we start over? Hi, my name is Daniel, and I'd like to know more about you."