Stories Of Paper: Unwritten Love

Chapter-Two-Katie

Skipping, fuc8king skipping through my apartment. I woke up this morning with a slight hangover. Naturally, I took advantage of that and stayed in bed until ten. I've been up for two hours now. Not doing much “work”. But I have this energy flowing through me like I have won a jackpot. I started picking up the dirty clothes and ended up scouring the entire apartment. Most likely pure adrenaline from our conversation last night.

Bopping around and singing to myself. Not able to get the song out of my head I scroll through my music app on my phone. Turn on my bluetooth speaker. Play! A little bit of Monica in my life, a little bit of Erica by my side, a little bit of Rita is all I need….. Blares through my speaker on the counter. Singing like a fool replacing Nina with Rita in the song as I dance around. Picking up items and screaming/singing into them. It's true though. A little bit of Nina was what I needed last night. She knows how to spring the adventurous and creative side out of me. Continuing my terrible singing/dancing routine. Apartment clean, check. Bag packed, check. I sprint to my room, changing into a pair of leggings, tank top, an oversized sweatshirt, and flip flops. I head out the door for some new scenery.

~

Coffee ordered, laptop open, glasses on, ready for those creative juices to flow. Wiggling my fingers over the keys. Tongue sticking out of my mouth as I stare at the screen.

I hate this place. Not able to get my life together. She left me with not a penny to my name.

DELETE.

I'll meet you around the corner, next to the big oak tree. Praying she was serious. I lean up against the tree. Ten minutes go by, she hasn't shown. Maybe it wasn't love at first sight. She only said that to get me to go away.

DELETE.

Wow, did you just fall from heaven? I feel like I've been struck by an angel. The douche in the corner screams from across the bar.

DELETE.

Barely able to focus while keeping an ear open for my name to be called. This is ridiculous. Different places will help you dive deeper, Looking at the same walls, you're alone 24/7. My ass. This is why I'm alone all the time. People tend to get on my nerves. I can't focus when people are around me. I feel like the center of attention. Like everyone is peering over my shoulder reading every freaking word that I write.

I've been sitting here for thirty minutes now. Anxiety setting me off. Patrons coming and going with their drinks they ordered way after I cashed out at the counter. Growing impatient, coffee will settle me down, make me more inept to write, I stomp over to the counter to confront the cashier. Walking fastly, I feel something wet and gue-y hit the side of my face. Along with a force I wasn't expecting.

Trying to grab ahold of anything to stop me from the crash, you and I both know is inevitable with no prevail. I hit the tile with a thud. I hear a gasp from probably all the patrons. The room is eerily silent now. Complete 180 of the loud clamoring of cups, silverware clanking, shouting of the people trying to talk over one another. Keeping my eyes closed, hoping if I stay still they will go about their business.

A hand is placed on my arm "I'm so sorry, are you ok?" A gruff voice says in my ear. The entire coffee shop is still silent. I can't hide any longer wishing this day would just end, the patrons can carry on, leave me here to die on the floor. I open my eyes only to be met with the most gorgeous blue eyes, so bright and vibrant. Of course the most attractive man I have ever met is leaning over me trying to wipe cake off my eyes with a napkin. Not able to form words, how is that possible? On the way down I had very choice words I was going to express very vividly after my complete humiliation. Mustering only a half smile, staring at the poor man. He helps me to my feet. The coffee shop cheers. Literally cheers, what are we on a gameshow or something? It's like they have all reverted back to the nineties sitcoms who were filmed live with an audience and everything. Touching my hair and face reveals its way worse than I expected. This sweet man notices what I'm doing and grabs a wad of napkins, hands them to me.

Playing it cool, I say. “Yea I’m fine.” Fine my ass. That's when I noticed his uniform. Full blown police uniform complete with a bullet proof vest, gun, taser. s**t, double s**t.

“Are you sure? You hit pretty hard. Here, take a seat. Let me get some ice.” Before I can protest, he is already at the counter. I don’t care anymore about my coffee or the words I should be producing. This was such a useless effort, a catastrophe actually. I want to crawl in a hole and die. Remorse fills his every step towards me. Once he's back he hands me the bag of ice.

Not allowing my true feelings to show small talk is my only option. He needs to see that I'm completely ok and will let me get the hell out of here. Motioning to his uniform “So you are on duty?” What a lame thing to say.

“Not yet, I’m about to head in. I had to get a coffee and my son had requested a cake.” He winces. I can't help myself from any mention of kids. I immediately look at the ring finger. Huh.. No wedding band.

Wiping a clump off my face with my finger, I put it in my mouth and smile when the flavors dance around in my mouth. “Well in that case tell him it was fantastic. Sorry he wasn't here to share it with me.” He laughs the most lively laugh I have heard.

“I will be telling him how this crazed woman stole his cake, smeared it all over her face and started eating it off her face with her fingers. And how I calmed her down enough for her to tell me that it was fantastic, that she wished she could have shared it with him.” He winks at me.

I can't help it, I'm crying/laughing now. Cake mixing in with the tears that will probably make an even worse batter on my face, that will be a joy to wash off later. “Oh is that so? Can't tell the boy the truth? Got to put it all on the crazy lady who has sat here for thirty minutes withdrawing from her caffeine intake.”

Extending his hand to me “I’m Pete.”

Returning his gesture, goosebumps erupt all over my arm “Katie.”

“So Katie, why did you sit there that long to withdraw from your caffeine addiction?”

“That was not intended. I ordered then tried to get in the zone. When that wasn't working, I stalked to the counter to get some inspiration stat. Here we are.” Motioning to our seating arrangement.

“Ouch, I am really sorry about that. Although the cake does seem to have calmed you down a bit.”

Giggling, I say. “It seems as though it did. Now I have this tidbit of information don't be surprised if you come in here to a four hundred pound Katie next time. Thanks for that.”

“I'll be sure to say hello and smash a slice in your face for good measure.” Who is this nice to a random person? Who is this guy?

“That would be very appreciated.” I say as a clump falls from my face onto my shoulder. I don’t bother to wipe it off. What's the point now? The damage is done.

“In all seriousness though, what are you up to on Friday?” Friday? Say what? Is he really making that transition into asking me out with cake on my face after he is the one who put it there. He is a very handsome man, genuine, and a father. What could it hurt?

“Did you really just ask me out?” He is nervous now. His features are faulty, shoulders slumped a bit.

“I did, giving myself the excuse that I need to check on the beautiful woman that I bulldozed over in the coffee shop. Humor me.”

If that is not the cutest pick up line I have heard. I can't remember the last time I went out on a date. I’m so rusty, it seems like he's way out of practice too. Not responding for a few moments has made him squirm in his seat, giving myself the satisfaction of having the upper hand. “Friday sounds great.”

Relief rushes over him. He hands me his phone. “Great, put your number in, I'll get with you about the details.”

“Magically that means you get my number since I agreed?”

“Yes, Yes it does.”

I type my number in, hand his phone back to him. He stands and puts it in his pocket. “Sorry I have to cut this short. I've got to get on shift. I'll text you the details later.” He starts walking away.

“Bye” I say as I stand.

“Bye Katie.”

He's out the door. Speechless. I gather my things, heading home.