Yesterday Without Time in the amazing life of Kali

Chapter 16. Saturday rolled around Part 1

The sun began to set as Missi, dressed in her best outfit, as Missi had a mischievous grin on her face as she glanced down at her watch, realizing that it was now 7 PM. She had been looking forward to this date all week. As Missi Teleported to Impresso Espresso Cafe, a local coffee shop.

The warm, cozy atmosphere of the coffee shop embraced Missi as she entered. The tart smell of fresh brewed coffee mixed with the sweetness of pastries baked in-house. She made her way to the counter to order her favorite: a hot caramel latte. The barista, a handsome man with dirty-blonde hair and stunning green eyes, smiled warmly at her. "HI Missi,

how are you?" he asked as he began preparing her drink.

"I'm doing great, Josh," she replied, blushing. This was her guilty pleasure - coming here to see Josh, the man she had been in love with for years. Missi knew that her life was not meant for love; she was an actress, something not exactly stable in the realm of relationships. She couldn't afford the risks and responsibilities. "Here you go, hot caramel latte," Josh said, handing her the steaming cup. "Is this a treat for someone special?"

Missi couldn't help but smile at his assumption. "As a matter of fact, yes. It's for someone I really like," she said, blushing at the thought of him. "But we're meeting at 8 PM, so I want to get this to go. Could you box it up for me?" The barista nodded, ready to begin boxing up her favorite drink. As he did, he asked, "So, what does he do?" "He's a mechanic," she said, her heart pounding in her chest. "His name is Jack, and he's the most incredible man I've ever met." "Lucky you," Josh said knowingly, unable to hide his curiosity. "I'd love to meet him sometime." "I'm sure I could arrange that," Missi said with a wink, handing him the money for her latte.

After leaving the coffee shop, Missi began to fiddle with the box holding her caramel latte. She couldn't stop thinking about Jack and how she had met him. It had happened just a few weeks ago at a party and then by fate She had gone in to get her car serviced, only to find herself captivated by jack from the party who worked as a mechanic and Missi was captivated by his charm and charisma. She had told him that she was an actress, and they had started talking about their lives and dreams. Missi had told him about her singlehood and how it had always been her reality. However, Jack had yet to find his own partner. At 8 PM, Missi teleported to the parking lot of Whole Latte Love Dinner. She sat on a bench outside for a moment, looking at the time. 7:59, which meant it was soon. She decided to wait the extra minute before heading in, hoping Jack would arrive before she did. As if in response, she heard the sound of a man's engine. Her heart began racing as he pulled into a spot near by Jack walked over with a cup of coffee in his hand. He spotted her and smiled warmly, waving. "Hey," he greeted her, walking towards her still nervous and excited, she forced a smile. Their conversation flowed easily as they walked to their table. They talked about their jobs, their hobbies, their families. They shared stories with each other and laughed at life's ups and downs. She felt closer and closer to him with every word, each touch. Jack had told her about his family, about how his father had died years ago, and how much he had always wished to have a partner in life - someone to share it all with.

Missi looked into his eyes, and in that moment, something clicked. A small part of her brain told her that this was wrong. She shouldn't be with Jack - not now, not ever. But another part shouted a thousand excuses. He was lovely, kind, and understanding. He wouldn't be another rash decision. He was perfect for her. Her desire to be as open and honest as possible took over, and she found herself telling him all about her identity as an actress and her relationship status. Jack responded with gentle smiles and gentle words. "I understand. It's not that I want you to skip out on your career or anything, but you know, it would be so lovely to have someone to come home to." Missi couldn't believe it. Could she actually find what she had been missing all her life, just standing there? As they sat together in the dinner, sharing coffee and conversation, she began to realize that she never wanted to leave, not Jack, not Whole Latte Love Dinner. This was more than anything, this was exactly what she had been looking for. Missi was in love for the first time in her life. Missi and Jack sat at their table, sharing stories and coffee. As the conversation wound down, Missi started fidgeting, feeling the sinking feeling in her stomach that told her this meeting had come to an end. "It was really nice meeting you," Missi said, standing up and picking up her box of caramel latte. "Thanks for the great evening." She would have to leave before she did something rash, like

throwing herself into Jack's arms and admitting her deepest desires. They both stood as she tried to hold back the urge to stay longer. However, as she turned to leave, she caught Jack's eye and felt her face go red. She seemed to be dressed so provocatively tonight, her curves accentuated by her black dress. "Uh... Missi," Jack stuttered, "could we... uh...go for a walk out to the parking lot?" Missi couldn't believe it. She felt her heart pounding as Jack held the door open for her. She walked outside, their hands barely touching until they were both under the streetlights. With each step, the tension between them grew, making Missi's heart race even faster.

Jack was silent as they strolled, the sounds of the night filling the small space between them. The crickets chirped as they walked further away from the warmth of the coffee shop. When they reached the privacy of an empty corner, he tentatively raised her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing each of her fingers one by one. Missi felt like she was floating on a cloud. "Jack, I..."