Reckless Hearts

Coffee Shop stop

Ari stood at the counter, fumbling with her phone in one hand and balancing a stack of folders under her arm. Her coffee order had just been called, but she’s too preoccupied to notice.

The café is buzzing with life, and Michael, leaning casually against the counter with a smirk, spots her immediately. He takes his time, watching her for a moment before strolling over.

The teasing words startled her “You know, Ari, multitasking is impressive, but at this rate, you’re going to wear out your coffee before you even drink it.”

Ari freezes, glancing up from her phone. Her eyes narrow when she sees him.

“Michael. What are you doing here?”

Rolling his eyes as if it wasn’t the most obvious thing in the world. “Getting coffee. Same as you. Though I have to admit, I didn’t expect to see you here, looking like you’re running a one-woman circus.”

Ari just shakes her head and moves to grab her coffee from the counter, almost dropping one of the folders in the process. Michael catches it effortlessly and hands it back to her. “Thanks. And for your information, i have it under control.”

Michael snorted “ Is that what you call it? Looked more like a caffeine-fueled meltdown to me.”

Ari shot him a look. “You’re awfully chatty for someone who has no idea what my day looks like.”

“Try me. Let me guess—you’re juggling a million things, barely have time to breathe, and probably forgot to eat lunch. How am I doing so far?” Cheshire cat grin broke across his face. He knew he was right.

Ari hesitates, caught off guard by his accuracy. She adjusts the folders under her arm and takes a sip of her coffee, trying to regain composure. “Fine. You’re not completely wrong. But don’t let it go to your head.”

“Too late. It’s already there.”

Ari shakes her head, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself. Michael notices and leans against the counter beside her, his tone shifting slightly—still playful, but gentler.

“Seriously though, you okay? You look like you’re carrying the weight of the world in those folders.”

Ari paused. “I’m fine. Just a busy day. Nothing I can’t handle.”

Michael was studying her face. “You say that like you have to prove it to someone.”

Ari looks at him, surprised. For a moment, the noise of the café seems to fade, and there’s an unspoken understanding between them. She looks away, taking another sip of her coffee.

“It’s just… easier to keep moving, you know? If I stop, it all feels too big.”

Michael nodded. Fully understanding. “I get that.”

Ari glances at him, caught off guard again by his sincerity. She hadn’t expected him to understand, let alone relate.

Michael straightens, his easy grin returning. “But you know, it’s okay to stop once in a while. Take a breather. Even if it’s just for a cup of coffee with someone wildly charming like me.”

Ari couldn’t help but laugh. “Wildly charming, huh? That’s one way to describe you.”

“You’ll come around to my way of thinking eventually.” Holding his own coffee, looking around as if he was bored.

Ari shakes her head, but this time her smile lingers. As she gathers her things and prepares to leave, she glances at him one last time.

“Thanks, Michael.”

With a sly wink “Anytime, Ari."

As she walks out, Michael watches her go. There’s something about her that lingers—something he hadn’t expected. And for once, he’s not entirely sure what to do about it.