Page 58 of Let's Get Textual

“You’re welcome…I think.”

Zach leads us to a slender maroon door. He pauses in front of it, and I wonder if he’ll perform a secret knock.

“It’ll probably be rowdy this time of night. I didn’t think of that. Is that okay?”

“I thought coffee shops were chill?”

He rolls his eyes. “You’re in for a treat.”

The second he twists the knob and the door cracks open, my ears are assaulted with theping pingof pinball machines.

My eyes go wide when we step inside. Painted a bright, light blue with various old school characters adorning the walls, it’s a complete homage to video games: Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Mario, Zelda, Sonic, even Pong. There are at least ten pinball machines, a few skee-ball games in the corner, and big comfy-looking chairs circled around a bookshelf. The shop boasts the ability to play games and “be at the office” by providing noise-canceling headphones for anyone working to use.

We’ve hardly stepped foot into the building and I already love it.

“Welcome to Level Up,” Zach says. “If I ever need to get out of my place for a bit, I head down here to get caffeinated, play a few games, and do a little work. It’s become my home away from home.”

“I would have never known this was here unless it was pointed out to me.”

“They keep it hidden during the day, no visible signage unless you’re looking hard, but at about”—he checks the Donkey Kong clock hanging near the front counter—“well, now, they light up the outside. During the day, it’s an eccentric coffee shop.” He winks. “The nerds come out at night.”

Zach gives the barista a wave and leads us over to a high-top table that’s painted the same shade as the blue guy from Pac-Man. The stools are decorated as Mr. and Mrs. Pac-Man, and I try not to read too much into the table he chose as he guides me to sit with a hand on my lower back.

“Do you know what you want? It’s basically your average coffee menu.”

“Something iced? And sweet? Surprise me.”

“You’re trusting me with your coffee order?”

“Yes.” I narrow my eyes. “Unless I shouldn’t.”

He puts his hands up in innocence. “Hey, I’m just saying. You could be picky and I could screw this up.”

“It’s not like I’m basing our entire date off this coffee.” I smirk. “Although…”

“Wish me luck?”

“The best of.”

I watch as he saunters away with confidence, marching up to the counter like a pro. The guy behind the register reaches out his hand and they exchange two slaps, a finger wiggle, and a fist bump before Zach points my way.

Even from across the room, his smile is magnetic. His green gaze is bright and clear, amusement dancing in the centers. There’s nothing hiding the attraction in his eyes. Zach’s into me, and I’m definitely into him.

After placing our order, he moves down to the other end of the bar, hands in his back pockets as he watches a kid play Roller Coaster Tycoon pinball. I’m not sure how I can tell, but I know he’s itching to go help him out. The kid bangs on the machine; it’s noisy, causing a few heads to turn his way. As he moves to take a step toward the kid, the barista slides our drinks Zach’s way.

He strides over to the table, drinks in hand, appearing awfully proud of himself.

“Here we are. Give this a whirl.”

I grab the tan coffee, eyeing it skeptically as I wiggle the straw around. “What is it?”

“Nice try. Taste it. Then I’ll tell you.”

After taking a timid sip, I’m surprised by the flavor. It’s familiar but I can’t put my finger on it. I take another, bigger draw from the drink, hoping to nail down the flavor.

My eyes widen.

“Is this…no. No way.” Zach’s lips are twitching at the corners and I know I’m right in my guess before I even say it. “This is fucking Cinnamon Toast Crunch, isn’t it?”

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