Page 45 of New Growth
A man right now would be another thing demanding my attention, another thing I’d have to balance. And I would fumble. Not to mention the overwhelming trust issues I’d feel if I did attempt anything serious. It was too much, too fast. If it came down to it, I’d have to let him down easy.
At worst, I’d walk away with a free cup of coffee and an awkward story. At best, maybe a new acquaintance. Though, in my experience, it rarely ended that way.
?
Lizzie’s Café was slow for a change.
The usual hum of conversation was reduced to the occasional clink of ceramic cups and the muted whir of the espresso machine. The scent of fresh-ground coffee beans filled the air, mingling with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. A soft jazz tune played overhead, filling the gaps between conversations.
I spotted Elliot sitting at the same table as yesterday, a book in hand, peering through his glasses. I guess he wore glasses?Interesting.
I took a breath and approached.
“Hi, I’m so sorry I’m late!” I said, cringing internally.By fifteen minutes.
He looked up, smiled, and closed his book, setting it aside. “It’s fine. I only got here a few minutes ago myself.”
I relaxed at his words. “Really?”
He chuckled. “No. I got here fifteen minutes early. I just wanted to make you feel better.”
I groaned. “I’m so sorry you had to wait thatlong.”
“It’s okay, Ellie. I know you’re busy.” He gestured to the seat opposite him. “I appreciate you finding time to have coffee with me. Have a seat, please.”
“Thanks,” I slid into the chair, and for a brief moment, the intimacy of it all slipped in between us.
“You ready to order something to drink?” he asked, ready to wave Lizzy over.
I held my hand up to stop him, my uneasy stomach still gnawing at me from the wine I drank the night before. “Maybe later. I’m good for now, thanks.”
He eyed me suspiciously, then nodded and placed his elbows on the table, giving me his full attention. “So, Ellie. How was your morning so far?”
With a sigh, I admitted. “Hectic, as you can imagine.”
He studied me for a beat, then smiled. “Well, it doesn’t show. You look beautiful.”
Heat crept up my neck as I whispered, “Thank you.”Great. Now I was blushing.
“What about you?” I asked, steering the conversation away from myself. “How was your morning?”
“My mornings are usually calm. I don’t start work until ten, so I get to take my time.”
Lucky him.
“Where do you work?” I asked.
“Imaginate Inc.,” he said. “I’m an executive creative and lead illustrator.”
I nodded along like I understood, but I didn’t. Not in the slightest.
“I have no idea what any of that means.”
He chuckled. “It’s a comic book company. I write comics, pitch stories, and decide on the ideas we put into production.”
A head of comics, huh?“Sounds like you’re a big deal.”
“Well, I’ve been writing comics for fifteen years. I should have something to show for it.” He took a sip of his coffee, his eyes playful. “What about you, Ellie? You read comics?”
