“Yep. It’s the next exit,” Eli tells me as he continues to drive.
A minute later, he pulls off the freeway, and after a few turns, he parks in front of a small coffee shop. The shop is quaint and quiet, but the town is even quieter. I haven’t seen more than five other cars on the road since we pulled off the freeway. I have no idea where we are or what town we are in, but I don’t care. I’m just glad I get to be here with Eli.
Eli opens my passenger side door, holding his hand out to help me out of his truck. When we approach the coffee shop, he opens the door again, and it makes me wonder if he’s always this polite to the girls he spends time with.
The coffee shop is even smaller inside than it appeared outside. There are only three tables in the lobby and one barista working behind the counter. I have no idea how Eli found this spot in the first place, but I find it interesting that he drove me over an hour to get coffee here.
“Hey Trev,” Eli says to the man behind the counter with his back towards us.
Trev peeks over his shoulder, his eyes widening in surprise. “Eli? I didn’t expect to see you for a couple more months.” His voice drips with excitement as he quickly walks around the counter to give Eli a hug. “You know the ice isn’t frozen over yet?” he asks, seeming just as confused as I am.
I don’t know if I’m more shocked that this guy just called Eli by his real name, or that Eli hugged him with as much enthusiasm as Trev had.
“I know. I just wanted to stop in. How’s Stacey?” Eli places his hand on Trev’s shoulder. His eyes are bright, seeming at ease in this place.
“She’s good, man. Baby is due around Christmas.”
“That’s awesome. Can’t wait to meet the little guy. And Ian?” I’ve never heard Eli be this kind and relaxed towards anyone back at school. I’m so confused as to what is going on and who Trev is.
“He’s great. Growing like a weed. And he can’t wait to skate with you again,” Trev says before turning his attention to me. “And who might this be?”
“Shit. Sorry, this is—”
“I’m Logan,” I interrupt, holding my hand out to greet Trev.
“Yes, this is Logan,” Eli beams as he smiles down at me.
“Logan.” Trev says my name, dragging out the ‘n.’ “Nice to meet you. I’ve never had the chance to meet one of Eli’s friends before.” Trev eyes Eli, as Eli begins to nervously scratch at his brow, feeling put on the spot.
So, he’s never brought anyone out here before. Wherever here is. But this place seems important to Eli for some reason, and the fact that I’m the only person he’s ever brought here makes my heart flutter.
“What can I get you, young lady?” Trev asks, walking back behind the counter. Trev doesn’t look more than ten years older than me, so I find it funny that he would refer to me as “young lady.”
The menu board is pretty sparse, so I try not to be too difficult.
“Can I have a latte?”
“Of course,” Trev says before looking to Eli. “Black? Large?”
“Please. Can we get them to go today?” Eli hands him a twenty-dollar bill.
“No problem.” Trev returns fifteen dollars in change, but Eli puts it in the tip jar and slips in another twenty when Trev turns around to make our drinks.
I don’t know who this guy is or why Eli is so sweet to him, but it makes me melt to see Eli this way. He’s shown his kindness to me, but I’m happy that someone else gets to see this side of him too.
“You think we can get tickets to a game this year?” Trev asks Eli, handing him his black coffee.
“Of course, anytime. I’ll even show Ian around the locker room. Just let me know when you guys can make it out to Minneapolis.”
“Thanks, man. Ian will be stoked to see you out there on the ice.” Trev hands me my latte, which has the most delicate and beautiful foam design on top.
“Who is Ian?” I chime in, unable to keep my curiosity at bay.
“Ian is my son,” Trev informs me.
“Yeah, and he’s a little five-year-old stud,” Eli adds.
“Yeah, well, that’s because he’s been hanging around you too much.” Trev motions towards Eli. “Eli taught him how to skate last year, and now my kid is obsessed with being just like him. He even asks us all to refer to him as Maddison instead of Ian.”