Page 32 of Love Her

Chapter 15

Connor

This barista could give the toughest drill sergeant a run for his or her money with the glare she’s giving me. I haven’t felt this much pressure in years. Looking behind me, I confirm I am, in fact, the only person in line so I’m not exactly sure what her issue is.

“So, if you were getting a coffee for someone but don’t know what they like, what would your choice be?”

“Does this person like sweet things?” Her tone tells me she has no time for my question.

Thinking back to the conversations I’ve had with Lis, I honestly have no idea. “She likes apple pie.”

Rolling her eyes, the girl taps her finger to her chin. “Why don’t you ask this person what they prefer instead of trying to guess?”

Why didn’t I think of that? Because I closed last night and was up early with the thought of seeing Lis today. My mind is clearly not functioning at full capacity. Stepping aside, I pull up the contact I added when I got home from her house the other night.

Me: If someone were to bring you a coffee what would you order?

Her response is quick. In timing and wit.

Lis: If someone were bringing me coffee why would I be ordering? Isn’t that his or her job?

Me: Okay smartass—I stopped for coffee. Would you like one?

Lis: Ohhhhh well, in that case. I’d love an almond milk flat white with a splash of vanilla, please. You should probably bring Brian one too or he’s going to think you like me.

Me: See you shortly.

Resuming my spot at the counter, the barista has no more patience than she did before but at least I know my order. “Thanks for the advice. I’ll take a medium almond milk flat white and a medium Americano. Oh and, add a small black coffee too,”

“Would you like to add any pastries?”

Glancing to the display case I see two apple turnovers and take that as a sign. Adding both to my order, I pay and move to the side. The wait isn’t long and in just a few minutes I’m back in my truck, drink carrier sitting in the passenger seat. I rest my hand on the top of the cups because the last thing I need is for these to spill everywhere. I like coffee but not as my air freshener.

Because I kind of want to see him flustered, I pull Brian’s coffee from the carrier. Balancing the carrier and the cup in my hands, I cross the parking lot to the building. Carefully, I squat down to place Brian’s cup on the ground beside the building. As I rise, I realize I just moved with ease. It’s been weeks since I’ve been able to shift my body without cringing, so this is great news.

As I reach for the door handle, the patient at the front counter moves to the side and Lis comes into view. She looks beautiful dressed in a dark purple sweater with her hair pulled back into a ponytail. Her smile is wide as she talks animatedly to the woman in front of her. I recall the night I first saw her. It was her smile then and it’s her smile now that draws me to her.

This woman has me thinking in ways completely outside my comfort zone. No commitments and no promises is how I’ve lived my life. It’s safer that way for everyone. I don’t have much to offer another person but with Lis, she makes me think differently. Consider spending time with someone because I enjoy their company. Talk about nothing or everything. Even the idea of her having kids doesn’t freak me out. Which, if Grant and Taylor find out I’m thinking that, I’ll never hear the end of it. I gave them both crap for handing over their bachelor card and settling into immediate family life. And here I am, staring at a woman I barely know in time but feel a natural connection to.

“Thank you,” the woman exiting the building says as I hold the door for her.

Crossing the small waiting area, I place the carrier on the counter. Before I can say anything to Lis, Brian steps up beside her. “Hey Connor. What do you have there?”

“I brought a coffee and pastry for Lis.” Handing her the requested beverage and bag of turnovers, I wink at her. “And a coffee for me.”

Pursing her lips, Lis tries to hold in a laugh, but a giggle slips out as I tug the second cup from the cardboard carrier and lift it to my lips.

“Nothing for me?”

“Nope.” Smirking, I wink at Lis and watch as her skin flushes.

Brian looks from Lis to me and back again. Huffing a grunt he narrows his eyes my direction before I start laughing. “Relax,” I say before rushing to the door and opening it to retrieve his cup.

“Here you big baby.” He grabs the offered cup and takes a tentative sip.

“That’s good stuff. Come on, let’s get this over with so you can come back up here and flirt with Lis.”

Scoffing, she stares at him with her mouth wide open but when she looks my way and I’m smiling she schools her expression and shrugs a shoulder. “Well, get going. I don’t have all day to wait for you,” she sasses.

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