Page 2 of Reclaiming Love

“No problem.” The corners of his mouth moved up a little and an unsure smile tried to break loose. He looked away but continued to wait by her side with his hands in his pockets and a backpack on his back.

“I’ve seen you here before,” she commented.

“I’ve seen you.” The corners of his mouth moved up a little more until he actually gave her a smile. She responded, and at the same time wondered why he wasn’t joining the line to place his order, why he was so intent on waiting with her. “I’ll be fine, thanks.” She didn’t want to tell him to go, but she also didn’t want him to think he had to stick around. She wasn’t incapacitated.

She looked down at the ugly wet patch on her blouse and groaned.

“It doesn’t look too bad.” But his reassurance was futile because they both knew it did.

She pulled the edges of her coat together and placed her hand across her chest, holding the coat down with her hand. They stood in silence, smiling politely. “Don’t you want to place your order?” she asked.

“I’m waiting for it,” he said, as her cheeks heated some more. He’s not waiting for you, silly.

“Here you go, ma’am. Have a nice day.” Melissa took her order from the assistant. “Thanks,” she said to the guy next to her.

“No problem,” he replied. “You might want to get that burn looked at.”

She shook her head and dismissed the idea. “This little thing? It’s nothing.”

He cocked his head, as if doubting her for a second. “It doesn’t look like nothing to me. But at least you’re okay. Have a good day.”

“You too,” she replied, feeling suddenly uplifted.

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