Page 28 of Here and Now
“I didn’t say I paid attention after that,” he jokes.
Before I can, once again, tell him what an asshat he is, Hazel and Penelope come with trays.
Multiple trays of coffee.
This was such a bad idea.
Penelope places down the tray and hands me a cup with very little in it. Well, I can at least chug that much if she’s watching.
“All right, this is going to be the strongest coffee possible. It’s an espresso, but a very bold one,” Hazel says as she sits beside me.
“For sixty bucks I better get desserts too,” I say, taking the offered cup.
“Sure, honey, we’ll get you a cookie.”
I laugh with a shake of my head. “Bottoms up.”
I take the first sip and want to spit it back out. God, that is so freakinggross. “No.”
“No what?”
“No, I’m not drinking this.”
She sighs. “It’s strong, but it’s meant to show you the varying bean possibilities.”
“There is no possibility that I will like or want to consume this—ever,” I tell her, putting it down.
We go down a few more cups, and I’m about to give up when Penny walks over with a cup. “I’ve been listening to you talk about the things you like and don’t like. I made this version and ... I don’t know, if you want to try it ...”
I look up into her deep-blue eyes, and no matter how terrible it is, I know I’ll drink it. Because I’m clearly a stupid idiot.
“I’ll try it,” I say immediately. “Under one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“You go on a date with me?”
Penny’s eyes widen. “You’ll drink the coffee for a date?”
“With you.”
Hazel laughs, but then turns it into a cough. “Smooth.”
I ignore that. “What do you say?”
“I’m sorry, I ... just moved here, and I’m not really ready to date right now. Plus, I have these rules and, well, I just wouldn’t want to give you the wrong impression.”
The only impression I have is that she’s adorable and I want to spend more time with her. It’s why I’m here, looking at the coffee in her hand.
“I understand. How about I drink this coffee and you think about it?”
“Seriously, you’re embarrassing yourself,” Everett says under his breath, but loud enough the people next door could hear.
“Shut up, asshole. I’m talking to Penny.”
She smiles and I swear I could fucking start singing show tunes.
Yeah, I know, I’m definitely ridiculous.
