Page 11 of Whole Latte Love

She takes my breath away. It’s as if everything else around her falls away. The people chatting just a light buzz in my ear. She’s sitting alone drinking water when we make eye contact. Her piercing eyes stare right into mine, holding my gaze as I approach the table and sit. Marie’s green top brings out her eyes and shows off her tanned skin. Her outfit looks simple from where I’m sitting, but she’s stunning.

She’d be gorgeous dressed in a baggy t-shirt and sweatpants.

I’d still want to run my hands all over her body, feeling every inch of her until memorized. Nonetheless, this is a first date.

Get a grip Theo.

“I hope you weren’t waiting on me too long.” I place my napkin on my lap and open the menu.

“I actually got seated right before you walked in.” She sips her water some more. “Have you eaten here before?” Shescrunches her face up as if she’s trying to figure something out. “I guess I don’t know when you got to town.”

“I got here the day before the wedding and settled in my Airbnb. It’s quite close to here, I walked tonight,” I scan the menu momentarily, “but to answer your question, no I haven’t eaten here yet. I did have pizza from that family style place. It was good.”

Marie’s face lights up as I talk. As if the positive opinion I have of Kastle Harbor makes her feel like a proud mom.

“Kal’s Pizza? They’re amazing. They have one with honey that is delicious,” she drawls out the syllables at the end and makes a little chef’s kiss gesture that leads to the two of us chuckling like school kids.

The waitress comes and takes our drink orders. I haven’t picked an entree yet, so we get calamari to share as an appetizer.

“It’ll be hard not to get pizza every week I’m here.” I sip my scotch as I try to figure out if I want a steak or not. “Do you have any other restaurant recommendations?”

“How long are you staying?” She tilts her head. “I assumed you’d be leaving in a week or two like all the other people that flew in for the wedding.”

“That was my plan originally, but I managed to get quite a bit of progress done for my book. My publicist doesn’t need me back in Toronto until the beginning of August. I figure I’ll stay here until then.”

Marie’s eyes widen as I speak. “So, about two months in Kastle Harbor?” She drinks her wine before continuing, “That’s a lot of restaurant meals. I’d say you should add the Railway Tavern to your list.”

Our appetizer arrives as she talks. We place the rest of our order.

“I’ll cook a lot at the rental but it’s nice to get out and about while I’m writing. Sometimes I lose track of time and cooking isn’t practical.”

“I’d suggest getting breakfast or lunch at Violet’s bakery.” She munches on the calamari between us. “They serve the best coffee.” She winks at me.

“I take it you have something to do with that?”

Marie has a bit of sauce on her mouth. I’m tempted to reach out and wipe it off with my thumb.

I wonder if she would find the action too forward? But we’ve already kissed.

I hesitate too long, as I set my fork down, finally deciding to give in to my desire to touch her, she uses her napkin to get it. I take a drink to hide the disappointment from flashing across my face.

“I think I mentioned that I run Moon Brew Coffee Roastery with my brother, Victor. You met him at the wedding. He oversees the growing and distribution. I mainly handle the physical store and all the events.”

“When did you guys start the roastery?”

“Actually,” she pauses for a moment, as if she’s unsure of how much personal information she wants to share. I get it, it’s just a first date.

I’ve been on a lot of dates and normally the women are very forthcoming, no pauses or moments of silence.

Marie is different.

Not in a bad way, but in a refreshing way. Our food arrives and we start to eat. We both murmur good things about the taste.

She sets her fork down, her gaze intense but voice feathery, “I started the roastery with my brother and my husband, Seth, essentially right out of college. My brother and I were interested in starting a business here in town. Seth was into the agriculturalaspect of coffee.” Marie’s eyes get misty, her gaze softens as she talks. “Seth died a few years after we started the company and my brother sort of filled the gap that I needed to keep it running.”

I extend my hand and place it on top of hers. I give it a small squeeze as I offer my condolences.

“It’s tough to lose a loved one.” I take my hand back, giving her some space. I’ve never lost a partner, but I’ve also never been married, so I’m unsure of how she must be feeling.

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