Page 10 of Whole Latte Love

Right now, we’re their main supplier for coffee beans. They don’t make any coffee drink without our product. The success of the pastries has me thinking that we should consider stocking some of their pastries as little goodie bags. Small bundles of cookies or biscotti available for people to add on to their purchases in the retail space. Or just buying pastries and baked goods on a day-to-day basis for having in the roastery. I jot my idea down on my fridge’s dry erase board. I wonder if Theo likes biscotti with his morning coffee.

I groan out loud, exasperated at my current situation. My stomach is still funky, I look for some indigestion medicine in my bathroom.

If only I hadn’t woken up this morning to a text from Theo.

Theo: Good morning, Marie, looking forward to tonight.

I typed and deleted my message a couple of times before just responding with something similar.

Marie: Can’t wait! See you at the restaurant.

Even though it’s just a simple text exchange, my stomach has reverted to being a bundle of knots. My bliss of approaching the date with no cares about the outcome just disappeared the moment I saw his text.

I’m meeting Theo at the restaurant in an hour and while I showered and blow dried my hair, I still haven’t gotten dressed. In my robe I made some peppermint tea and continued to just sit with my thoughts. I sigh and stretch my arms and legs.

It’s just a date with a guy that leaves in a week or two.

It’s no big deal.

But why won’t my stomach untwist itself?

The outfit that the ladies of wine night put together consists of a sleeveless emerald green silk blouse and a black leather pencil skirt. It’s modest, perfect for the chilly summer evening weather we’ve been having, and still hot as all hell. The blouse’s silk shines and plays up my eye color while the skirt fits me as if it sculpted just for my hips. Sally recommended basic pumps but I’m torn between my black peep toe heels and my silver sandals. The heels are sexy, but the sandals are comfortable. I go with the heels, a single gold bracelet, and gold stud earrings.

I don’t like a lot of fuss. My hair is down and after some simple makeup choices, I am ready to go. I snag my purse, double check the contents, and head off to the restaurant.

I park and see that I have five minutes until meeting Theo. I check my phone, no texts from him, just a couple in my wine night group chat wishing me good luck.

Sally: Hope you went with the heels. Remember, it’s not serious, just a fun night.

Bethany: Don’t overthink anything. Remember to take a deep breath.

Violet: We expect all the details tomorrow at the bakery.

Bethany: Yes! Coffee and pastries in exchange for the details!

Sally: I’ll tell Victor to open the roastery tomorrow, so no excuses. Have fun!

I can’t help but smile at my phone. Their various forms of encouragement are exactly what I needed. I double check my makeup in the car mirror and then head into the restaurant.

As Bethany reminded me, I take a deep breath as I open the door. The sounds of people eating and chatting wash over me. As always, the Waterfront Bistro smells amazing and despite theuneasiness of it earlier, my stomach is now grumbling, hungry for whatever special they have on the menu.

I check in and notice that Theo isn’t here yet. I go ahead and let the hostess seat me. As soon as I take a sip of my water, I see him approaching. I must stop myself from audibly gasping like a teenage girl.

His muscular frame is more on display than at the wedding. His clothing is fit without looking too tight. But you can tell that he works out. He’s wearing grey slacks, a white button-down shirt, and a dusty blue sweater. The crispness of the white collar really shows off his tanned skin. The sweater looks soft, like something I’d want to nuzzle my face in. As he approaches all I can think about is him holding me in his arms, me running my fingers through his hair, and of course where his hands would be touching me.

I feel my cheeks warming.

Of course, I’m blushing, I’m imagining Theo undressing me.

Letting his hands wander over my naked body.

I take a sip of water as he reaches the table. It’s going to be a long night followed by either a cold shower or a romance book. Or both and some time with a battery-operated good time.

FOUR

THEO

I’mright on time when I walk into the restaurant. The hostess greets me enthusiastically and when I mention I’m meeting someone, she gives me a swift nod and beckons me to follow her into the dining area. Instantly, like a moth attracted to a flame, I see Marie.

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