Chapter 11

PRESENT

“Two matcha coffees, please.” I close my eyes momentarily, reminiscing yesterday’s flow of events. "And can you put some extra cream on top?"

“Ten dollars.” The girl at the coffee counter rolls her eyes at the 'extra cream comment,' which brings me back to the day I met Daniel. As I hand her the money on the counter, I can’t stop going back down the memory lane. My past flashes right in front of my eyes. The girl shuffles on her feet to prepare the coffee on the counter. "There you go."

It’s the same coffee house where we met a couple of months ago. At that time he looked genuinely interested in knowing me. He still does want to figure me out. But, the way he acted earlier is a giant slap of reality on my face. We can never be anything more than acquaintances and, at the most, friends.

Only if I knew it back then.

***

THREE MONTHS AGO

My mind raced with thoughts as I hastily took long strides towards the old Paul’s cafè down six blocks from the Main Street. Boy, I shouldn't ha