Chapter one: Coffee Shop

Chapter one: Coffee Shop

Jessica

As I was working on my laptop, I prayed that it didn't crash again before I could finish my work. My pen was held between my teeth as I was eager to finally get my assignment done before the night ends.

I was sitting at my favorite coffee shop, it was pretty quiet at this hour which was a bonus for me because I could concentrate much more without the distraction of my roommate. It is not that I don't get along with her but I have different ways of studying. I liked studying alone in a quiet space with a coffee next to me but my roommate likes studying with a group of friends while the music is on.

Finally, I completed my assignment and sent it to my professor before my laptop shut down immediately as I exited the website. I rolled my eyes, thankfully it had crashed right after my work was done. I checked my time and I found out that I had a little spare time before walking back to the hostel. I decided to open one of my textbooks to read but got disappointed as I was out of coffee. I debated on getting another cup but the last thing I needed at this hour was more caffeine.

I buried myself deeply immersed in the pages that I didn't notice the coffeemaker placed a steaming cup of coffee next to me. I looked up, confused but before I could ask a question he walked away. I looked down at the coffee, even though it smelled good. I couldn't shake off the thought, what if it was spiked. Who would buy me a coffee without saying a word?

I looked around the shop, possibly to see if I could see anyone and then my eyes landed on a tall man, clad in a black suit and his curly hair coiffed. His hazel eyes locked with mine and he stood up, starting walking towards me.

He was the definition of hot, stunning, intimidating and sexy all in one. His legs took a long stride to reach my booth, his fancy shoes clicking against the tiled floor.

"You look like you could use another cup of coffee." His voice was husky and alluring, I nodded pressing my lips.

"Thanks, it will definitely help me."

"May I sit?" he gestured to the bench in front of me.

"Yes of course."

He sat down, placing his cup of coffee in front of him before pulling out his phone from his pocket. He frowned looking at the screen before putting it back into his pocket.

"May I ask what a college student like you is doing at the coffee shop this late on friday night?"

"What made you think I am still in college?" I blew on my coffee before drinking it, goodness he bought me a good one.

"Well, you have a backpack by your feet and your laptop has Covenant University stickers on it."

"I am studying." I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"On a Friday night? Don't you college kids go to parties and stuff on weekends?"

"Other students do but I don't, it is not my thing."

Goodness, did he just say college kids? How old is this guy? He doesn't look much older than me to be honest. He leaned forward, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"This is the first time I am meeting a college student that didn't like going to parties on weekends." I shrugged.

"I would rather drink and chill in my hostel with friends rather than go out and pray I get home safely." He raised his eyebrows and nodded, taking a sip of his coffee.

"Well, that does sound more like my kind of scene anyway."

"Are you in college?" He scoffed and shook his head.

"No, Princess. I am actually forty years old and already a graduate."

What? He is forty but he looked like he is my age and I am only twenty.

"You look quite good for your age." I squeezed my eyes shut immediately.

"I am so sorry, I shouldn't have said that." He probably thinks I am awkward as hell now.

"It is fine, Princess." He smirked, revealing the cutest dimples on his cheeks.

"Well, I will let you continue studying. It was nice meeting you."

"It was nice meeting you too."

"I am Jeffrey, Jeff for short." He stretched his hand and I took it in mine, trying not to show on my face how shocked I was seeing how large his hands were.

"Jessica." I returned the smile.

"Wow, beautiful name, it definitely suits you." He winked, making my heart skip a beat before leaving the coffee shop.

The next morning, I woke up around ten o'clock seeing my roommate Olivia asleep on top of her sheet. She was still wearing the same clothes and heels she wore to the party last night. I quickly changed into some athletic shorts. I always like running on Saturday morning because everyone in the campus will either be sleeping or working. It gives me an advantage to have the campus cool and all to myself.

I took my usual route after stretching, pretty much just jogging around the perimeter of the campus. My ears were stuck with my headphones playing some music to keep me in the zone. I came up on the main street, deciding to take a walking break. Passing by the coffee shop, I saw my best friend Janice. She was leaving the coffee shop with two large cups of coffee in her hands.

"Hey, Janice." I said, catching my breath.

"Why are you up here so early?"

"Hey, Jessica. I came to get a coffee run for me and Evelyn. We are going shopping today, want to come along?" I nodded.

"Sure, I mean I need to shower but I am a bit down."

"Okay, well we aren't leaving until noon so that we can eat lunch while we are downtown. I will text you."

"Okay, see you."

I said goodbye and continued my running, taking a shortcut through the campus to get back to my hostel faster. I probably shouldn't go shopping today with my limited flow of cash and my lack of job findings.

I spent most of the money I made this summer repairing my laptop only to have it crash nearly all the time. I wanted to trade it in or sell it and get some money out of it but I didn't expect it to bring me much cash, let alone enough to buy a new computer.

Janice came to my hostel almost at noon with Evelyn and all three of us went downtown for the shopping.

"What about this?" Janice pulled a dress from the rack, holding it against her body in an attempt to model it for me.

"I like the style but it definitely not your color." She rolled her eyes, placing the dress back in its original spot and continued searching for another.

"I cursed my awkward skin tone." She muttered, I shook my head and chuckled.

Looking through the clearance rack like I always did, I loved finding cute clothes for half of the original price, it was like Christmas. We were currently at the department store downtown trying to find a dress for Janice's sorority formal. Evelyn was in the shoe section trying to find some new heels.

As I was looking through the racks, I noticed a familiar figure standing in front of the store right across from us. It was Jeffrey, he was holding a shopping bag and talking on the phone looking visibly distraught. I looked away immediately before he caught me staring and admiring him. Looking through the racks more but my focus wasn't even on the clothes anymore. As I turned back again, I saw that he had noticed me, giving me a small wave. I waved back, smiling as his discouraged expression turned into a grin, revealing two deep dimples on his cheeks.

My happiness was soon cut short when a tall brunette walked over to him, clad in skinny jeans, a cute floral top and nude boot wedge. They talked for a while before he kissed her cheek and walked out together.

He never told me that he is taken, then again why should it matter to me? I am only twenty and he is twice my age, he would never have a thing with me, that is bizarre beyond compare.

But then, maybe it was just a friendly kiss. Kissing one on the cheeks doesn't mean they are dating, right? I just sighed and looked away, trying to not let it ruin my day with my friends.

We continued our shopping and I was able to pick a dress of my choice at a lower price. Janice also got a dress that matched her skin tone. We had lunch at the restaurant downtown before returning back to the campus.