Page 31 of Forgive Me Father

"Depends. Did you just run a marathon?" I joke, as he pushes his wet hair out of his face.

He laughs. "Close. I just got done with hockey practice, and I’m in serious need of some caffeine before I hit the shower and start studying... So, what do you recommend..." He stops, looking at my name tag. "Eden? Pretty, like the garden," He smirks, my cheeks growing hot at the comment.

"What about, um, a d-dirty chai latte?" I stutter out like an idiot.

He leans closer to me over the counter. “Just how dirty is it?”

The confused look on my face makes him belt out another laugh.

"I'm messing with you. That sounds perfect. How much-"

"It's on the house," Zoey interjects, pushing me out of the way of the register. "Eden here can make your drink. Just wait for it at the end of the counter."

"Are you sure? I don't mind paying-"

"Super sure. Move along, blue eyes," She waves as the man drops the ten-dollar bill he meant to pay with straight into our tip jar.

"Zo, what are you doing-"

"He's hot and has come in here multiple times and never asked for a suggestion. He always gets the same thing. So go and make that sexy man's drink and strike up a convo while I make Martha a decaf latte and listen to her bitch about her heart problems."

She nudges my shoulder, and I can’t help but shake my head. Making my way through the station, even though I've made the drink dozens of times before, I take a little extra time making it today. Topping it off with a layer of cinnamon foam, I slide the mug across the counter, proud of myself for the near-perfect leaf design swirled on the top of the drink.

"Wow, I would order this every time if I knew this was the presentation I'd get," He grins, looking at me.

"Oh shit," I whisper, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I didn't ask if you wanted that to go-"

"I usually get it to go, but I think I’ll drink it here today.”

He picks up the coffee cup before extending his free hand out between us. "I’m Luca," He says, and I take his hand in mine.

Ipoint to my name tag playfully. "Eden. Just in case you already forgot.”

He shakes his head at me before releasing my hand. "Humor me, Luca," I whisper, leaning my elbows into the counter, getting a closer look at the man. "What inspired you to switch up your drink order?"

"Full honesty," He whispers, leaning into the counter, too. "You caught my attention the minute I walked in. I've never seen you here before. Now, I'm crossing my fingers hoping you're not a high schooler and this entire meet and greet turns into a disaster.”

I smile at his charm.

Maybe getting to know this man wouldn’t be the worst idea.

At least this is appropriate. It’s not like I can shamelessly flirt with a priest in public. Ever.

Taking a closer look at Luca, I see a cross is settled under his jersey. I raise my arm and point to his chest.

"Are you religious, or is that just a fashion statement?"

"Definitely Catholic," He smiles. "Although, never been huge on the idea of going to church."

"Trust me," I sigh. "I get it."

Grabbing one of the pens and empty customer survey forms next to the register, Luca quickly writes something out and slides the piece of paper across the counter.

"I have practice in the mornings most days and work every other day at my dad's outdoor gear store. Evenings are totally free. Normally, I'd say it's time for me to go," He whispers, grabbing the drink again, "But since you made this for here," He sighs. "I guess I'll have to sit down and do my studyinghere."

“I guess you will –”

"Father Briar," Zoey chimes, my attention immediately stolen from the conversation with Luca.