Page 14 of Mr. Delicious

“Oh, um, thanks. I’m a mess today.” She looked like she was trying to keep her composure, but her eyes gave her away. I gazed into them, deeply, trying to read what I saw there, but it made her more nervous.

“Some days are like that for everyone,” I offered.

“Yeah, sure.”

It was the strangest thing. As I looked at her, a strange magnetic force drew me in, making me want to stay in her presence.

Something… sparked between us. I could feel it, and I knew she could, too. I would have prolonged this meeting but felt it was appropriate to leave given the freshness of her situation and circumstances.

“Things have a way of sorting themselves out, so I’m sure the same will happen for you.”

“I’m sorry I… don’t usually come to work crying and talking about my personal life.” She looked even more embarrassed now because she knew I must have heard all she told Stella about her vile, cheating, son of a bitch boyfriend.Ex-boyfriend.

I smiled, knowing exactly what to say. “It’s fine. The explanation is simple. He didn’t deserve you.” I spoke slowly and purposefully for more effect.

It worked, and the wink I gave her before I left just added to it. I smiled to myself as I stepped outside and glanced back through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of the coffeehouse and saw she was still watching me, watching in wonder and awe.

I looked away and continued walking, a plan already brewing in my mind for her.