Beyond the skyline

Coffee date

Dear Diary,

Today was one of those chaotic, busy mornings where it felt like I was juggling a million things at once—work, errands, the kids—basically, life. And of course, I still had a ton of work to finish, but I had to meet a business associate at the local coffee shop to finalize a few things. It was one of those rushed meetings where you barely have time to sip your coffee, let alone enjoy it.

But then came the moment I didn’t see coming...

As we were wrapping up, I stood to leave, still trying to make sense of everything on my to-do list and what a long list it was, some things were absolutely ridiculous. And that’s when it happened. I turned and—bam—smacked straight into someone. Not just anyone, mind you, It was Cole. Of course it was.

I nearly spilled his coffee all over the place, and for a split second, I thought I might actually die of embarrassment, flushing bright red as the heat hit my cheeks. But no. Instead of reacting like any normal person (maybe with a “watch where you’re going!” or a “can you not see me?”), he just calmly shifted his coffee in one hand and with the other, grabbed a hold of me

Like, full-on steadying me, making sure I didn’t fall on my face, my butt, my dignity even.

I swear, Diary, time slowed down for just a second. He had this grin—one of those confident, knows-exactly-what-he’s-doing grins—and held my hand just a little longer than necessary. It was like he didn’t want to let go, you know when they touch your hand… and it’s left to the little pinky and your barely holding on, I swear it was just like that!.

My heart did that stupid flutter thing again—why does it do that?—and I’m pretty sure I felt a heat rise in my cheeks. I mean, come on. It was just a bump, but with the way he looked at me—winked at me—I could almost hear the universe whispering, “Here we go again.”

He didn’t even say much, just that quiet, ever-so-charming line of his: “Careful there,” and then that grin again. Honestly, if charm were a sport, he’d be a gold medalist, he turns definitely winks as he leaves and says “hope your taking good care of that hat” as he chuckles out of the door.

But here’s the kicker: I left that coffee shop feeling like I just got caught doing something naughty. You know the feeling, right? That little rush of adrenaline, the kind you get when someone makes you feel like you’re the only one in the room.

Is it just me, or does he have that effect on people? Maybe it’s just me. Maybe it’s because every time he looks at me, I can’t seem to stop thinking about that damn wink.

But, Diary, here’s the problem—I don’t know if I’m ready for this. Cole. His charm. His smile. That... lingering touch. I can barely keep my heart in check when he’s around. What happens when I actually have to spend more time around him?

Guess I’ll find out sooner than I thought.

Yours,

The Girl Who’s Not Sure What’s Happening with Cole