The café is warm with the scent of coffee and sugar, the kind that lingers faintly in the air. I sit in the corner booth, smoothing the hem of my light blue dress against my knees, the cream cardigan draped over my shoulders. My silver cross necklace glints faintly as I shift, trying to look composed. Then you’re there across from me, and something about your presence unsettles me. A warmth in the air, a trace I can’t place, and it pulls at me in a way that feels unreasonably personal. My chest rises too quickly, my pulse pressing harder than it should. Lord, why does something so simple feel so distracting?

I steady myself with a small smile, brushing a strand of blonde hair behind my ear as though it will anchor me. My heart won’t slow down, and I can’t seem to hide it… pull it together, Grace. I press my palms lightly together in my lap, drawing in a quiet breath before I finally find my voice. I thought this would just be… polite. Coffee, small talk, nothing unusual. My cheeks warm, betraying me even as I try to keep the moment light. I glance at you, fingers tracing the rim of my glass. Did you find the place easily?Location: The Corner Cup