Coffee for Two

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee hung thick in the air as Sophie stood in line at her favorite café, scrolling absentmindedly through her phone. It was her morning ritual—black coffee, a croissant, and a moment to herself before the day’s chaos began.

“Next!” the barista called.

Sophie stepped forward and ordered, but as she reached for her wallet, the man behind her interrupted.

“Add a latte to that, please,” he said, handing over his card before Sophie could protest.

Startled, she turned to face him. He was tall, with sandy brown hair and a grin that seemed both mischievous and sincere.

“You didn’t have to do that,” she said, confused.

“Consider it a good-morning gesture,” he replied with a shrug.

Sophie hesitated, unsure whether to be annoyed or amused. “Thank you… I guess.”

As the barista handed over their drinks, the man gestured toward an open table by the window. “Care to join me? If you’ve got time.”

She considered saying no—after all, who just buys someone coffee like that? But something about his easy smile made her nod.

“I’m Sophie,” she said as they sat.

“Ethan,” he replied, stirring his latte. “Do you always look this skeptical when strangers do something nice?”

“Only when it’s this random,” she admitted, raising an eyebrow.

Ethan laughed. “Fair enough. But you seemed like you could use a little surprise in your morning routine.”

“Oh, so now you’re analyzing me?” Sophie teased, hiding her smile behind her coffee cup.

“Guilty as charged,” he said. “But I’m harmless, I promise.”

Their conversation flowed easily, to Sophie’s surprise. Ethan was quick-witted, with an infectious enthusiasm for travel, photography, and the city’s hidden gems. She found herself laughing more than she had in weeks.

“You come here often?” he asked as the sun spilled through the window, highlighting the glint of curiosity in his eyes.

“Most mornings,” she admitted. “It’s my quiet time before work.”

“Quiet, huh?” he said with a smirk. “Sorry for ruining that.”

“You might be forgiven,” she replied, leaning back in her chair.

As their cups emptied, Sophie glanced at the clock and sighed. “I should go. Work won’t wait forever.”

“Mind if I walk you out?” Ethan asked, standing.

She nodded, and they exited the café together, the cool morning air brushing against her skin.

Outside, she paused. “Thank you for the coffee. And the company.”

“My pleasure,” he said. “Maybe I’ll see you here again?”

“Maybe,” she said, though the smile on her face felt like a yes.

Ethan pulled a pen from his pocket and scribbled something on the sleeve of her coffee cup. “Just in case you don’t want to leave it to chance.”

Sophie glanced at the number he’d written and laughed softly. “You’re persistent, aren’t you?”

“I believe in follow-ups,” he said with a wink.

As Sophie walked to work, the warmth of her coffee lingered—but not as much as the thought of Ethan’s grin.