Short Story--Coffee Date--Day 5

It's the final day of our short story for this birthday week. I hope you've enjoyed the little drama between Kevin and Stacy, along with the literary references. If you missed any of the previous days, they can be found here: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, or Day 4. And now, the conclusion of our story ...

---

​Kevin still couldn’t believe Stacy was in the passenger seat of his car as he drove them to his favorite café. Had he really finally asked her for a date? She knew this was a date, right?

“So, did you like Little Women?” Stacy broke their silence. “I have to ask because if you didn’t, I’m not sure we can date longer than tonight.”

Kevin blinked.

“I’m joking!” Stacy giggled.

“Well, joking or not, I did enjoy the book. I don’t think it was what I expected. But it was really fascinating.”

​Stacy leaned closer, her floral scent wafting his way. “Did you cry?”

---

“I’m not sure that’s something to admit on a first date.” Kevin cleared his throat. “Here’s the café.”

He parked, but didn’t turn the car off. Something wasn’t right. All the lights were off inside. It wasn’t that late, was it?

“Are they open?” Stacy craned her neck.

“I can’t see what that sign in the window says.”

“Closed for family emergency.” Stacy flopped back in her seat.

Of all the rotten timing! How would he ever work up the nerve to ask Stacy out again? Especially if this first coffee date didn’t go any better than this?

Stacy straightened and snapped. “I know.”

“What?”

“Back out and go that way.” She pointed the way they’d come. “I think this will be even better.”

He followed her directions until they pulled into a tiny little drive-thru called the Java Hut. There was nowhere to sit inside, but the flashing lights at least proved it was open. A step in the right direction.

They went through the line and soon his car filled with the scent of coffee. He breathed in deeply, but then paused as they reached the road again. What now?

“Now, let’s go find a place and drink our coffee with the sound of the rain and good conversation.” Stacy seemed to read his mind. “You can tell me more about what you thought of Little Women or we can talk about other things. I’m happy either way.”

“Really? You don’t think this is the worst date ever?” Kevin steered them back toward the library parking lot.

Stacy laughed. “Honestly, this is probably one of the best. You started off by emulating one of my favorite characters and then treated me to what I’d been craving all day. What more could a girl ask for?”

Kevin shook his head. “And all this time I thought dating was hard.”

“Maybe you just never asked the right girl before this.”

“I never asked any girl before this.” The words escaped before he could lock them in.

“Good. Then I get to set the precedent.” Stacy settled back in her seat and took a sip of coffee. “Let’s plan to do this a lot.”

​Kevin could live with endless coffee dates as long as Stacy was the one he had them with. Actually, sounded like the perfect plan.

---

What about you? Does that sound like a perfect date plan? Did it end how you expected (you know I love my happy endings!)?
I hope it brought a little extra fun into your week. Thanks for celebrating with me. If you've missed any of my past short stories, they can be found here. Until next year ...