Chapter 8
SAPPHIRE
Irritation rising quickly and unmistakably, I’m annoyed that Kai spoiled my enjoyable coffee date with Eli.
I finally started to think we were making progress when he shared a few things about himself. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to see that when he trusts and relaxes, he opens up. Another coffee together, and he might have asked me out to dinner.
I’m holding on to a fantasy, but it’s a pleasant fairytale I will keep telling myself.
From a distance, I watch as Eli turns the corner, his broad shoulders and strong, confident frame fading from my view, which is a shame since he’s quite nice to look at.
“So, you’ve been away. When did you get back?” I ask Kai.
“I flew in two days ago,” Kai replies to my question I’m not that interested in learning the answer to.
He moves to the other side of the table, flips the chair around, and leans his arms casually on the backrest as he sits.
“You’re not my boyfriend,” I state firmly. He never has been.
“I know.” He grins, stuffing a piece of my uneaten muffin into his mouth. A baboon has better manners. “I thought you could use a break from the stiff.”
“Eli isn’t a stiff. He’s nice. Quiet. Thoughtful.” I find myself defending him, which puzzles me. Everything about him confuses me.
“Nothing like me then?”
“Thank the gods.”
He hugs the back of the chair, fingers tapping his forearm, and tilts his head as if considering his next question. “So… you two?”
“He’s a client.”
His eyebrows drop with relief. “Cool, cool. Wanna do something tonight then?”
“Nope.”
“Ouch. Yet another burn. That hurts.” He clutches his T-shirt over his heart, making the creases worse.
The last time I saw Kai, I told him how I felt. “You need to move on, Kai, because we’re not doing this anymore.” I motion to the space between us.
It’s my fault. I kept our casual relationship going for too long, giving him too much hope for something more.
I study him carefully, noting the things I used to like about him that I no longer find attractive.
“Well, this is the worst welcome home ever.” He beams from ear to ear, completely unfazed by my rejection. He’s a tough man—sorry, boy—to offend. At twenty-five and ten years younger than me, it’s only to be expected.
“I was serious about us being over, Kai.” I stand to leave, picking up my backpack and slipping the straps over my shoulders. “See you around.”
“I’m staying at Teddy’s if you change your mind,” he calls after me.
I’m sure he is. Sofa surfing is also one of his hobbies.
“I won’t.” I throw him a finger wave from over my shoulder as I walk toward my bicycle.
“Nice ass.”
I flip him the bird, not turning around, and all it does is make him laugh. Damn, he’s infuriating.
Unsure of what prompts my next action, I pull out my cell phone from the front of my backpack and send a text to a new number I added to my contacts yesterday.
Me
I enjoyed our coffee date together today.
My text turns from delivered to read in seconds.
Me
It’s Sapphire by the way.
Eli
I figured it was you. Thank you for the coffee.
Me
You are welcome.
I reconsider sending the next text I quickly type, but throw caution to the wind and do it anyway.
Me
Kai isn’t my boyfriend.
Eli
It’s none of my business.
Me
I know, but I just wanted to set the record straight.
Eli
It wasn’t a date.
Me
What do you mean?
Eli
You said you enjoyed our coffee date together today. It wasn’t a date.
Ouch. Now I’m the one being burned.
I type the word “dick” into our conversation, then delete it, opting to kill him with kindness instead.
Me
Have a wonderful weekend, Eli. May the sun shine brightly on your bonsai *sunshine emoji* *plant emoji*
I expect a sarcastic reply, but joy fills every cell of my body when he replies.
Eli
I hope you find the finest fabric in all of San Francisco to give to your mom, and enjoy your weekend with Ghost *ghost emoji * *cat emoji*
There’s nothing sexier than a guy who listens or seems tougher than a rock but still sends emojis.
Me
Speak Monday.
Eli
I’m busy on Monday.
Me
Tuesday?
Eli
I’m busy all week. Please email me.
Oh, great, we’re back to square one.
His kindness was good while it lasted, even if it was short-lived.
The next few months are going to be a bumpy ride, and I’m going to need more than matcha lattes to get me through; it’s going to take every ounce of courage and resilience I’ve got.
I might even have to try one of his complicated coffees he likes.
Having already forgotten what it was, I pull up my notes to reread it… Venti, half-caf, extra-hot, no foam, triple shot caramel macchiato, with one pump of vanilla and no cinnamon.
Hell, doesn’t that just roll off the tongue?
Amused by his quirks, I know I will need more than just resilience and courage. Maybe a little luck and some deep breaths, too.
And meditation, lots and lots of meditation.