21. Smithy
Chapter 21
Smithy
“Where are we going?” She giggles as I run down the street with her hand in mine. I haven’t stopped smiling since I woke her up early and drug her out of my house.
“You’ll see when we get there.” I slow my pace, knowing she’s not going to be able to keep up with me.
I stop a few shops away and spin around to face Liliana. Covering her eyes with my hands, I lean in close and kiss her lips.
“Why are you covering my eyes?” She murmurs.
“I have a surprise for you, but I don’t want you to see yet. Can you take my hands, but keep your eyes closed?”
“I guess?”
“Trust me, Sweets. You know I’d never do anything to hurt you.”
“Never,” she whispers as a smile spreads across her lips.
Pulling my hands away from her face, I make sure her eyes are shut before I take her hands in mine and walk backwards towards our destination. After opening the door, I place my hands on her hips and guide her forward.
“Open your eyes, Sweets,” I whisper, my hot breath fanning over her bare skin, making her shiver.
She opens her eyes and glances around the coffee shop. Her eyes widen as she realizes where we are and she grins up at me.
“You brought me to Caffeine Addicts? I haven’t been here since we were in college!”
“Do you remember how many nights we spent studying here?” I murmur against her ear as I wrap my arms around her waist and keep us moving towards the counter.
“Too many.” She chuckles.
“I lived for those nights,” I confess.
“Why? You hated studying.”
“Yeah, but each time we met here, it gave me an excuse to spend time with you. I’d work the entire time to get you to laugh or smile in my direction. I lived for those times no one else could make it here and it was only the two of us.”
“I loved those nights.” She stares up at me, rising on her toes to press her lips to mine. “I wonder if their hot chocolate is still as good as it used to be.”
“There’s only one way to find out.” We step up to the counter and I order for us. I ask for the same things we used to get each time we came here.
A hot chocolate with extra whipped cream and an orange cranberry scone for Liliana, and an espresso with a double chocolate scone for me.
“Why don’t you go grab us a seat and I’ll wait for our order?” I press a soft kiss to her head and watch her walk around the corner towards the back of the shop. That’s where we’d always plop down and spend our evenings together.
“Are you Smithy?” The guy working behind the counter asks softly.
I chuckle at his reaction to me. I appreciate him keeping quiet, it will make my life easier if he doesn’t make a big deal out of me being here.
“I am. I’ll sign something for you if you keep quiet about seeing me. I'm kinda taking my girl on a trip down memory lane. We used to study here when we were in college.”
“I’d love it if you’ll sign something! And, yeah, no worries. I won't tell anyone I saw you until after you leave.” He grins as he rushes away to find something for me to sign.
He comes back a few moments later with a baseball and a permanent marker. He thrusts both in my direction and waits patiently.
“Do you play?” I arch a brow as I scribble my name across the leather. I doubt he just had a baseball lying around unless he plays.
“Yeah! I play third, just like you.”
“What’s your name?”
“Jameson.”
“Awesome. It’s nice to meet you, Jameson. If you want to come to the opening game this season, I can leave you four tickets at the gate.”
“Really? That would be amazing! You’re the best!”
“No problem. Take this card and email Macy. Tell her I asked you to email her. She’ll get the tickets sent over. I’ll text her now so she’ll know to look for your email.” I tug Macy’s business card out of my wallet and hand it over to him.
The kid is smiling ear to ear. I probably just made his entire year. I love being able to give fans little gifts like that. Something to make them feel special, like they matter to me.
“Thanks, Smithy. I can't wait to see you play in person. I’ve never been to a game before.”
“Seriously? Now, I’m even more excited for you to come.”
I make a mental note to ask Macy if we can give Jameson and his friends a full VIP experience. I’ll leave a signed jersey for him and let him into the locker room after the game. He’ll get some free food and drinks, and I’ll make sure his seats have a good view of third base. I’ll wave to him and maybe if the crowd isn't too loud, I’ll say hi to him.
“Here’s your order. I can't believe I actually got to meet you. This is the best day ever!”
He slides the two mugs and the bag across the counter towards me. I thank him again before turning to find my girl. I grin when I discover her sitting at the same table we always occupied in college. She’s sitting with her back against the wall and her knees bent up to her chest.
I used to find her in this position every time I showed up here. If other people were joining us, she’d sigh and move her legs so I could sit next to her. As much as I hated having other people around, I loved having her so close.
“Every time I walked in this place and I found you in that exact position, I swear I fell a little more in love with you.” I slide into the seat across from her and hand over her mug. The whipped cream is piled so high, I'm not sure how she’s going to drink it.
“I used to take the time to watch you move around the coffee shop. I’d memorize the way you’d smile or throw your head back and laugh. I’d soak up every bit of the things I loved about you so I’d have something to think about when you weren’t there.”
Liliana’s cheeks heat with embarrassment as she leans in and licks some of the whipped cream off the top. I groan and adjust myself, making her giggle.
“It’s not funny, Sweets. All I want to do is drag you home and spread you out on my bed.”
“You’re the one who made me leave your bed this morning,” she singsongs.
“Yeah, don’t remind me,” I grumble, making her laugh again.