Georgia
Hi Tom. Do you have a minute?
His response comes almost instantly.
Tom
Hi , what's up? Do you need me to call you?
Before I can reply, my phone vibrates in my hand. It's Tom.
"Hey, Tom, sorry to bother you," I say, slightly nervous. Even though he's the sweetest guy, he still intimidates me. He’s just so put together—filthy rich, wildly successful, and always in a perfectly tailored suit like he walked straight out of a magazine.
"You are never a bother, ," he says, his voice warm. "What's going on?"
I exhale. "First off, congratulations! Krystin and I are so happy for you and Valentina."
"Thank you, ," he says sincerely. "That means a lot—especially coming from you. You’ve been a constant in Valentina’s life. She loves you more than you probably realize."
"That's why I texted you," I continue. "I'm planning a little bridal shower for Valentina, but I don't want to interfere with your plans. I know you both have a lot going on before the wedding."
"Oh, she would love that," he says, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.
I smile. "I figured. Just wanted to check in first."
James hands me my fresh coffee, and I mouth a quick thank you before turning back to my usual table. It is not until I sit on my favorite chair that I realize he is gone.
"But that's all," Tom adds. His voice sounded distant momentarily, and I suddenly realized why—I'd thoroughly checked out our conversation.
"I'm sorry," I stammer. "I think I lost signal there for a second. Could you say that again?"
"Yeah, no problem," Tom says. "I was telling you that all I have planned is a dinner on Friday night. I want our friends to meet before the big day. Of course, you're invited."
"That sounds great," I manage to say. "So, that's Friday. Would it be safe to take her out on Saturday then?"
"Yes," he confirms. "Let me know where you all want to go, and I'll make sure everything is covered." Oh, and did I forget to mention that Tom is loaded? His family owns one of the biggest oil companies in Texas. With my part-time job and student bills, there's no way I'm saying no to that.
"Thank you, "I reply. "I'm thinking dinner, gifts, and dancing."
"That sounds great. She will love that," Tom says, but I barely hear him.
Because Adonis—is walking toward me.
I freeze again. Suddenly, time slows, and I swear I go deaf.
The Greek god pulls out the chair across from me, sits down, and places his book on the table. He leans back, smirking.
"?" Tom's voice snaps me back to reality. "I think we're losing signal again. ?"
I swallow hard. "Oh, yes," I say quickly. "I'll make reservations for Saturday."
"That sounds great," Tom says. "Let me know if you need anything—you know I can fit you all in wherever you want."
"I know," I reply, thinking back to the time Tom got us into a sold-out Taylor Swift concert like it was nothing.
"I'll talk to you later," I say, finally looking up.
And there he is. Still watching me and still smirking.
I disconnect the call, place my phone on the table, and sip my coffee, trying to act unaffected.
"Ma'am," he says in that deep, teasing voice. "You're sitting in my chair."
Journal Entry
Date: January 13th, 2019
I met someone today—or, at least, I saw someone today—and I felt completely caught off guard for the first time in a long time.
He was sitting at my usual table, wholly absorbed in his book like the rest of the world didn't exist. Sunlight hit his face just right, and when he finally looked up at me, I forgot how to breathe. His eyes—blue, but not just any blue—had flecks of gold, like the sun had left tiny pieces behind.
And that smile. God, that smile.
He called me 'ma'am,' which was ridiculous and oddly charming. I tried to play it cool, to pretend like he didn't affect me. The truth is, he did. Completely.
I don’t know who he is or if I’ll ever see him again—but for a few unexpected minutes today, a complete stranger held my attention like no one has in a long time.