It was so hot inside that I decided to take that walk to the coffee shop—the one I’d been dreading. It wasn’t too late, after all, as the city still seemed awake. There were occasional honks from vehicles and commuters hurrying to get home.
I checked the weather. It was predicted to rain in about an hour. The walk to the coffee shop would take about fifteen minutes. I couldn’t last a few more minutes inside the house; I felt like I was going to melt from the unbearable heat.
Dark clouds were forming in the sky, and it felt good watching the heavens brew. A hot gust of wind grazed my skin as I turned the key in the lock. I needed to make sure it was fastened properly as the rate at which homes were being burgled in the city was alarming.
I took a quick survey of my surroundings and pulled my hood over my head. The wind was crisp and warm. I hoped to beat the rain by walking faster. I had to be back home, nestled under my blankets while the rain pattered on my rooftop.
Mobile stalls were folding up, and commuters were rushing to catch the next available bus. Lightning flashed across the sky, and another gust of wind blew; this time, it was chilly. The rain was definitely coming soon. I needed to grab a cup of coffee for the evening. It would help keep me up while I worked through the night. I had paperwork to finish, and my no-nonsense boss had strictly warned me to have it on her desk the moment the sun peeked through the sky.
I hastened my steps. I was close to the coffee shop and hoped they hadn’t closed early due to the weather.
Luckily, just before James, my favorite barista, could flip the sign over, I pushed the door open and jumped inside.
“You’re so childish,” he teased.
I shrugged. “My usual, please.”
“Why are you late today anyway?”
“I was contemplating whether I really needed the coffee or if I could work just fine without it, but the scorching heat in my house didn’t let me stay in, so I decided to come get a cup.”
“This storm will definitely catch up with you,” he sighed.
A mail notification on my phone pulled me away from the conversation. My focus shifted to the screen. My heart changed its rhythm, my stomach churned, and my cheeks grew hot. I swallowed hard, trying to blink away the tears filling my eyes.
“Are you okay?” James asked as he handed me my cup.
I nodded and looked out the window, trying to compose myself. My feet felt numb as I attempted to push myself off the stool. I could feel James’ stare on my skin. He was probably wondering what had changed my mood so suddenly.
“I’m fine,” I said with a forced smile and grabbed the cup. It warmed my now cold, shaky hands. I pulled out a dollar and handed it to him before walking out. His gaze was burning into me, but I had to hurry. The last thing I needed was sympathy, it would completely break me, and I might end up crying in one of the chairs till dawn.
“Be good, Sarah,” he remarked as my hand reached for the door handle.
I smiled at him and stepped outside. I didn’t mind that the rain had already begun. My hood was still up, but I tucked my phone into my pocket and clasped the hot cup of coffee close to my chest as I hurried home.
Once inside, my phone buzzed while I tried to take off my wet clothes. I glanced at the screen and immediately picked up the call. My voice cracked as I said hello.
“How are you holding up?” she asked, concerned.
“I’m okay,” I lied.
“I’ll come see you in the morning. And I’ll make you your favorite meal.”
“Alright,” I managed to say before disconnecting the call.
I pressed my face against the pillow and sobbed.
“We hadn’t even finalized our divorce, yet he was already engaged to another woman?”
The tears streaking my face were hot. I got up and staggered to the bathroom to wash the snort off.
“Fudgeeee,” I screamed, hitting the wall. Then I splashed water on my face and headed back to bed.
I grabbed my laptop and flipped it open. My incomplete work filled the screen, but my mind was too crowded to think straight. I minimized the tab and began stalking her.
To be continued.
cool chapter!