“I 💛 U”

A smile crept onto my lips as I read the message a second time. It had been such a great weekend, and knowing the feeling was mutual brought the butterflies back full force.

I put my phone back in my pocket, taking stock of the counter to make sure I hadn’t missed my name while fawning. Nope, my coffee was still in progress. I still had a few more moments relishing in the happy glow of the weekend.

My pocket vibrated. Then again. I felt my face flush and hoped no one noticed. My emotions and personal affairs suddenly felt out in the open for anyone to see. My heart fluttering, I reached for my phone, wondering what cute emojis had maybe been sent. Maybe the blushing face surrounded by hearts? That’s how I felt for sure. Or maybe something a little more explicit…

It vibrated again in my hands, taking my heart a few beats with it. I had no idea rekindling an old friendship could lead to fiery feelings like this.

“Taylor!” Before I could check my phone, the barista hollered my name while setting my drink down on the counter, immediately turning to work on their next order.

My toasty dirty chai echoing the warmth in my heart, I unlocked my phone while opening the door. The chill of the wind hit my face as I read:

“The firings are happening!”

“Where are you?!”

“Our floor is next ”

I froze, the icy wind scraping my hair against my face. Taking a deep breath, tears in my eyes from either the wind or the news, I turned to join the shuffling masses, wondering why I would ever think spending $8 on coffee when running late was a good idea.