Stanzas: Monthly Chapbooks September 2015 (Internet) | Page 22

glance up to see if you may be within the gaggle of patrons and take
great care not to make eye contact with anyone: I don’t want to seem
desperate or panicky. Their eyes flicker in my direction and I quickly
drop mine to the table. It’s made of varnished wood.
Another bing from my phone lets me know you’re almost here. I’ve
nearly finished my coffee. There’s a dark residue running around the
rim of the cup. I notice it has stopped raining, and out the window I
can see a masculine figure walking down the street. He’s advancing in
the direction of this café. He’s too far away to make out any definitive
details but I immediately think it’s you.
More panic. Do I have time to rush to the bathroom, does it look
weird that I’m here first, already waiting? What if I have something
on my face, or in my teeth? I knew I shouldn’t have gotten that initial
coffee after all. The man is only a metre or so away now. He’s a few
steps away from the door. He reaches the entrance, and continues on
his way.
How long has it been since that last message? A glance at my phone
lets me know it’s been seven minutes. Crap! I knew you wouldn’t show
up. I start to gather my things to leave when my phone bings once
more. Nearly there, your text says, this time with the emoticon that has
the sticking out tongue. Calm down, I tell myself as I return to my seat.
I’m now feeling too hot. I hope I’m not starting to sweat. The bell over
the door