Chapter 3 chilly shower

Camila's POV

Serendipity is sometimes referred to as synchronicity, fate, coincidence, or fortuity.

It is the notion that the cosmos has a way of intervening and directing you when you take certain steps and move in the direction you should be going.

Serendipity occurs when faith and action blend and appear to float to the lovely melodies.

Are you my lucky find?

I contemplated returning to the park or finding a new one while leaning on the kitchen counter.

Yes, two days ago, you were asked out by a very gorgeous man, but you declined. Yes, you allowed him to make a lot of suggestive remarks about you. However, what's causing your negative mood? It's not as though you cheated on your lover by accepting his invitation. He doesn't own the park. How likely is it that you will see him again?

I was unable to quit thinking incessantly. I kept thinking about him all the time.

I check the time-3:00 p.m. I was fortunate that my professor, whom I call the devil, ended class early today.

I know I won't see him if I leave early. It sounds like a strategy to be perfect. I grabbed my earbuds and keys and drove my beat-up, terrible car to the park because, well, it still works.

A tiny coffee shop attracted my attention as I was driving. Despite driving by this place multiple times, I have never been inside. After parking, I picked up my bag and made my way to the tiny establishment.

As I entered, I noticed several bookcases, a burning fireplace, and some green plants. I knew right away that I liked this place. I'll be back.

"Hello, what can I get for you?" grins a young woman.

"Can I have a latte with whip cream, please?" As I reached into my dark hole of a purse, I murmured. I don't know why I have such a big bag with me when I never use anything in it, but I know that I will need it eventually if I decide not to use it. "Coming right up."

I eventually located a five-dollar bill after several grueling minutes of searching in my purse and the cashier's uncomfortable look. With a sigh of relief, I settled into a chair and paid for my coffee. Pulling on my earphones, I gazed out the window.

As people scramble wildly to get inside, the rain patters softly on the window. The rain is so soothing that I adore it. It makes me want to curl up with a big, fluffy blanket and sip hot cocoa by the cozy fireplace.

I heard a faint tap on my shoulder as I was falling asleep. I removed one earbud.

"Pardon me. Is this seat reserved? A booming, well-known voice asks.

Suffocatingly hot, the temperature rose and broke the thermometer.

It was blazing hot.

I turned my head gently and licked my dry lips.

He.

"No." I shook my head.

Take a seat and leave. Take it and leave.

He sat down after giving me a heartfelt, straightforward smile.

Alright, not what I anticipated. It appears that the boy doesn't accept rejection. Who am I kidding, I wonder? He's not a boy. He's a man.

He was wearing black sweatpants and a white T-shirt that flaunted his biceps. Water was trickling down his cheeks past his sharp, stubbled chin and down to his neck, which ended at his wide chest. I let out a big gulp and looked up to find that the dry, cold air had chapped his lips. My eyes snapped back down towards the table as I looked up a little more and saw that he was staring at me with his icy blue eyes.

The bartender finally arrived and brought us our drinks after a few awkward minutes. The heart on my coffee made me smile uncontrollably. When someone draws on my coffee, I adore it. From my cup to his, my gaze follows.

"Black?" Unintentionally, I said aloud.

"Yup," he said, raising an eyebrow and nodding. My favorite.

I furrow my brow and ask, "Isn't it bitter?"

He sipped, "Certainly is."

"Ever try it with one small teaspoon of almond milk?" I inquired.

"No," he said.

Try it out. Gives a little kick of sweetness.

"How sweet?" he said, leaning forward.

"Not too sweet, just enough for you to get addicted," I murmured, resting my chin on my palms and my elbows on the table.

His lips curled upward on one side, nearly forming a smile. "Fascinating."

Leaning forward and placing both arms on the table, he draws us closer. "And if I don't get addicted?"

"Go back to black coffee," I shrug.

He straightens his long legs, sits back, crosses his arms, and looks at me.

"Don't you get bored?" Setting down my coffee, I inquired.

He leaned forward again, uncrossed his arms, and tilted his head. "Of?"

consuming the same old beverage. Try something different. Go beyond your comfort zone. I grin at him and take another sip from my cup.

Coffee is something I adore. I'm having trouble.

He nodded, raising one eyebrow. In a provocative tone, he continued, "I think I will try something new,"

I knew it before. We began to joke, laugh, tease, and tell stories as though we were old friends.

"Yes. To get my dog, I scale the window. My cute but stupid puppy. I tried to enter the PIN at the front entrance, but it kept rejecting me. I waited for someone to come home for five hours while wearing my boxers outside. Loud laughter bursts from his lips, and he leans back slightly.

"Why didn't you call them?" I tried to suppress my hyena laugh by covering my mouth with my palm.

"I left my cell phone inside the house."

"Isn't there another way to get in?"

"It's funny, you ask, because I tried to enter, but every window closed on its own. They installed this new, expensive system that shuts everything off since my younger brother kept slipping out. A fucking alarm went off when I shattered the window. The next thing I knew. Ten police cars encircled me, and I was taken into custody for breaking.

I scowled outside as I started giggling at his tale of being locked out of his house while wearing boxers. I switch on my phone and check the time: 9:26 p.m.

I noticed that there were six coffee cups in front of us when I looked down. Well, I'm out of coffee for the remainder of the week. I looked around and saw that the only people there were us and a worker who was using his phone while he leaned on the counter.

I gathered my belongings and got to my feet. It's getting late, I'm sorry. I must leave.

He mimics my movements and gives his neck a quick stroke. "I wanted to apologize about the other day, but hold on. I was unaware that you had a boyfriend. I hope it's not too strange for you.

I shook my head and grinned at him. "Not weird at all." To be honest, it increased my self-esteem and confidence. Not every man or woman can appreciate the sensation of being approached by a supermodel.

"Would you like to have lunch or coffee next time?" he asks with a small giggle. However, friends are simply friends.

I bite my bottom lip, wondering if I should eat lunch with a total stranger.

"That's not my objective at all. The friend thing was what I truly meant. "Camila, I like to talk to you," he remarked hastily. He offered me a tiny smile that revealed his lone deep dimple as he kept stroking his untidy hair.

I reluctantly give a head nod. I knock Greg down with the half-empty coffee cup as I reach for my phone.

"Oh my god. I'm so sorry. As I proceeded to apologize, I reached for a napkin and patted it on his jeans.

"Camila, it's okay." He tried to pull me up by grabbing my wrist, but I continued to clean him. "Camila, I don't think this is a good idea."

"What isn't?" I keep patting him and ask. He was staring at the worker with his eyes up. I turned to see the worker's jaw agape as he stared at us. I realize I was patting close to his privates when I look back at my hands. As I let the soiled napkin fall to the ground, my eyes enlarge.

I immediately leaped to my feet and defended myself by waving both palms in front of him. "It wasn't... I wasn't. I'm not a pervert.

He reaches for a fresh napkin and pats himself softly on the stain, letting out a rustle of laughter. It's all right. You didn't mean to, I know that. Simply said, that's not what other people believe. He cocked his head toward the employee.

The blood is hurtling up toward my face.

"So perhaps no coffee. Next time, how about we meet together for some sandwiches? In exchange for smearing my clothing?"

I stared into his eyes and twisted my lips again. "Sure."

As though he had been holding his breath, he let it out.

I had no idea at the time that my answer would change my entire life. That the individual in front of me is anything but typical.

He put his hands in front of me after we had exchanged numbers, and I extended mine for a quick embrace. We try again and end it with uncomfortable laughter as we clumsily back away while laughing. This time, we switch places once again.

His words were, "Okay, I got this." He takes hold of my wrist and hugs me.

I said, "This is kind of weird," against his chest.

"And why is it weird?"

We only met today. We're hugging you even though you're kind of a stranger."

"We met two days ago, technically. "Friends are allowed to hug," he replies, "and we became friends about six hours ago."

I nodded, sucking in both lips. "You're correct. Friends can give each other hugs. If he didn't answer, I cleared my throat. I stepped back and said, "I've got to go," pointing to the door.

He slowly nods. "Okay."

I moved to the door after biting my lip. He looked back at me and continued to wave casually. "Bye, Greg." I laughed aloud, and my voice echoed through the cafe. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to control it.

He steps back and hides his scarlet face with his hands while he laughs hard in a deep, husky voice. Then he yelled back at me, "Bye, Camila!"

He drew a cute little mischievous smile on his lip.

The guy looked at our faces, shook his head, and went back to cleaning.

I heard my cell phone beep when I finally got home.

Unknown: Greg, is this person? We had a pleasant conversation today. You forgot your earbuds, by the way.

I look around my living room and see that I have misplaced my earphones. I've misplaced three pairs of earphones in the last two weeks, damn it. I glanced down at the screen after hearing a soft ding.

Greg, I'll give it back to you if you meet me at the downtown park on Monday night.

Camila: All right. Regards.

I collapsed on the couch after dropping my cell phone onto the coffee table. I began to question whether it's OK to have a friend who is so stunning and sensual.

I groan loudly and put both hands to my face. I can't get him out of my head.

Greg.

Ba-dump.

Greg.

Ba-dump.

Ba-dump.

Every time I close my eyes, his face appears and his name keeps repeating in my head. My chest becomes constricted every time I hear his deep, sensual, yet lighthearted chuckle.

I was enamored with his deep laugh.

His lips lifting to reveal his deep dimple and perfectly positioned white teeth is something I will never forget. It has a sense of mischievousness and seems so honestly nice. My body feels a surge of warmth whenever he grins.

His eyes were the most unexpected. It had a hint of green within, but it was mostly blue. My blood danced as he gazed at me with those seductive, icy blues.

I recall every detail about him. The way his pale, sensitive lips are licked. How softly he bit them. When he feels ashamed, he scratches his head. The way his mouth twitched when he was trying to remember something. His hand barely touches mine, and I can feel how warm it is.

Everything.

I took a few long breaths, got to my feet, and shook my body.

That's not how I like Greg at all. Like everyone else, his physical appearance has me completely smitten. He is a very attractive man who would fascinate anyone.

I decided to take a shower and ran to the bathroom.

A long, chilly shower.