The Taste of Love

The Taste of Love

By Hoshi-chan

Inspired by Falling In Love At a Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg

-Start-

“This is… 21st street,” announced the robotic voice of the G train. Josh helplessly looked up at the mass of people blocking his path to the doors.

“E-excuse me,” he stammered as he gently pushed his way past. A wave of work-ready civilians stormed into the train, tossing Josh this way and that. One rough biker elbowed Josh’s side as he finally made his way onto the platform. Not one for excessive activity, Josh collapsed from exhaustion.

A few gasps later, Josh straightened up and went towards the exit. Walking with determination and some confidence, he headed towards Cleft St. For a few weeks now, Josh had frequented this quaint and artsy neighborhood. He always felt completely out of place, one reason being his attire. With his skinny corduroy pants, shrunken grey argyle-print sweater and thick, square-framed glasses, Josh looked every part the nerdy library boy. On either side of him, bohemian artists and rising musicians roamed the streets in their flowing peasant skirts, paint-stained overalls, leather chaps and vintage band tees. Unconsciously, Josh shouldered his messenger bag higher, and picked up the pace. He was here for one reason only.

It was the same reason that had brought him back to Greenwichville many times. A girl, of course. He had met her once, at a late-night bash outside the city. Both a little tipsy, the two had wound up on the dance floor together. Josh was certain there was some spark, considering he had left with her only ten minutes into the party. They had ended up in The Tea-se, a small tea-and-coffee shop in Greenwichville. Three cappuccinos and two green teas later, she had kissed him. Passionately.

Josh had melted on the inside. His first kiss, from a total stranger, was sensational. While their tongues danced, his only thought was, ‘I will finally die happy.’ It was then that he realized he was in love. With all of her. Her beautiful long hair, her shining emerald eyes, her sun-kissed skin. It was after she had broken the kiss, after she had smiled and whispered in his ear, after she had left, that Josh realized he did not know her name.

Always the determined one, he vowed to return to The Tea-se every week and ask her for her name. It was because of this vow that Josh repeatedly found himself in front of the tea-and-coffee shop.

He ordered a medium green tea with honey. While waiting on the side, Josh scanned the shop for her and listened for her musical laugh. His eyes migrated to his left and he smiled at what he saw.

There she was. Elegantly lounging on one of the green velvet couches crammed into the small back room. Her hands wrapped around a mug of cappuccino. She wasn’t much of a coffee drinker, but cappuccino was by far her favorite drink. Her acquired taste for the foamy, creamy drink developed on her first trip to Italy. Everything was so perfect, so sophisticated in Europe.

Her maple hair spilled over her shoulders as she leaned against the couch. He had longed to touch her hair, to run his fingers through its seemingly smooth and silken strands. A large, navy-striped sweater overwhelmed her small frame, making her look more like a child playing dress-up than a second year college student taking a lunch break.

“Green tea with honey!” the man behind the counter called out. Josh noticed out of the corner of his eye that the girl had looked up at the mention of ‘green tea.’ He caught her eye and waved, a big fake smile on his face. She nodded in his direction, as if acknowledging his existence.

Being on the receiving end of that nod, Josh’s face lit up. It was as if she had given him the green light, the a-ok. A newly gained confidence propelled him forward as he headed towards the green velvet couch.

‘This is my chance! I can finally ask her…’ He inwardly smiled. The whole scene unfolded within his imagination; he would ask to sit, she would say yes. They would chat, get to know each other. Josh would confidently confess his love to her, and in turn she would confess hers. It was destined to happen!

“Hello there! Mind if I share this space?” Josh asked, indicating the unpossessed area near her. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and waited for a reply.

“Hmmm,” the girls sighed as she shifted herself. She was now lying down on the couch, her back against the seat cushions. Josh caught a small smirk on her lips. The couch was all hers.

“I see you want to lie down.” Josh struggled to make conversation. This was not turning out the way he had planned. Feeling dejected, Josh swiveled on his heels and headed towards the door.

“Stupid, stupid, stupid,” he muttered to himself. It had gone all wrong. Since he first entered the shop. He knew it would have turned out this way. Josh cursed himself for his lack of confidence, his lack of presence. She had known-no, rather she had sensed his nervous energy and completely took the offensive. From the start, there was no way to win.

Josh looked at the cup of green tea in his hand. The memories flowed through his mind. He could still taste her, a strong, spicy mix of coffee and chocolate. She was the one who kissed him. Even if she was a little tipsy, she had still desired to do so, hadn’t she?

He was sure of it. She kissed him. He remembered it clearly; her slender hands reaching closer, her lips crashing against his. He was the one to break it, she had kissed him again.

Josh cursed himself again. It was all her fault anyway. Why did she kiss him? Did she know the effect she had on him? She had to know. Why else would she have done so? How was Josh to know that he would fall head-over-heels in love with her, after one kiss?

Now near the entrance, he paused to take a look at himself in the mirror. A wave of disappointment and self-hate washed over him. He looked pathetic. Unkempt hair, crooked glasses. A pleading, yearning, hurt look in his eyes His shoulders slumped, radiating defeat. Was this him? A rejected and depressed man who doesn’t fight back?

Josh shook his head. He was going to confess. He had to, at least to keep his vow. It didn’t matter whether she accepted him or not. He needed to prove to himself that he could be a man. It was all about self-acceptance and confidence now.

Josh straightened his shoulders and marched toward the back, green tea now discarded. His pace quickened as he built himself up for the moment. It was a mere matter of minutes before he was in front of the girl again.

“Oh? So you’re back?” Even with her condescending tone, she was still as beautiful as ever in Josh’s eyes. Unable to confidently look her in the eyes, Josh bent his head down, blushing.

“Th-the thing is… I think I’ve fallen in love with you. I know it sounds foolish. I don’t even know you’re name. But…” Josh shifted his gaze from the floor to her eyes. Orbs of deep emerald stared intensely over a small mug of cappuccino. The blush on Josh’s face deepened to scarlet and spread to his ears.

“But I want to know your name. I-I want to get to know you.” Josh let out a sigh of relief. Although he was blushing madly and his body temperature was rising, Josh felt totally calm. He had said it! He was now looking at the face of the girl he loved. Josh could see the gears of her mind turning slowly. His eyes shifted back to the floor. Staring made him uneasy.

“Well…you are somewhat cute.” Josh’s head snapped back up, his full attention on her. Her eyes were shining and her berry lips were curved into a smile.

A slender hand reached upwards to caress his cheek. She leaned towards him and placed a light, kiss on his lips.

At first, Josh was in shock. Desire soon took over, and he pressed his lips harder against hers. Seconds later, she parted her lips and their tongues began to dance. Josh happily sighed. She tasted the same. Spicy and strong. Just like cappuccino.

They broke the kiss moments after. A goofy grin was spread across Josh’s face. She smiled up at him, giggling.

“So you say you want to know me right?” Her voice was musical and angelic. Josh nodded silently, too happy for words.

“Buy me a cappuccino and then we’ll see.” Her smile melted his heart and Josh automatically went fishing for money in his pocket.

-End-

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