Teatime

TEATIME

⎯♡ A chime rings through the air prompting an employee to beam a welcoming smile in your direction. Your eyes roam around the pastel colors that complimented each other well. The white lace decorates the tables with jam and sugar cubes.

You sigh happily approaching the woman who laid her hazel hair in a bun with her arms resting on the counter.

"Welcome to Leon's Tearoom! Are dining by yourself, or is someone joining you?" The woman greets you.

"Um, yes someone else is joining me," you answer.

"Is there a specific place you would like to sit?"

"Yes, by the window please," you request.

"Follow me miss," the woman guides you over to a booth placed by a clear view of the outside.

"A server will arrive shortly," she places down the menu before bowing and taking her leave.

You take the menu into your hands to open up the list of delicious options. They serve everything from crumpets to sandwiches to omelets and desserts.

And well, of course, tea.

You decide on what you want and now it's time for you to stare at your phone.

You have been hoping for a text from H/n, but the longer you expect an apology the more anxious and disappointed you begin to feel. You sigh flipping over the device to stare at the outside world.

But your sightseeing is cut short as the door rings signaling someone has entered the shop.

Florian waves at the fleeting car before turning around to greet the same woman that had seated you before as she pointed in your direction.

You wave as his eyes settle on you. He graces you with a smile as he walks over with his trench coat flowing behind him with each step.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting, we left the house later than we wanted," Florian apologizes for his late arrival letting the tan coat descend off his broad shoulders.

"It's no problem! I haven't been here that long, how has your day been though?" You try continuing the small talk.

"It has been alright, and yours?"

"To be honest, it could be better, but this place is so pretty, I can't get over how cute it is," you gush over your surroundings.

"I agree, I'm glad we came here," he nods in agreeance.

Someone clears their throat letting you both notice their arrival, "Hello my name is Aminah, and I will be serving you today. Are you ready to order drinks?"

"Um, I'll take f/d for my drink please," you respond before handing Florian the menu.

He thanks you before skimming his options, "I'll take an earl gray, please."

"No problem, I'll be right back with your drinks," the woman bows before disappearing into the kitchen.

The air between you both remains awkward before Florian clears his throat, "Well, tell me about yourself."

"Well I'm in high school and I live with my mom. Oh, she enjoys baking and cooking a lot, so we barely have to go out to eat. Plus it's delicious so," you chuckle playing with your utensils anxiously.

"Well I hope one day I can taste it since you speak so highly of it," he suggests jokingly.

"Oh of course my mom would be happy with the company, it's been a while since she's cooked for someone besides just us," you think about your father and the many moments when he was trying to be your mother's horrible assistant chef in the kitchen.

"Oh... does that mean your father isn't in the picture? If you don't mind me asking," he tries not to push your boundaries.

"It's fine... um, he passed a couple of years ago around when I was seven," you poorly chuckle trying not to ruin the calm atmosphere.

"Oh I apologize," he reaches for your hand squeezing it hoping it will comfort your sunken mood.

"No it's fine," you laugh before sniffling, "Tell me more about you now."

But before he has a chance to answer the server returns with a tray, "Here are your drinks, one f/d, and one earl gray." She sets down the hot teacup in front of Florian and your cup in front of you.

"Are you guys ready to order?" She flips her scarf over her shoulder before pulling out her notepad. You both relay your orders before the server retreats once again.

As Florian dips the sugar cubes in his tea one by one watching as they dissolve, you carefully sip your drink. "This is so good, oh my god," you mutter as you watch Florian taste his tea.

"I agree, this is quite tasty," he once again agrees with you letting the drink slip down his throat, "Ah, where was I?"

"You were going to tell me more about yourself," you remind him.

"Right. Well, I work two jobs, one as a craftsman for my lover's uncle," he goes on sipping his tea, "The other is where I met... Chelsea."

"Do you mind telling me more about her?" You ask hopefully.

"I shall, the next time we meet. Invite me over for dinner."

You furrow your eyebrows at how forward he is being, "I should ask my mom, I'm sure she shouldn't have a problem."

"Great," he responds with a smile before glancing at the incoming server. They set the fresh, hot plates down and are about to excuse themselves before Florian stopped her.

"Hey Aminah, was it?"

"Yes, how may I help you?"

"Can I get a box of ten macaroons to go, please? As an assortment, pick whatever you'd recommend."

"Yes sir," she takes down his order.

As you gush over the fancy-plated food, something gains Florian's attention beyond the window.

As his lips stretch into a smirk, Florian waves to let whoever or whatever know... that the constant stares haven't gone unnoticed.