I'm here

The next morning, I woke up in an unusually good mood. The sunlight streamed through my curtains, casting a warm glow over my room. I stretched, feeling a flutter of excitement at the thought of meeting Carmen. It was a strange feeling given how cold our conversation had been, but I couldn't help myself.

I hopped out of bed and headed to the bathroom, humming softly to myself. The warm water of the shower felt invigorating, and I took my time, letting the steam and heat relax me. As I shampooed my hair, I thought about the upcoming meeting. Carmen Steele, the enigmatic, aloof businesswoman, had agreed to have coffee with me. It was surreal.

After the shower, I wrapped myself in a fluffy towel and checked the time on my phone. It was 8:00 AM. The café was only ten minutes away, so I had plenty of time to get ready. I opened my closet and started rummaging through my clothes, suddenly feeling uncertain about what to wear. 

I pulled out a few options, laying them on the bed: a sleek black dress, a casual pair of jeans and a cute top, and a flowy floral skirt. I frowned, none of them feeling quite right. I needed something that was stylish but not overdone, casual yet put-together.

After what felt like ages, I decided on a pair of high-waisted, dark-wash jeans that hugged my curves just right, paired with a silky emerald green blouse that brought out the color of my eyes. I slipped on a pair of ankle boots with a modest heel, comfortable yet stylish. I opted for a loose wave hairstyle, giving my hair a bit of volume and a casual, effortless look.

Satisfied with my outfit, I added a few touches of makeup: a bit of foundation, a swipe of mascara, and a hint of lip gloss. I spritzed on some light perfume, grabbed my bag, and took one last look in the mirror. Not bad, Elena, not bad at all.

As I walked out of my room, I passed by the living room where Clara was lounging on the sofa, her eyes glued to her phone. She glanced up as I walked by, her expression turning into a sneer. "Where are you going looking like that?"

I rolled my eyes, not in the mood for her attitude. "Out."

"Out where?" she pressed, her tone dripping with condescension. "You look like you're trying too hard."

I took a deep breath, resisting the urge to snap back. "None of your business, Clara."

She laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "Whatever, Elena. Have fun pretending to be important."

Ignoring her, I walked out of the house and made my way to the bus stop. The morning air was crisp and refreshing, and I felt a renewed sense of anticipation. Despite Carmen's cold demeanor, the thought of seeing her again had me feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.

The bus ride was uneventful, giving me time to calm my thoughts. I arrived at the stop near the café and stepped off, taking a deep breath as I approached the entrance. The Royal Spare Café was charming, with its rustic wooden exterior and a sign adorned with delicate, swirling letters. The large windows revealed a cozy interior, filled with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

I checked the time on my phone. It was 8:40 AM. I was early, but that was fine. I glanced around, wondering where Carmen was, though I knew I still had some time before our meeting.

As I stood there, lost in thought, someone gently touched my shoulder. I turned, and there was Carmen, her presence as commanding and cool as ever. She stood next to the café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. The sun cast a warm glow on her face, highlighting her sharp features.

Carmen wore a tailored black blazer over a simple white blouse, the contrast emphasizing her elegance. The blazer hugged her curves, hinting at strength beneath the refined exterior. Her slim black trousers tapered perfectly to her ankles, elongating her legs. The click of her elegant heels against the pavement echoed in the quiet morning.

Her hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail, revealing the graceful curve of her neck. Strands of dark silk framed her face, and her eyes held that same unreadable expression. They were like deep pools, concealing secrets and desires. Despite the chill in the air, Carmen exuded heat, an enigma wrapped in sophistication. She looked very hot.

"I'm here," she said, her voice calm and collected.

I managed a smile, my heart pounding in my chest. "Hi, Carmen."

She nodded slightly, her gaze steady. "Shall we go in?"

We walked into the café together, and I couldn't help but feel a strange mix of nervousness and excitement. Despite her cold demeanor, there was something about Carmen that drew me in, and I was determined to make the most of this opportunity.