I stalked her for two days before following her to work on a Saturday morning. I slept behind the bushes outside her window the night before. It was six-thirty by the time she arrived at the coffee shop and I was ready.

She combed her bangs across her forehead with her fingers, tucking them gently behind her ears as she walked. She wore a denim skirt with a slit up the front and black leather boots. She stood outside her coffee shop for several minutes, looking down at her wristwatch from time to time. She fumbled with her purse, lit a cigarette, and unlocked the doors. I drank her in like she was the only thing that could satisfy my thirst.

She was startled when she turned and saw me standing so close. “You scared me!” She placed her hand on my forearm and let out a deep breath.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “Are you open?”

Her voice quivered. “Not until seven, but come on in. I’ll be with you in a few minutes.”

“Thank you,” I said. “I don’t mind waiting if you need some time to set things up.”