Wrong Number, Right Person
Chapter 5: Red Hoodie, Black Coffee
Celina
Celina:
I’m here.
Hudson & 5th.
Red hoodie. Window seat. No ghosts so far.
Rowan
Rowan:
Copy that.
Leaving the building now.
No one at the security desk.
Celina
Celina:
I ordered two black coffees. One just in case you ghosted.
The other because I know you’ll make some sarcastic comment about lattes.
Rowan
Rowan:
You know me too well already.
Give me one hour. Stay where you are.
Celina
Celina:
Not moving.
But… not gonna lie, my heart is doing laps.
Celina
Celina:
A little.
You’ve only existed through a screen.
What if real you is a letdown?
Rowan
Rowan:
That’s fair.
What if you regret meeting me?
Celina
Celina:
You’re the only person who’s made me feel like I’m not losing my mind.
I won’t regret this.
Whatever you look like.
Rowan
Rowan:
I’m wearing a dark green jacket.
And I look tired, a little wired, and exactly like someone who hasn’t had coffee yet.
Celina
Celina:
You’ll fit right in.
Celina
Celina:
Someone just walked in.
Tall. Green jacket. Looking around.
You?
Rowan
Rowan:
That’s me.
I see you.
Celina
Celina:
You’re taller than I pictured.
Rowan
Rowan:
You’re…
Real.
Beautiful, by the way.
Celina
Celina:
You’re late on the compliment but I’ll allow it.
Rowan
Rowan:
Mind if I sit?
Celina
Celina:
Get over here.
Your coffee’s already cold.
Rowan
Rowan:
I didn’t want to leave.
Not even a little.
Celina
Celina:
Me either.
I almost forgot the building existed.
You make the air feel… less heavy.
Rowan
Rowan:
You laugh different in person.
Softer. Like it’s a secret you’re still deciding to share.
Celina
Celina:
I’m full of secrets.
You make them feel safe.
Rowan
Rowan:
That’s dangerous. I don’t want you to feel safe with someone who’s not what he seems.
Celina
Celina:
Then be what you sees.
Celina
Celina:
Let’s keep meeting outside the building.
If we do it quietly, no one will know.
Rowan
Rowan:
Deal.
But next time, I’m paying.
Celina
Celina:
You can pay after you explain why someone on your floor was staring at me when I walked out.
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