cafe mon coco || l.norris

03

A FEW DAYS had passed since that magical evening at Café Mon Coco. The morning sunlight peeked through the windows, casting gentle rays upon the empty tables and chairs. Ruth Monroe, her brown hair tied in a loose bun, sat at the grand piano, her fingers lightly tapping the ivory keys. But today, her heart felt heavy, and her melodies lacked their usual spark.

Alana McAlpine, her vibrant roommate and friend, was busy in the back, meticulously counting inventory. Ruth sighed, her attention span fleeting. She couldn't shake off the restlessness that consumed her.

As if on cue, the bell above the door chimed, breaking Ruth's trance. She turned her gaze towards the entrance and saw a young boy trudging into the café. He was bundled up in a puffer jacket, hat, and scarf, his bright eyes peering out from beneath them. His eyelashes fluttered like delicate snowflakes.

Ruth's heart skipped a beat - she knew exactly who he was. Lando Norris, the F1 driver she admired in secret. The mere sight of him sent a thrilling jolt through her veins. She tried her best to appear casual, a friendly smile on her lips.

"Good morning," she greeted, her voice soft and warm. "Welcome to Café Mon Coco."

Lando returned her smile, his own sparkling with a mischievous charm. "Thanks," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of excitement. "I heard this was the place to be for good coffee and great music."

Ruth's heart soared at his words, her nervousness dissipating. She motioned towards the empty tables, inviting him to sit. "Absolutely," she replied. "Take a seat wherever you like. Can I get you something to warm you up?"

Lando's eyes lit up, and Ruth couldn't help but notice the way his laughter danced in sync with the falling snow outside. "A hot chocolate, please," he requested, his smile widening. "Extra marshmallows, if you have them."

With a nod, Ruth headed towards the counter, her heart still aflutter. As she prepared Lando's hot chocolate, she couldn't help but steal glances in his direction. He was even more beautiful up close, his presence filling the café with a lively energy.

Returning to Lando's table, Ruth placed the steaming mug in front of him, the sweet aroma of cocoa filling the air. Lando took a sip, his expression one of pure bliss. "Perfection," he praised, his eyes meeting Ruth's.

A soft blush tinted her cheeks, and she couldn't help but feel drawn to him, like a moth to a flame. They engaged in a casual conversation, their voices blending with the distant jazz music playing softly in the background.

Time seemed to drift away as they shared stories, their laughter mingling with the falling snow outside. In that moment, Ruth couldn't deny the spark that connected them, the invisible thread of shared passions and unspoken dreams.

The café buzzed with activity, Alana gracefully gliding from table to table, attending to the other customers after completing the inventory. As they spoke, Ruth couldn't help but be captivated by Lando's confidence and cheekiness, a refreshing contrast to her own angelic and shy demeanor.

"So, Ruth, what inspired you to open Café Mon Coco?" Lando asked, his eyes sparkling with genuine curiosity.

Ruth paused for a moment, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of her coffee cup. "When my grandmother died, she passed the cafe on to me." She says, "It was just a usual cafe, but Music has always been my solace, Lando," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wanted to create a place where people could find that same comfort, where the melodies would weave through their souls and create a tapestry of togetherness."

Lando leaned closer, his smile widening. "And you've certainly achieved that, Ruth," he said, his blue eyes twinkling with admiration. "The atmosphere here is magical, truly enchanting."