cafe mon coco || l.norris

04

DESPITE THE COLD winter air, the sun cast a warm golden glow through the windows of Café Mon Coco as the anticipation filled the air. Ruth Monroe, wearing a flowing burgundy dress, anxiously awaited the return of her dear friend Juliette Lenore. It had been weeks since Juliette had left for her singing gig in Portugal, and Ruth missed her infectious laughter and vibrant energy.

A little after 7, the door of the café swung open, and in walked Juliette, a ray of sunshine herself. Ruth's face lit up, and she rushed to embrace her friend. Their laughter echoed through the café as if no time had passed.

Not long after Juliette's arrival, Charles and Alexandra stepped into the café, hand in hand. Ruth watched as they exchanged loving glances, their presence adding an extra sparkle to the already magical ambiance of Café Mon Coco. Ruth couldn't help but feel grateful for the wonderful people who graced her café. Charles and Alexandra would travel for a few nights to come to the cafe, it was a tradition. Cafe Mon Coco was their secret place.

Just as Ruth thought the evening couldn't get any better, the familiar sound of the doorbell chimed again. She turned and, to her surprise, locked eyes with Lando Norris. A shy smile spread across her face as he approached her. "I told you I would be back tomorrow," he said, his eyes twinkling with warmth.

Before Ruth could reply, the soulful melodies of Juliette's voice filled the café, enchanting everyone within its reach. It was as if her voice had the power to transport the patrons to another world, a place of pure bliss and harmony.

Charles, catching sight of Lando, broke away from his conversation and rushed over to his friend, enveloping him in a tight hug. The two F1 drivers laughed and shared stories, their camaraderie evident. It was a reunion filled with warmth and genuine friendship. Charles couldn't believe his F1 friend was in the cafe in front of him. Though Lando and Charles were not close, they still enjoyed each other's company and both felt an unspoken safety that the other was there.

Ruth couldn't help but marvel at the scene before her. Charles and Lando giggling like little girls. Alexandra had come over with two drinks in her hand and gave Lando a beautiful smile, she and Lando know of each other and have met at races, he was always very kind and graceful to the girl to make her comfortable when she was around. Ruth's café was full of laughter, music, and cherished connections. It was a testament to the power of community and the incredible journey Café Mon Coco had taken her on.

As the night unfolded, Ruth and Lando found themselves stealing glances at each other amidst the musical symphony that enveloped them. Their connection felt like a secret only they shared, as if the café knew their hearts' desires and conspired to bring them closer. Though, Ruth and Lando's shared glances were definitely not a secret from their mutual friends. Alexandra nudged Charles as Juliette's voice sung softly and pointed subtly at the pair, standing close to each other and acting a bit cosy.

Charles smirked at the scene in front of him, "She is a good pick for him," he began, "He deserves someone with a heart of gold."

Alexandra nodded in agreement and smiling at her love, "A blissful fit."

The evening continued to dance on, filled with laughter, music, and the beautiful harmony of new beginnings. Ruth Monroe realized that Café Mon Coco was not just a haven for her, but for all those who found solace within its walls, and as the night went on, Ruth found it impossible to separate herself from Lando.

As Juliette's enchanting voice filled the air, Ruth found herself captivated by the ethereal melodies that gently swirled around her. She sat beside Lando, her heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

"So, Lando," Ruth began, her voice barely above a whisper, "what brings you to Paris, to Café Mon Coco?"

Lando glanced at Ruth, his vibrant blue eyes sparkling mischievously. "Well, Ruth," he answered, a playful smile tugging at his lips, "I've heard whispers of an enigmatic café tucked away on the outskirts of Paris, and I simply couldn't resist exploring the allure for myself." he joked.

Ruth chuckled, feeling her cheeks warm. "Is that so? And what did you find here?"

Lando leaned in closer, his voice barely audible over the melodious guitar chords Jude strummed. "It's not just the coffee and the atmosphere that is addictive."

Ruth's heart skipped a beat, her gaze drifting towards the stage where Juliette continued to weave magic with her voice. "I'm glad you found your way here," she whispered, her voice dripping with sincerity.

There was a brief pause, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. Ruth sensed that Lando had something more to say, but there was a hint of resistance in his eyes, as if he were guarding a secret.

"I couldn't help but notice," Ruth ventured, her voice filled with gentle curiosity, "that you seem distant whenever I ask about your reasons for coming to this part of the city, is everything okay?". Ruth then regretted saying what she did, as in-fact, it was none of her business.

Lando's playful demeanor faltered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of vulnerability. "There are some things in my life that I'm still trying to make sense of," he confessed, his voice laced with a touch of sadness. "Sometimes," he breathed out hesitantly, "it's nice to get away, explore a little- without being told where to go."

Ruth nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. She sensed there was more to his words, though she didn't press further, sensing that Lando needed time to share his story when he was ready.

"I'm grateful for the way you've welcomed me into your world," Lando murmured softly. "Café Mon Coco feels like a place like no other, a place where I can just feel at peace amidst the chaos of my life."

Ruth smiled, the warmth spreading through her chest. "You're always welcome here, Lando. This place is as much yours as it is mine."

Lando smiled at the girl, her words just melted through his ears and were spoken so angelically it was magical for him. He didn't think he had ever met someone quite like Ruth.

As the night wore on, their conversation ebbed and flowed, each word building a stronger connection between them. Ruth couldn't help but be drawn to Lando's magnetism, his playful charm tempered by a hint of vulnerability.

And as the final notes of Juliette's song echoed through the café, Ruth and Lando sat in a comfortable silence, their hearts beating in synchrony. They didn't need to say anything to know that their journey together had only just begun.

In the sanctuary of Café Mon Coco, surrounded by music, laughter, and unspoken melodies, Ruth and Lando discovered that sometimes, the most profound connections are forged in the spaces between words.