Colt often finds himself flustered.
It’s usually because he’s trying to do two things at once.
He’s studying his schedule on his phone…
As he’s walking into his regular coffee shop—
And he immediately trips on the upturned mat in front of the door.
His phone skids across the crowded shop floor as he falls.
Colt
I’m fine. I just hurt my knees.
Colt
And definitely my pride.
Colt’s blown away by how pretty she is.
She pushes her red curly hair out of her face.
And helps him to his feet.
Rescuer
So, just minor injuries.
Rescuer
I believe this is yours.
Rescuer
You should be more careful.
Rescuer
I’ve heard that walking and cellphoning don’t mix.
Colt
I guess I’m proof of that.
Colt
Thanks for the hand.
Colt reaches for his wallet, hoping he can buy her a cup of coffee as thanks.
But before he can repay her for her kindness…
And he didn’t even catch her name.
He limps up to the register.
Barista
Hey Colt, how can I help you?
Colt
Hey, can I get a large black coffee?
Colt
And a blueberry muffin.
The Barista grins widely.
Barista
The usual. Coming right up.
Colt walks away to wait for his order.
He heads for the counter.
The barista hands him his pastry bag and coffee.
Barista
Before you take off…
Barista
Another customer wanted me to give you this.
The barista hands him a folded piece of paper.
His name is printed on the front in neat handwriting.
Colt
Are you sure this is for me?
Barista
There aren’t many Colts who come in here.
Barista
And you’re both regulars, so she knew your name.
Barista
Colt…do you ever take your head out of the clouds?
Colt feels himself blush.
Today is the first time he’s noticed any other patrons.
Which one of them wrote him a note?
He slips the letter in his pocket.
Colt
Well thanks for the coffee. And the special delivery.
Barista
Any time. Have a nice day.
Colt pulls out the note for the one thousandth time.
It’s from a woman named Gretchen.
She’s given him her phone number.
Gretchen
I hope this isn’t creepy, but I’m curious about you…
Gretchen
So if you’re interested in chatting…
Gretchen
Text me the word Muffin.
Colt does love muffins, after all.
So he picks up his phone and texts Gretchen’s number.
Colt
So, you’re curious about me, huh?
Colt
What can I do to help you with that?
Gretchen
Well, I’ve been wondering…
Gretchen
Why don’t you ever eat the base of the muffin?
Gretchen
You throw it away every day.
Colt
Haha, that’s what you’re interested in?!
Colt
My muffin consumption practices?
Gretchen
It’s one of the great mysteries of the universe.
Gretchen
I really need to know!
Colt
In that case: I only eat the top because I like its texture better.
Colt
The top of the muffin is firmer.
Colt
And sweeter. It’s where all the good flavor is.
Gretchen
Interesting. I’ve never thought of that before.
Gretchen
So have you always dissected your baked goods?
Colt
Ever since I was a kid.
Colt
It drove my mother crazy.
Gretchen smiles down at her phone.
And she doesn’t want their conversation to end.
Gretchen
And what is your favorite muffin flavor?
Colt
I like all of them, except bran.
Colt
Bran tastes like cardboard.
Colt smiles down at his phone.
And he doesn’t want their conversation to end.
Colt
So what’s your drink order?
Colt
Combined with a sweet muffin?
Colt
Too much sugar for me.
Gretchen
They pair perfectly.
Gretchen
It’s like they come from the same land of desserts.
Gretchen
Don’t knock it till you try it 😉
Gretchen
That’s sweet, but…
Gretchen
I wouldn’t want you sacrificing your taste buds for me.
Gretchen
You don’t even know who I am.
Colt
Alright, then let me ask you a question.
Colt
How long have you noticed me?
Gretchen
Oh, gosh. I’m a little embarrassed to admit this.
Gretchen
I may have been checking you out for a few weeks.
Colt
And…have we ever spoken before?
Colt
We talked yesterday?!
Gretchen
For the first time!
Gretchen
I can be kinda shy.
Gretchen
That’s why I figured a note was a pretty safe way to reach out.
Gretchen
The worst thing you could do was not text me.
Colt
It was a good conversation starter.
Colt
And I thought it was cute 🙂
Colt
Maybe we could have coffee together Saturday morning?
Colt
How will I know it’s you?
Gretchen
I’ll find a way to make it easy for you to guess.
Colt’s heart pounds as he walks into the coffee shop.
He glances around the room, searching for Gretchen.
But he doesn’t see anyone sitting alone.
Just then, two men move out of the way.
There’s a blueberry muffin in front of her.
It’s cut in half, so that she’s separated the top from the bottom.
It’s the woman who helped him when he fell.
He puts his hand on the back of the empty chair across from her.
Her smile is electrifying.
How had it taken him so long to notice her?
Colt
I tried to catch you the other day.
Colt
After you helped me.
Colt
You ran off so fast I didn’t get your name.
Gretchen
I know! That was silly of me.
Gretchen
But I knew you were going to get my note…
Colt
I was actually going to offer to buy your next coffee.
Gretchen
I beat you to it.
Gretchen picks up one of two white cups.
Gretchen
One large black coffee.
Colt
And a chai latte for you?
Gretchen
So did you fulfill my challenge?
Colt
But I stand firm. Muffins with chai lattes are just too sugary.
Gretchen
Well, I’m still glad you tried it.
Colt
Of course I did. You asked me too.
Gretchen looks down, smiling.
That adorable blush fills her cheeks once more.
Gretchen
In that case, you deserve a reward.
Gretchen slides one half of the muffin across the table.
Gretchen
A top of a muffin for you.
