I nervously clutched my coffee mug and stared out the window of the coffee shop. The light rain that slowly fell from the sky was almost mesmerizing. I blinked quickly, not wanting to get too deeply lost in my thoughts.
"What are you doing here? This is a mistake," I scolded myself.
I glanced at my watch. It was 11:55. He would be arriving any second. We agreed to meet at 12. Maybe I can leave, I thought quickly. I couldn't do this. I couldn't see him. Just as the idea of leaving entered my mind I heard the jingle of the bell on the door signifying someone had entered. I didn't even have to look up. I knew it was him. I couldn't explain how I knew...I just did. I looked up and watched as he almost anxiously glanced around the crowded coffee shop. I felt my stomach tighten into a knot. I thought, Maybe I can slip out the back door. He'll never know. I knew though, deep down, I couldn't do that. His eyes finally met mine and a small smile formed on his face. The knot in my stomach grew tighter. I missed that smile. I missed him and it was killing me. Seeing him this one time would surely be the death of me. He walked over to where I was sitting. Should I stand up? Should I hug him? Shit. I was thinking too much. I tended to do that when I was extremely nervous. I stood as he reached the table and he quickly enveloped me into a hug before I could even think about it.
"It's good to see you Emilie," he said quietly into my ear.
"It's good to see you too, Joel," I responded. It was the truth, as much as I didn't want to admit it.