Read The Coffee Shop for Free Online Page B

not just saying that for my sake are you?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Oh, you know, there are those people that will agree with whatever the other person says no matter what it is.”
    “If by that you mean I want to please people, and avoid controversy, then yes, I do that. But in this case, I really don’t care.” She looked at him. “Really.”
    He stared back at her.
    “Okay, I tell you what, we’ll each order something and then that way you don’t have to wonder. How does that sound?” she said.
    He nodded, and she took the menu from him. Grabbing her phone from her purse, she dialed. “Yes, I’d like to place an order for delivery. Oh, hi, Mr. Montgomery. Yeah, I know.” She laughed and smiled. “Yep, the usual. Oh, and…” she looked up at Derrick and waited.
    “A large pepperoni with extra cheese.”
    “Did you hear that Mr. Montgomery?” She laughed again. “Yes.” She looked at Derrick as she listened. “Yes, that’s right. No. No, I won’t.”
    Looking away, she grinned, and if he didn’t know any better he could have sworn she blushed slightly just then.
    “Okay. Yep. Half an hour. All right then. Bye, Mr. Montgomery.”
    “The usual?”
    “I’ve been ordering the ham and pineapple lately. Gotten to really like it.”
    She was studying him, as though expecting him to comment on it.
    “What?”
    “You don’t have anything to say about that?”
    “No.”
    “Really?”
    “No, why would I?”
    “Oh because I’ve had people tell me they think that’s gross.”
    “Well, that’s just bloody rude.”
    “Exactly!” Then she grinned. “Well, the rude part that is.” Putting the phone down, she brought her hand to her mouth. “Oh, your wine. I almost forgot.”
    “Not to worry. I would have remembered.”
    “Oh, alcoholic?”
    “I’m sorry.”
    “Oh, I don’t know why I just said that. I was trying to be funny, but I guess that wasn’t, was it. That was just — ”
    “Annie, relax.” But the look of remorse stayed on her face. “I’m not an alcoholic, so it was kind of funny.”
    “Oh no, I would never.” She took a long deep breath. “Well, if you think that’s bad, then you’ll love this.” She went over to the television, and turning it on, she started the DVD player. There on the screen was the image of a fire burning in a fireplace.
    “What is that?”
    “You’ve never seen one of these before?”
    “No.”
    “Oh, then you’re in for a real treat. This — ” she motioned to the television “ — is a DVD that consists entirely of a fire.”
    “Why?”
    “Well, for some I am sure it’s a joke. Others, like me, that don’t have a fire place but love the idea of a fire…” She held out her hand, like one of those women on those game shows showing the prizes to the audience. “Hey I know it’s stupid. But I actually find it comforting on a winter day, when I’m all alone with a hot chocolate and a novel, a comforter drawn up over my legs.”
    Derrick looked at her.
    “What?” she asked.
    “Oh, I was just thinking that sounded nice. All you need now is to have a real fire and a boyfriend to cuddle up to while you’re reading that novel.” He spoke before he even realized what he was suggesting, and he turned to the kitchen pointing at the wine. “I’ll pour us some wine, I mean. Okay, let me start again. Would you care for some wine?”
    “That’s okay, but don’t let me stop you.”
    “Sorry?”
    “Oh, I don’t drink wine. Never acquired a taste for it. But I love to watch other people enjoy it.”
    “You enjoy watching other people enjoy it?”
    “Something about a nice glass of wine with a meal. It just looks so inviting.” She smiled. “I know, I sound strange. But, hey, I accept that, and have no problem with it. And if people are going to be my friend, then they’ll just have to accept it too.”
    “Don’t mind me. I’m fine with it. But is there something else I can bring you next time?”
    “Next time?” she