Chapter 32: Coffee and Conversations

The scent of ground coffee beans and pastries enveloped Olivia as she came through the door. The cramped furniture, mismatched chairs, and walls filled with local art made up the small café that had become one of her favorites. Today, though, it all felt foreign. Olivia's eyes swept through the place, and her heart started to race. Mark was sitting in the far corner of the room. He smiled back at her, and his eyes said they had been longing to meet hers. She took a deep breath, went over, and tried to get control over her trembling hands. "Olivia," Mark stood up to greet her, "Glad you made it." Immediately, she was soothed by his rich, warm voice. She sat down and calmed down a little. "Thank you for the invitation," she said, still with a shy smile. "I hope you haven't waited for me for too long." Mark shook his head. The corners of his eyes creased with amusement. "Not at all. I've just arrived myself. Shall we order?" While they waited, Olivia found her eyes on Mark. Things s