Short writing challenge -- "Morning Coffee"
Louise sat at the café counter, slowly rubbing her left index finger around the rim of her espresso cup. She had been awake for more than twenty-four hours and in about ten minutes, she had to get back to the office and continue on this god-forsaken project that had taken over her life. She sighed deeply, only slightly aware of her shaken right leg, the uncombed, unkempt hair, and her left finger now pressing hard on the cup’s rim, threatening to break the tiny container if she applied any more force. Caffeine had been flowing freely through her veins since two nights ago and she hadn’t even eaten anything other than a stale croissant and someone’s pizza entrails that she had found in a box in the conference room. If Eric hadn’t insisted that she get out of the office and get some fresh air and some proper sustenance, Louise probably would have died in the office, succumbing to overcaffeination and exhaustion.
“Are you all right?” a voice broke into her fragmented thoughts and Louise looked up to see a waiter peering kindly down at her. Not bad looking, dark hair, light eyes, impish smile. Louise suddenly became very aware of the fact that she looked like a corpse in a B-movie, with split-end hairs and huge dark circles under her bloodshot eyes. She managed to bare her teeth in a smile, hating this stupid project even more.
“Fine. Thanks.” Even her voice sounded like the undead. Oh God. She wished she could come back tomorrow, looking more poised and refreshed.
“Would you like another coffee?” he asked. Louise’s interest prickled. He was lingering, he didn’t need to give a swat about her coffee, especially since she had barely sipped it. Suddenly, she really did not want to return to the office.
“No thanks.” Good. Less undead there and a hint of normality returning to her voice. She smiled again. “I should get going, actually.”
Oh great, just when you think someone might be feigning interest in you, you decide to run off. Louise kicked herself mentally, so hard that she actually clamped her eyes shut in irritation.
“Are you all right?” The waiter’s voice exuded concern and just a hint of amusement.
Her eyes flipped open. “Yes. Fine. Thanks.” She grabbed the espresso and swigged it in one gulp, rummaged hurriedly in her purse for some money and plunked them on the counter. “Best be off. Thanks. ‘Bye!”
God, here I go, she thought, cringing inwardly and outwardly as she headed for the door. Now I’m never going to see this person who obviously didn’t care that I looked like the Bride of Frankenstein. I’m so stupid, I’m actually leaving, ARGH.
“Excuse me? You forgot your change!” his voice rang clear and coolly through the throng of the busy breakfast crowd. Louise’s heart leapt.