Smirks And All

Out on a coffee date. We're trying something different.

It feels like we've resolved things, and my face is no longer twisted into the blankness I've affected in previous days. There's a cautious upwards tilt to my lips, as I wash my hands and dry them in the bathroom, then exit the washroom to return to the table.

I'm avoiding any eye contact as I pass the counter, glancing periodically at the art on the walls.

Then the table comes into view, and my face loses the cautiousness and begins to actually smile. I suddenly notice that my pace has increased, and I dial it back a bit, attempting to look nonchalant.

He looks up, and as soon as he directs his face towards mine, my face breaks out into a genuine grin. I immediately try to twist it back into something that doesn't quite display my feelings all over my face. I can't help it, my pace has picked up again. I stare pointedly at the floor, and as soon as I slide back into my seat, I cover up my mouth with my hands.

It doesn't matter. He's smirking back too.