Page 42 of Sunset Catchers

The serving counter and bar were entirely made of slabs of dark green marble with black veining. Chrome pendant hung from the high ceiling. On the wall behind the counter; black marble shelves filled with wines and beers bellow a huge Sip&Cin sign on the wall that was entirely made out of square black and white mosaic tile.

“This place also turns into a bar, right?” I ask Levi. He confirms the information.

“That’s definitely one of Ben’s better ideas he had about this place. It has become one of the most popular going out spot. It’s packed on wine bar nights.”

“I’ll definitely have to come back to see it for myself, then.”

“Do you love wine?”

“Honestly, not really,” I confess with a wince.

“What’s your kryptonite, then?”

“Sugary and overly sweet cocktails.”

Levi bobs his head. “Of course. Should’ve known that.”

My nose wrinkles. “What about you?”

“Big fan of red wine. I’m not opposed to beer. But I do love the taste of straight liquor.”

“You don’t mind the burn?”

“I love the burn,” he tells me.

I tilt my head sideways, appreciative. Stop! My neck snaps straight. I’m not flirting. I’m just pleased by what Levi just told me.

Soon after, Ben appears, a server on his heels, to fill our little table with food and drinks.

“Waffles with strawberry and rhubarb compote and white chocolate whipped cream. Avocado toast on sourdough bread, with pickled red onions and feta cheese.”

“Thanks Ben, everything looks so good,” Levi exclaims.

“Enjoy.” Ben winks at me before strutting away; Levi rolls his eyes.

We both fuel on our coffees at the same time. I moan out my appreciation of my iced coffee. Levi takes a sip of his americano and sighs contentedly.

“This is one of the best iced coffees I’ve ever had.”

“The beans are a custom blend from a roaster in Toronto.”

I take a bite of waffles and moan again. Levi appears tense.

“You okay there, big stud?” I ask him, reaching for the avocado toast.

“Yup.”

I take a bite of the toast and moan yet again.

“Yeah. Okay. Let’s just moan at everything,” he says.

I laugh, making a point of moaning through the whole meal.

I’m sipping my second iced coffee as we make our way back to the cottages, comfortably sitting in the passenger seat of my own car.

Levi, apparently, was dead serious when he said he wasn’t going to sit in a car where I was behind the driver’s seat, ever again. I didn’t even argue when he made his decree by opening the passenger door to my car and waiting until I sat there; Levi is the second person to pass that rule. My best friend being the first.

“This cup is really pretty. I love the logo.”