Monica needed to waste some time, so she chose her favorite coffee shop, Penny U. Its location was on the nicer side of town, nestled between a yoga studio and a hair salon. The barista she loved the most was behind the counter.

"Hey, chica," Santiago smiled. "The usual?"

"Yes, please."

While he swiped her debit card, she left a cash tip in the jar.

"Thanks."

"No problemo."

"How's that fine-ass boyfriend of yours doing?"

Her eyes widened. "You're not the one that has to live with the guy," she reminded him. "He's good. As usual. His band has pretty much been booked solid this month. October should be busy as well."

Santiago's hands made her latte with such finesse it seemed as if his eyes never left hers as they were speaking to one another.

"I went ahead and added another shot. You look like you need it."

She mouthed her thanks as she stepped aside to allow the next person to order. He winked at his favorite customer and got back to work.

She decided to sit on the patio so she would be aware when dusk was approaching. She sipped on her latte and ran her fingers over the address written on the red envelope. She knew the whereabouts of the address roughly. With every sip her determination strengthened yet her worry stayed strapped to the backseat of her mind.

After an hour or so, Santiago walked up to her table and placed a lemon poppy seed muffin and a can of sparkling water on it. Monica shook her head. He lifted his hands in the air before spinning around and opening his mouth to speak.

"My feelings will be hurt if you don't eat something, girl."

She placed a chunk of the muffin in her mouth. She savored the light and delicate flavor of it.. The sky above was deepening and allowing rich shades of navy, gray and lavender to brush against it.

Just as the sun set, Monica finished off the water and wiped her mouth with a cloth napkin.

"Will that be all for you?" asked Santiago, clearing her small corner table.

"Yes, thank you so much. Actually, do you know Blanesville well?"

"Girl, I live there."

She marveled at her luck and handed him the red envelope. "Do you know that address. Is it far?"

He eyed the address and squinted at her, his free hand on his hip. "You know they have apps for that, right?" He cocked his head to the side, teasingly.

"I know that." She brought out her prehistoric flip phone from her purse to show him. "No internet on my plan. I have a dumb phone."

Santiago placed his hand on his chest and tilted his head back with laughter. Once he was quiet, and Monica's face was red, he handed her back the envelope and said, "I'll write down the directions for you."