One evening, as Maria was setting the tables for dinner, the doorbell above the entrance jingle and a tall, handsome stranger walked in. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt and dark jeans, his eyes scanning the room with a confident air. Maria felt a flutter in her chest as their eyes met, and she quickly looked away, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks.
Maria's eyes widened behind her glasses as she approached the handsome stranger, her nerdy charm on full display. She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, trying to compose herself. "Uh, bonjour, monsieur," she stammered, her voice a bit squeaky. "Welcome to Le Coeur de la Vie. What can I get for you tonight?"
The stranger's eyes sparkled with amusement as he took in her nerdy appearance, his gaze lingering on her bright pink calculator watch. "Bonjour, mademoiselle," he said, his voice dripping with charm. "I'll have a coffee, black, and a croissant, please."
Maria's face grew hot as she scribbled down his order, her handwriting a bit sloppy due to her nervousness. She was about to turn away when the stranger spoke up, "You know, you have a very... interesting watch. Is that a calculator?"
Maria's eyes lit up as she launched into a detailed explanation of the watch's features, her nerdiness taking over. "Oh, yes! It's a Casio Data Bank! It's got a calculator, a calendar, and even a built-in alarm. I'm a math major, and I love anything that combines fashion and function."
The stranger listened intently, a fascinated smile spreading across his face. "I'm impressed," he said.
Maria beamed with pride, happy to have someone to geek out with. As she brought him his coffee and croissant, they chatted about math and science. The others in the cafe noticed their animated conversation, but no one paid much attention - just another customer enjoying his coffee.
As she clocked out, Colette whispered, "Ma chère, you had a suitor tonight! He was definitely interested."
Maria's heart skipped a beat as she wondered who the mysterious stranger was, and if she'd ever see him again.
It had been weeks since Maria's encounter with the stranger at the café. She had forgotten all about him, busy with work and spending time with friends. When her coworkers invited her to a night out at a popular club to celebrate their payday, she agreed, eager to let loose and have some fun.
As they arrived at the club, Maria's friends dragged her straight to the dance floor, ignoring her requests for food and a break. She laughed and danced, feeling carefree and alive, despite the uncomfortable clothes and shoes she was wearing.
But as the night wore on, Maria began to feel uneasy. A group of men with lustful eyes had noticed her, and they approached her, trying to dance with her. She politely declined, but they persisted, their words and touches making her skin crawl.
Just as she was starting to feel trapped, a figure appeared out of nowhere, his eyes flashing with anger as he intervened. "Hey, I think the lady said no," he said, his voice firm and authoritative.
The men backed off, and Maria turned to thank her rescuer. Her eyes widened in surprise as she recognized the stranger from the café. "Thank you so much," she said, her voice breathless.
The stranger smiled, his eyes cr crling at the corners. "No problem," he said. "I'm Alexandre."
Maria smiled back, feeling a spark of recognition. "I'm Maria," she said, her voice friendly.
Alexandre's eyes lit up with recognition. "Ah, the passionate nerd from the café," he said, his voice teasing. "I didn't expect to see you here."
Maria laughed, feeling a sense of déjà vu. "I didn't expect to see you again, either," she said, smiling up at him.
Alexandre noticed Maria's discomfort and decided to take her for a walk, getting her out of the crowded and noisy club. He signaled to his friend, who was watching from a distance, and led Maria outside into the fresh air.
As they walked, the cool night air and the sound of crickets calmed Maria's nerves. She was grateful to Alexandre for rescuing her from the men who had been harassing her.
"Thank you again for saving me back there," Maria said, breaking the silence. "I was starting to feel really uncomfortable."
Alexandre smiled, his eyes cr crling at the corners. "No problem," he said. "I couldn't just leave you there. Besides, I wanted to get out of the noise and chaos myself."
They walked in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the peacefulness of the night. As they approached Maria's apartment building, she slowed down, not wanting the night to end.
"I'm glad I ran into you again," Alexandre said, stopping in front of her building. "I was worried I might not see you again."
Maria smiled up at him, feeling a spark of connection. "Me too," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alexandre's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, they just stood there, the tension between them palpable. Then, he nodded, his eyes cling at the corners. "I'll walk you up," he said, his voice low and smooth.
Maria's heart skipped a beat as he walked her home.
As they stood outside her apartment building, Maria turned to Alexandre and smiled. "Thank you again for walking me home," she said, feeling a sense of gratitude and relief.
Alexandre smiled back, his eyes cr cling at the corners. "No problem," he said. "I wanted to make sure you got home safely."
They stood there for a moment, looking at each other, the tension between them palpable. Then, Alexandre nodded. "Well, I guess I'll see you around," he said.
Maria nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. "Yeah, maybe," she said, smiling.
And with that, Alexandre turned and walked away, leaving Maria to wonder why she was feeling sad? is she in love. no she cancelled in her mind. maybe he was caring and kind. yes, that must be it. Then she went into her home.