In the morning, a thin sense of peace filled my room along with the dim daylight seeping through the window. When I slowly opened my eyes, I was still smiling. It was as if Jack had been in my dreams too. That night, my mind never went quiet, and neither did my heart... Every time I laid my head on the pillow, one of his laughs, a glance, or a sentence replayed before my eyes. Waking up before my alarm rarely happened, but this morning the excitement inside me woke me even earlier. My hand reached for the phone. First, I checked the time. 7:24. Then I looked at my messages. The last one was still from Jack:
— I want to welcome you tomorrow with a coffee. If you accept...
I read the sentence again. My heart was still beating as if it were yesterday. The question "What will happen today?" had wrapped itself around my mind. I threw myself excitedly to the edge of the bed. A new day—maybe even a new beginning…
I got up. I opened the windows. The cool morning air filled the room. Fresh and clean. Just like inside me. I could feel good things coming. Even the air smelled different—as if it carried the scent of new hopes, sweet surprises...
I decided to get dressed. Today I wanted to be simple yet elegant. I chose a light beige blouse with a soft texture, its collar tied with a scarf. I paired it with high-waisted black trousers. As I put on my heels, I glanced at myself in the mirror one last time. This time I tied my hair into a ponytail but left a few loose strands at the front to keep that understated elegance.
The reflection in the mirror seemed to whisper:"Today, you're not just going to work, you're also taking the first steps down the road to your heart."
I grabbed my bag and got into my car. I turned on the radio. One of my favorite songs started playing again. It was as if the universe had prepared a special playlist just for me. On the road, there were no honking horns, no rushing crowds. Everything seemed to flow—just like the feeling inside me. When I arrived at work, I noticed it was exactly 8:27. Earlier than usual. But I must admit, the only reason I came early was Jack. I was waiting eagerly to see him, that first glance, that first word.
I got into the elevator. As the floors ticked by, my hand adjusted a strand of hair while my heart whispered, "Stay calm." When the doors opened and I stepped onto the office floor, the very first thing I saw was him. Jack. Standing by the entrance, holding two coffees, waiting for me. The moment our eyes met, everything inside me stopped.
— Good morning, Miss Emily.
His voice was soft, gentle, and warm. I smiled.
— Good morning, Mr. Jack… The coffee smells even better today somehow.
He smiled back and held out the coffee.
— I hope it suits your taste. Vanilla-flavored, not too sweet. I also asked them to add a little cinnamon. A special blend for warm mornings…
As I took the cup, our hands brushed lightly. Those few seconds of silence in our eyes spoke more than words ever could. Inside, I whispered, "Please, heart, don't beat so fast." But my heart refused to listen.
We went to our desks. The day had begun. Other colleagues slowly started arriving, but everything else seemed to fade into the background. That morning, my world was only talking about one person: Jack.
Until noon, we worked at quite an intense pace. We organized some documents together, reviewed a few projects. But every time our eyes met, there was a spark in the air. I didn't know if I was the only one who felt it, but Jack's gaze didn't seem like that of an ordinary colleague.
At exactly 12:30, Jack leaned in slightly toward me.
— Do you already have plans for lunch today, Emily?
It was the first time he had said my name so plainly and directly. A shiver ran through me.
— Actually, no… Something quiet would be nice. After yesterday's pace, I'm still a bit tired.
— Then let me take you to the little Italian restaurant right downstairs this time. Quiet, calm, and delicious. And lunch is on me again. This morning's coffee wasn't such a cheap gesture.
I laughed. I liked this ease of his. The humor hidden beneath his seriousness surprised me.
— Alright, Mr. Jack. Thank you this time. But you know one day I'll have to return the favor.
— I'll be waiting for it impatiently, he said.
When we got to the restaurant, the weather had warmed a little. Our table was by the window. A gentle breeze lightly lifted my hair. We looked at the menu, wavering between pizza and pasta. He smiled with his usual indecision.
— Are you always this indecisive? I asked with a laugh.
— Only with food… When it comes to people, my first impression is rarely wrong.
I met his eyes with mine. In them, there was trust, sincerity, and maybe even a trace of sadness. Something he kept hidden in his past, but that still lingered. In that very moment, a thought stirred inside me:
"This man's heart is not alone. But perhaps it has been quiet for a while…"
And just like that, I didn't just want to be interested in him. I wanted to understand him.
As I drifted deeper into those thoughts, his gentle, low voice brought me back.
— Emily?
— Ah, Mr. Jack, sorry… I drifted off for a second. I'm thinking of getting the special pasta. Have you decided yet?
— Yes, I'll go with the pizza. Are you alright? You looked a bit distant for a moment.
— I'm fine, Mr. Jack. I was just thinking how I'll burn off all the carbs we're about to eat.
He gave me a sweet, warm smile. How could I let my real thoughts show? It was still far too early for that—I couldn't let myself get carried away this much. After a little more small talk, our meals arrived, and we didn't chat much while eating. I think he sensed something was on my mind, but I knew I had to keep him away from those thoughts. How could I? While I was trying to figure that out, suddenly my phone rang. It was my boss, asking me to join him for an important meeting.
After lunch, I said goodbye to Jack, told him I'd be heading to the meeting with my boss, and asked if he could wrap things up at the office. Because tomorrow was my day off—and I always took it on this same date every year. That moment had come again.