A Warm Cup of Kindness

Mason carefully stocked the counter with all the essentials for the day. The familiar smells of his mom’s pastries tickled his nose as she baked them upstairs. Dad helped her, moving around slowly. After so many months Dad seemed to be steadily getting his strength back. His parents ran the shop by themselves with the occasional part-time helper. They had always done so even before Mason was born. But after Dad got sick, his mother knew she would need a more permanent helper until Dad got better. His sister lived too far away, and had a husband and kids of her own. So Mason had dropped out of college and returned home to help. Some people said they felt sorry for him, giving up when he had been so close to getting his degree. Yet being back in the coffee shop, with the warm taste of Mom’s pastries and the fresh aroma of coffee...it felt like home. He had left to pursue his dream, but this shop had been where he really belonged.

The door jingled as someone came in. Mason did not need to look up to know Cameron had arrived. Every day his best friend came in like clockwork. They had met in college while taking a theater course together and ended up getting along so well they roomed with each other until Mason returned home. While Mason had always found making new friends to be easy, so many of them had been shallow. Cameron though, he was the brother Mason never had.

Mason looked up but instead of Cameron he saw two women. One was the writer from the other day, the one Cameron had left his business card for. The other...well she had escaped his notice before. Yet he did not know why because she...well she had to be the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her hair was a dark brown almost black, tied back in a loose ponytail that lay over one shoulder but her eyes...a deep forest green. A man could easily get lost in those woods.

“W-what can I do for you ladies,” he said trying to hide his nervousness. Damn when had he been this nervous to talk to a woman. In college talking to girls had been so easy. Yet now he felt like a schoolboy.

“I left my book here on accident,” the writer said. What had been her name...Sally...Sarah...no Sam.

“Yeah, about that,” Mason said, “a friend of mine found it. He told me to give you his card.” He pulled out the business card and handed it to Sam. She took the card looking curiously at him. He turned to the other woman, his heart already waltzing in his chest.

“Don’t think we’ve met before. I’m Mason,” he said.

“Oh, I guess not...I’m Kathleen Hartford,” She said looking away her cheeks turning pink, “but everyone calls me Kitty.” A cute name, it suited her. She looked to be around five feet tall, and her face looked young and innocent. And those eyes...goodness he could not stop looking at them. A loud gasp cut through the silence and Kitty and Mason both looked at Sam.

“Oh my god...” Sam said hand going to her mouth, “oh my god.” She turned back to Mason. “Is this for real? This isn’t a joke?”

“Nope it’s real alright,” he said grinning. Sam sat down on a nearby chair staring at the business card. Kitty walked over cocking her head.

“You okay Sam?’

“Cameron Johnson has my book,” Sam said, “like Johnson & Grant Publishing...”

“Who?”

“They’re one of the biggest publishers in the country, the entire world. Getting published with them is...well it’s a dream come true,” She shot up and ran right up the counter, “He...he does want to publish my book, right?”

“Yeah, he does,” Mason said. Sam spun around hand on her forehead, eyes wide.

“Oh my god,” she said again, “This can’t be happening...”

“If you call him he can probably return it to you,” Mason said.

“But I fly back home later today...” Sam said, “Wait maybe he can mail it to me...” Sam hurried out of the coffee shop. Kitty stood there watching her smiling.

“I hope it all works out for her,” she said.

“Me too,” Mason said, “well it was a pleasure meeting you Kitty. You’re welcome to stop by again. Your next cup will be on the house.”

“Oh, thank you,” she said, “Umm...I would like to come back, if that’s okay.”

“Fine with me,” Mason said. Kitty smiled, her cheeks an even deeper pink she backed up waving at him. A moment later she bumped into the door. Her face turned bright red as she turned and pulled the door open before following after Sam.

* * * * * *

While Cameron did not seem to return, which Mason found unusual, Kitty stopped by every day. Every time they stood talking for what felt like hours. He learned that Sam was her cousin who currently lived in Arizona with her little brother. She also taught at Ridgeway Elementary same as her roommate who turned out to be the woman Cameron had met the other day too. Small world it seemed.

“So why did you decide to become a teacher,” He asked.

“My dad is a teacher though he teaches high school. So, I always had this great respect for teachers, and it just felt right. And I love the kids...they’re so curious, like a million questions every day,” she said, her whole face almost lighting up. Though he had been nervous at first, talking to her felt effortless. Almost like they had known each other for years and not just a few days. They both sat at one of the tables in the shop. Mom worked the counter as people trickled in, occasionally glancing at them with a knowing smile. Kitty kept talking about teaching barely stopping in her enthusiasm.

“Sorry I always talk your ear off,” she said blushing slightly, “you aren’t going to get in trouble for sitting here, are you?”

“Nah...my mom can take care of herself. And if she needs me, I’m still right here.”

“So do your parents run the place?”

“They own it actually...they live just above the shop. I grew up in here, so this shop is home to me,” he said. Kitty smiled looking away still blushing.

“Hey Kitty...” Mason said, “I know we just met...but I really enjoy spending time with you. And I was wondering if you...well. Would you be interested in...umm.” Mason let out a sigh, his heart dancing feverously. Kitty looked at him cocking her head innocently.

“Would you...want to go on a date with me?” he said. Kitty sat there for a moment, before her mouth opened, her face slowly growing red almost like an anime character.

“Oh...uh...” she said, “I... I’d...I’d love too...”

“Really?”

“Yes...” she said, “I... I kind of really like you. And... I haven’t liked a guy in forever.”

“Me too... I mean liked a girl not a guy... I’ve never liked guys...” he said feeling his own face burn. Kitty giggled softly, looking even cuter.

“Well, I should get to work,” Kitty said, “umm when would you...like to have our date?”

“Are you free tonight?”

“I am actually.”

“Well, we close the shop at six. How about you stop by here at six-thirty maybe seven?” he said.

“Deal,” she said, and she bounced away almost floating. Mom came around the counter still wearing that knowing smile.

“I like her,” Mom said, “I think she might be a keeper.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves now Mom,” Mason said, “And what makes you say that anyway?”

“A mother’s intuition,” She said, “Now come on. We have work to do.”

* * * * * *

At six-thirty a knock came at the shop door. Mason unlocked it and opened the door for Kitty as she slipped inside. He helped with her coat hanging it on a nearby chair. She wore an adorable light pink dress the skirt stopping just above her knees, plum leggings, and fuzzy white socks that poked out of her hi-top sneakers. The whole ensemble looked both adorable and beautiful, just like her.

“You look wonderful,” he said.

“Thanks,” She said, “Melody said I maybe shouldn’t wear my sneakers...but I like them. Sam got them for me when she was here. She’s always had a pair herself. Though she never seems to be able to keep them tied for some reason. You...you look great too.” He had put on his nicest collared shirt, a pair of khaki slacks, and purple tie he borrowed from his dad.

“Thanks,” he said.

“I like the tie.”

“Well purple’s your favorite color, right?”

“It is...how did you know that?"

“I’ve seen you wear purple almost every day,” he said. She smiled and looked away bashfully.

“So where are we going?” she said.

“Follow me,” he said and started back behind the counter. She followed him curiously looking around. They walked through the door that led to the back where supplies were stored along with his parents’ office. He pushed through another door that led to a set of stairs. They made their way up to another door which Mason opened. Inside was a living room, but the lights had all been turned off the room lit by candles and scattered with what looked like rose petals. A vase sat on a nearby table with two chairs a single rose sitting inside it. Soft music played in the background. Mason turned to see Kitty looking around eyes wide.

“Mason...this is beautiful,” she said.

“I wanted to do something a bit different,” he said, “I hope it’s not too much. I mean this is only a first date.” She looked like she had tears in her eyes as she smiled at the decorations.

“No... it’s perfect.” she said.

“Well, feel free to have a seat and I’ll get dinner,” he said. Kitty sat down at the table, stilling looking around the room. Mason went into the kitchen and grabbed the two plates of spaghetti on the counter, a note from Mom reading “Good Luck!” sat next to them. He returned to the living room and set a plate down in front of Kitty.

“Hope you like spaghetti,” he said.

“I love it,” she said. Mason took his seat and then closed his eyes doing the sign of the cross. He looked across and saw Kitty do the sign of the cross too.

“I didn’t know you were Catholic?”

“You never asked,” she said. Laughing softly, he bowed his head and they said grace. They ate their meal and began talking, the conversation flowing so easily. Though his parents were nearby in their room, it felt like Kitty and him were the only people here. Even after their plates were empty, they kept talking.

“What did you study in college?” she asked.

“I was going for a theater degree...I always enjoyed being in plays and musicals. I know it’s not a degree most people would suggest but it felt right at the time.”

“Do you think you’ll ever go back?”

“Maybe...but being back here feels even more right. My mom actually said she wants to eventually have me take over the shop. I would have said no before I left for college...but now I feel like, that’s what God is calling me to do.”

“I think you’ll do great,” she said.

“Thanks...” he said, “Do you...want to watch a movie? I’ve got a few anime films we could watch.”

“You like anime?” she said her face lighting up, “I love anime...nobody else in my family really does.”

“Same here...my parents have tried but it’s not their thing,” he said. Grabbing their plates, he took them to the kitchen to rinse them off. Kitty actually followed him and stood next to him at the sink grabbing a nearby towel. He handed her a plate and she dried it off before placing it in the nearby dish rack. He glanced at her next to him. It felt so natural for her to be there.

After they finished with the dishes, they returned to the living room, and he grabbed one of the movies from the coffee table. Kitty sat down on the couch and untied her sneakers before slipping them off. She then grabbed a pillow and curled up with it. Mason started the movie and sat down on the couch opposite her. They sat there silently enjoying the movie, but also enjoying each other's company.

Partway through Mason glanced over and saw Kitty with her eyes closed fast asleep. He grabbed a nearby blanket and laid it over her. He then sat down on the couch again smiling to himself. Seriously this had been probably the best first date he had ever had. He glanced at Kitty and the strangest thought popped into his head. I want to marry this woman...It felt way too early for that, but it did not feel wrong either. He closed his eyes and soon fell asleep himself.