Illumination Writes

Originally Published March 13, 2023

Author’s note: I am starting a new series of random story scenes that I write while sitting in coffee shops. I have no idea how many of these there will be and what they will include. The may end up building on each other—who knows? Hope you enjoy the ride!

You are the hero of your own story. 

Caroline scoffed at the saying on the coffee shop wall. “Except when you aren’t,” she said to herself—just loud enough for the barista to hear. 

“I’m sorry—what was that?”

“Nothing. I’ll take an americano with a splash of half and half.” 

With coffee in hand, she sat in the darkest corner of the ambiently lit room. It was a rainy Thursday afternoon—one that Caroline hoped to get through rather quickly. The less time she spent here, the better. 

Spencer walked in shortly after she got settled. He was tall, blond, very freckled with pale skin. The average American joe stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the hipsters and new agers who proudly took up their space in the shop. 

Word on the street was that he was a hero—or at least had a glowing review from Katie, who insisted that Caroline give this guy a chance. Apparently volunteering at an animal shelter automatically makes you a well-rounded person. 

This was the fifth guy that Katie had tried to set her up with…and it was getting tiresome. Caroline was hoping he simply wouldn’t notice her in the corner, assume he had been stood up, and went home. At least then she wouldn’t have to lie and could tell Katie that she actually showed up to this one. 

“Listen, I’ve known Spencer since he was five okay…would it kill you to go out on one more date?” Katie said while elbowing Caroline in the side.

“Yes, it would, especially since he listens to country music. All he probably thinks about is beer, his truck, short shorts and family values. That’s so not me at all, and you know that.”

“Girl, listen, you always complain about not meeting anyone new—and I’ve lined up the perfect opportunity for you. Just trust me. He’s not a creep and he won’t show up in a cowboy hat.” 

Katie was very wrong about that. Under the brim of a hat that simply shouldn’t be worn outside of a rodeo, Spencer noticed Caroline and made his way over to her. 

“Hey,” he extended his hand towards her, “I’m Spencer.” 

Caroline begrudgingly took his hand, “Caroline.” 

“Pleased to make your acquaintance. Katie told me a lot about you.” 

“Likewise…” Caroline paused, “She also said you wouldn’t show up in a cowboy hat.” 

He laughed, “That sounds like her. She told me you might not be the biggest fan of it, but I figured what the heck. I’ll just do me, ya know. It ain’t worth being anything different.” 

Spencer was either admirably confident or cocky and Caroline couldn’t decide between the two. “I can agree to that philosophy. I hope the beanie doesn’t bother you,” she said pointing to the band name scrawled across her head. 

“Not at all,” Spencer said, “I think they are cool. I don’t listen to them often but, art is art I guess.”

“You like Metallica? You’ve gotta be kidding me.” 

“Is that bad?” 

Caroline stammered, “I mean—no. No, it’s not. I guess I’m just surprised.” 

“Because of the hat and the boots?” 

“To be completely honest, yeah.”

Spencer shook his head, “Well sitting alone in a dark corner when you are supposed to be meeting someone on a first date isn’t the best look either. Katie said you wouldn’t be a downer.”

Caroline rolled her eyes, “Fine. You got me.”

Spencer sipped his coffee, “So now that we’ve aired our prejudices out in the open. Do you want to start over?”

“Sure,” she took a breath and held out her hand, “I’m Caroline.” 

Spencer shook her hand, “Nice to meet you. I’m Spencer.”