I must look crazy right now.
My clothes are stained with pizza grease…
And I’m definitely due for a shower.
But it’s not like it’s my fault.
I’ve been cooped up in the library for the past week…
Hysterically cramming for exams.
The only reason I’m even out here in civilization…
Is because I’m in desperate need of a 15-minute coffee break.
The line is practically out the door…
And I’m the last person in it.
For fear of bumping into someone I know while I’m in this disheveled state.
Someone like Brett Parker, for instance.
Brett Parker, the handsome frat boy captain of the football team…
Who goes through girls like water.
Brett Parker, the last guy I made out with.
Brett Parker, who promptly ghosted me.
Brett Parker, who has just entered the coffee shop…
And is now standing directly behind me.
I knew I never should’ve left the library.
He’s standing very close to me.
I can feel the heat from his body.
Maybe he won’t recognize me.
Or better yet, he won’t even remember me.
I refuse to turn around to face him.
Maybe if I ignore the problem, it’ll go away.
Brett
So, you’re just going to pretend I don’t exist?
Penelope
It seems appropriate.
Penelope
At least now you know how it feels.
Brett
What’s that supposed to mean?
Penelope
Great, just great.
Penelope
But I’d be better if people would hurry up…
Penelope
So I can get back to studying.
Brett
Ugh, people. They’re the worst, right?
He gazes at me quizzically.
His big brown eyes look so sad…
As he looks deeply into mine.
Looking at him up close like this…
Brings me back to the night we met.
Where we were both waiting in line for the bathroom.
And then went back to his room…
Where we stayed up half the night binging The Office…
And talking about our plans for the future.
It didn’t feel like just some other meaningless hookup.
At least, that’s what I thought.
I try to shake off the memory.
There’s no point in dwelling on the past.
We’re almost at the front of the line.
And soon, we’ll both be graduating…
So I’ll never have to see…
Or think about Brett Parker ever again.
Yes, best to just forget the whole thing.
Brett
So, I wanted to ask you something.
Penelope
And I wanted to ask you something.
Penelope
Why’d you blow me off?
He obviously didn’t expect me to confront him like this.
And, honestly, neither did I.
I let out a shaky breath.
Penelope
After the party…
Penelope
When we stayed up talking the whole night…
Penelope
I wrote down my number for you…
Penelope
But you ghosted me.
Penelope
I thought we had a connection.
Penelope
But I guess you didn’t feel the same way.
Brett is staring at me with a mixture of shock and confusion.
The intensity of his gaze makes me self-conscious…
And I feel my face heating up.
Penelope
You know what? Forget I said anything.
Penelope
I should just go.
Fully intending to flee the café…
And never emerge from the library again…
But Brett blocks my path.
Brett
I didn’t ghost you. I’d never do that.
Brett
The night of the party…
Brett
It was one of the best times I’ve had in college.
Brett
When I saw you left me your number, I was so excited.
Brett
I stared at it for so long, I have it memorized:
Brett
But when I texted you, it bounced back…
Brett
So I figured you gave me a fake.
Brett
I wanted to ask you why you did that…
Brett
When we had such a connection.
Penelope
Wait, did you say 677?
Brett
That’s what you wrote.
Penelope
You must’ve not been able to read my handwriting.
Brett
I can’t believe all this time I thought you didn’t like me.
Penelope
And I can’t believe all this time…
Penelope
I thought you just saw me as one more hookup.
Brett
Well, I’m glad we cleared that up.
That this is the way things were supposed to be.
But before I can say anything…
The barista calls me next to order my coffee.
When we both have our drinks…
Brett turns to me politely.
Brett
It was nice seeing you, Penelope.
Penelope
Nice seeing you too, Brett.
He turns to leave, but before I know what I’m doing…
Penelope
Say you had read the number right…
Penelope
What would you have said?
Brett runs a hand through his silky brown hairy.
Brett
I suppose I would’ve asked if you wanted to get coffee.
I take a sip of my drink.
The rush of caffeine gives me a boldness I didn’t know I had in me.
Penelope
I already have coffee.
I take a step towards him.
Penelope
What would you have wanted to do next?
Brett
I would’ve wanted to kiss you again.
Penelope
I think that can be arranged.
I wrap my arm around his neck and pull his lips down onto mine.
Brett pulls me closer and gives me a kiss that sends shivers down my spine.
That this coffee break is going to be a lot longer than 15 minutes.
