You've Found Oliver (You've Reached Sam, #2)(19)
I glance through the window. The sunlight reflecting off the glass makes it hard to see. It doesn’t look like anyone’s in there. There’s a paint bucket on the floor by the cash register. Are they closed for renovation or something? Maybe I went to the wrong location. I check the address again. Then I send Ben a message.
Just got off the bus
Not sure if I’m at the right place
Where’d you go?
Twede’s cafe. But I think it’s closed
That’s the right place. I’m sitting at a table inside
I check the door again. Still locked.
This is embarrassing
But I can’t get inside
What do you mean?
I think the door is broken
Oh
Let me come get you
A few minutes go by. Nobody opens the door. I send Ben another text.
wya?
Outside
Where did you go?
I’m right in front of the door
I don’t see you
That’s weird
Are you sure you’re at the right place?
There must be another entrance somewhere. I walk to the other side of the diner, but I still don’t see him anywhere. This has to be the wrong location.
Can you send the address again?
Maybe I put it in wrong
Ben sends it, but it’s the same one. There must be some mistake.
I’m so confused right now
What cross street are you at?
North Bend Way and Bendigo
I look out at the street signs. North Bend Way and Bendigo. This is the right place. So why can’t we find each other?
That’s where I am too
But I still don’t see you anywhere
Should I try the door one more time? I take another glance around me. There’s not a single car in the parking lot. And I haven’t seen anyone walk in or out yet. As I’m standing there, waiting for him to respond, a thought occurs to me…
Maybe Ben isn’t here at all. Is that why I can’t seem to find him? This is all some practical joke that’s being played on me. My heart sinks as I think back to these past few weeks. Does that mean everything he said is a lie?
I can’t believe I came all the way here. Just to walk in circles, searching for someone who’s never coming. Now I have to wait for the next bus home. I send him one last message.
Very funny joke
I’m leaving now
Hope you had a nice laugh
Should have known better than to get my hopes up. As I’m walking off, he messages me back.
Wait what do you mean?
I’m trying to find you
I don’t respond. He texts me again.
Please don’t leave yet
I really want to see you
Not sure why I can’t see you
I stare at his message. I really want this to be true. I mean, I’ve been looking forward to seeing him, too. My fingers hover over the screen, thinking about what to text back. Then I decide to call him instead.
As the phone starts ringing, the sound of static breaks through, followed by a strange shift in the air. At first, I think the call was lost.
Then I hear a voice behind me.
“Oliver?”
I turn around slowly.
Someone is standing a few feet away, wearing a dark brown jacket and jeans. His black hair is bathed in golden light. I’ve only seen him in a few photos online. But I know it’s Ben, staring right back at me.
Chapter
Six
A breeze blows in from behind him, ruffling the waves in his hair. There’s a silence as we take each other in for the first time. Finally, I remember to say something.
“Ben?”
“Hey,” he breathes, almost with relief.
I can’t believe it’s actually him. Standing in front of me.
“I’m sorry about the text, I thought—” I start.
“It’s alright,” he says. “Not sure how we missed each other.”
“Yeah, me neither.”
Ben smiles. “Glad I finally found you.”
The neon sign blinks above our heads. He’s a little taller than I expected, more handsome than his photo. He nods toward the diner and says, “Are you ready to head inside?”
“Uh, yeah.”
I follow him to the door I tried earlier. I’m expecting it to be locked. But for some reason, it opens easily for him. Maybe I was pushing it the wrong way? Ben holds the door, letting me go in first. Red barstools line a countertop that runs down the center of the room. There are a few people sitting inside, too.
Ben leads me to an empty booth near the back. As we take a seat, a woman comes to hand us our menus. I notice the silver ring on his index finger. We both are quiet for a moment, glancing down at our menus. Maybe he’s a little nervous as well. Eventually, he asks, “Do you like coffee?”