Contributor: BinaryAgent

Nathan sat in his usual spot by the window, sipping orange juice out of a coffee mug in his left hand while he scanned the newspaper. Across the table, Catherine sat reading news from her laptop. Without looking up she reached for a Styrofoam cup of chocolate milk by her right hand. Her left was stretched halfway across the table, holding onto Nathan's free hand. They both sat in the cafe, sipping their beverages together while they casually caught up on what was going on in the world. Nathan finished the article he was reading and set down his mug. He looked across the table at Catherine, studying her beautiful features. He caressed the back of her hand with his thumb. She looked up from her screen and locked eyes with Nathan. He broke into a smile.

“I love you.” He said simply. Without taking his eyes from hers he picked up his cup and took another swig of juice. Catherine smiled.

“I love you too.” She whispered back. Nathan finished his orange juice and placed the mug in the center of the table. He stood up and folded his paper as he moved around the table to Catherine. He leaned down and gave her a brief kiss.

“Pick you up tonight?” He asked as he bent over and picked up his briefcase.

“I'll be waiting.” Catherine replied.

“Alright, I'll be by at 6:30 like usual.” A bus pulled up outside. Nathan glanced at his watch. “Gotta go.” He gave her another kiss, then slipped his paper under one arm and waved goodbye as he slipped out the door. Catherine watched as he boarded the bus. He waved to her again as the bus pulled away from the curb. Smiling, she folded down her laptop and stood.