By the time Kevin was in the eighth grade, Tracy had moved. He remained vigilant as he walked the halls. He remained cold, ice cold — careful to never fall in love again. — Kevin tried opening a can of soup using a hammer, but it only resulted in a mess on the counter. He sighed, knowing he’d have to go to the store. When he moved into his new apartment, he thought he’d packed everything, but he’d forgotten his can-opener. …

Good thing come to those who… Wait, how did it go? — “Hey, Bill. Did you finish that project on time?” “Uh oh.” “What’s wrong?” “I thought the project was supposed to be about a new marketing strategy.” More Conversations: Coffee Pot Conversations: Have We Met? You look familiar…medium.com Coffee Pot Conversations: Proposal I think there’s been some confusion…medium.com Coffee Pot Conversations: Qualified Everything seems to be in ordermedium.com

“Why don’t you go over there and knock on the door?” asked Robert. He placed a baby bottle on the counter and grabbed another soiled one to clean. “I could drive you if you’re nervous. Lindsay is going to be out with the baby for at least two more hours.” — Mary opened the sliding glass door and walked inside after her mother. She saw Melany staring at them and motioned her over. “What were you two talking about?” asked Melany. “You were out there for twenty minutes. Aren’t you cold?”

Best seats in the house —

“You girls all moved away before I could tell it,” replied her mother. “Now, about your fairytale. How do you want your story to go?” — Mary sat on the back deck of her parents’ house. Was Justin meant to be her midnight kiss? She shook her head. “Fairytales,” she muttered. “What was that?” asked her mother. The question startled Mary as she turned around. “Sorry,” said Mary. “I thought I was alone.”

Where’s the REAL coffee? —

Sometimes the best thing to do is take… —

“You were kids back then,” replied Melany. “Besides, even when they’re older. You can’t always expect a guy to make the first move. Did you ever tell him you liked him back then?” — Mary unlocked her car and smiled at her sister. “Did you get bored?” she asked. “This car is a torture chamber,” replied Melany. “Care to help me out?” Mary tapped her chin and smirked. “Hi Justin…” “Hi, Melany.” Justin raised his coffee in the air. “Thanks for the invite. …

When they exited the coffee shop, Mary laughed at the spectacle taking place in her car. Her sister, from the looks of it, had tried to squeeze her way into the back seat, to no doubt get out of the car from the back driver’s side door, but had gotten stuck. — Mary opened the door for Justin and followed him inside the coffeehouse. She turned back to see Melany sticking her tongue out. “I didn’t know you’d be here,” said Mary. “Melany did that without my knowledge.”