You know how their story ends but do you know how it began?

Read this collection of short stories and fall in love with how Mitch and Scott crossed paths again... and again... and again.

It was 7:00 on a Monday morning. I was seated at my usual table in Starbucks, in the corner, beside the glass wall, sipping on my freshly brewed coffee and eating gluten-free pastries. I usually don't get out of bed before 8 AM but I had a meeting in an hour and I cannot miss my morning coffee. I was reading a book to pass the time and got so engrossed in it that I didn't notice him enter the shop.

"One grande iced white chocolate mocha, please," he said to the barista.

There was something in his voice that sounded so... sexy. I looked up from my book and saw a tall guy dressed in a hoodie, sweat pants and running shoes. I could only see the right side of his face but he had blonde hair and a pale face. I hope his face matches his voice. I was pretty sure the barista was trying to flirt. I've been coming to this shop for a year and I know her, and I know that she was on flirt mode. She was smiling more than necessary and was making small talk. Maybe he really is cute.

I watched him as he waited for his drink. Too bad, they didn't shout his name. Probably because he was already standing there and nobody else was in line. He then made his way to the table beside mine and sat across from me. He put on his earphones and started sipping his coffee. I tried to make out his name from the cup but I couldn't see it. He was looking outside, as if in deep thought.

Both of our tables had two chairs each but neither of us had company, so I had a full view of him. He had obviously just come from a run or jog. His hair was slightly ruffled and his face was a little sweaty, just enough for it to look as if it was glistening. His nose was a little pointed and his lips were a pale pink. He had a few days' growth of beard running on either side of his jaws to his chin. He wasn't fat nor was he thin. His clothes were a little loose - I couldn't tell if he had muscle-y shoulders or arms or abs or thighs. Lord, I hope he does. That would so match his pretty face. Mommy likey.

I would've stayed just to look at him longer but didn't want to risk getting late for my meeting. I gathered my things, got up and walked out the door. He didn't even glance at me when I walked past him. I hope I run into this cutie again some time.

The following morning, I arrived in Starbucks at 8:30, which was usually the time I got there. I ordered my usual and proceeded to my favorite spot. That's when I noticed that the cutie from the previous day was seated on the same spot. It must be destiny. I placed the tray on my table and tried to get comfortable. Cutie from yesterday was wearing basically the same thing, just in different colors. He also seemed to have the same drink. We are so meant to be - sitting on the same spots, having a signature drink. He appeared more relaxed this morning, probably because he's had more than enough time to rest after his run. I wonder if he got in here the same time.

Before I could probably learn any more information from observing him, he got up and headed out the door. Just my luck. I watched him walk out the shop and cross the street. I tried to look where he was headed but a bus passed by. By the time the bus was out of view, so was he. Damn.

That night, I tossed and turned in bed, my mind occupied with the coffee shop cutie. I barely slept but I set my alarm for 7 AM. I was on a mission.

I had to drag my sorry ass out of bed the next day, having had only a few hours of sleep. But that's what the coffee for is, right? I rushed and tried to get extra pretty, hoping that I'd see him again.

When I got to Starbucks at 7:35, he was already on the counter, placing his order. I stood behind him and eavesdropped. Yes, I know, but who wouldn't, right? Again, I was on a mission. To do what, exactly, I wasn't sure. But I did know that I wanted to somehow interact with him.

"One grande iced white chocolate mocha to go, please." My face fell. Why universe? Why do you hate me?

"Scott, right?" said Esther, the flirty barista. I couldn't see her face since his back was blocking my view but I could tell that Esther was smiling extra wide. One, okay universe, I'm sorry I said that. Thank you for letting me know his name. Two, Scott sounds nice. Three, Esther, stop it.

"Yes. Thank you." He paid for his drink and walked to the other end of the counter and waited. By the time my drink was in my hand, he was out of the shop. I decided to take my coffee home. I sulked all morning. Thankfully, work kept me busy all afternoon and evening. I crashed into bed that night, falling asleep early, most likely from tiredness and lack of sleep the previous night.

I woke up to a gloomy Thursday morning. I didn't feel like getting coffee but I couldn't miss the chance of seeing Scott. I arrived at Starbucks the same time I did the previous day. When I stepped inside, I checked his usual spot. Not there. I looked around, still no sign of him. I got my coffee and tried to get comfortable in my favorite spot. I was practically staring at the door, willing him to come in. After 30 minutes of waiting and no Scott in sight, I decided to go home, feeling defeated.

It's a stupid mission and the universe might be telling me to stop being stupid.

On Friday morning, I stayed at home and made my own coffee. I had those just-add-water powdered coffee (bought from Starbucks). I immersed myself in work all day and afternoon, and spent the night marathoning movies. It did help to get Scott out of my mind.

I was feeling better Saturday morning. I slept in and so I arrived at the coffee shop later than usual. Upon seeing me, Esther waved. She didn't usually do that.

"I was starting to think you wouldn't come for the 2nd day in a row. Your coffee's getting cold!" she said.

"I haven't even ordered yet. I'll get the usual, though." I brought out my wallet and looked for my card.

"Save it. This one's on Mr. Gorgeous. This is the third cup I've prepared, and the third one he's paid for. You took forever to get here. He's been waiting," she said, pointing to the guy seated in the corner. In my table. He sat on the chair opposite to mine and his back was turned to me. He wore a black beanie, white shirt, and denim pants. I couldn't tell who he was.

"I am so jealous!" Esther added before handing me my coffee. "It's your usual. He asked what you always ordered."

I took the cup. Honestly I felt a little confused. Then I noticed there was something written on the coffee sleeve. "Would you like to join me for coffee? - Scott"

Scott. SCOTT. It's Scott. How dare you play with my feelings, universe. But OHMYGOD, THANK YOU.

I walked to my seat, talking my time, telling myself to play it cool.

He looked up when I walked past him. I sat down opposite him and placed the coffee in between us. I didn't know what to say, so I just smiled and said, "Uhm, hi."

He smiled back at me. Wow, pearly white teeth. "I didn't see you yesterday. I thought I'd also miss you today," he said.

He missed me. I know he didn't mean that he missed me like MISSED ME but still.

"I'm sorry if I'm being a little too forward, but I've been seeing you the past few days. I was hoping to get to know you." Then he blushed.

YES, UNIVERSE. YES!

"I'm Scott," he said, extending his hand.

"Thank you for the coffee and yes, I'd like to get to know you, too. Hi, I'm Mitch," I said, taking his hand.

I glanced nervously around the restaurant and fidgeted in my seat. My palms were sweaty and I already felt like puking. I shouldn't have come. This is a terrible idea. Why did I let Kirstie talk me into this? I wanted to leave but knew that I shouldn't. I promised Kirstie I'd give her friend a shot.

You see, I'm bad at first dates, let alone one that was a blind date. I'm always awkward, I say the wrong things, and I don't usually end up getting a second date. To make matters worse, I haven't dated anyone in a while. I don't have much practice. I'm going to screw this up, I just know it.

I scanned the room a second time. Maybe he's already here. Wait... Oh, god. What if he saw me and decided to back out? I felt bile rise up the back of my throat. I tried it to swallow it down and simultaneously pushed the negative thoughts out of my mind.

I took out my phone and checked my reflection on the screen. Mommy's a little pale. Gorgeous, nonetheless. I tried fixing my hair a couple of times before eventually giving up.

Time check: 7:25 PM. I had 5 minutes to either calm myself down or get a full blown panic attack. I shouldn't have come so early. I was so afraid I'd chicken out that I arrived 20 minutes ahead of time. I didn't think through how waiting would make me feel.

Time check: 7:30 PM. Okay, he should be here any second. My eyes were focused on the door, eyeing every single person coming through it. It was in direct line of my vision, and my table was only a few feet away from it.

Time check: 7:35 PM. A few customers have gone in. None of them came alone, though. Maybe I should text him and ask where he was? I probably should have, but I didn't. I decided to prolong my suffering by sitting and waiting.

The waitress made her way to my table and asked if I was ready to place my order. I politely said no, that I was still waiting for someone, and just asked for water. She looked at me momentarily, as if about to say something, but eventually turned around and left me alone.

Time check: 7:45 PM. It was starting to get embarrassing. One, I was alone. Two, I only had water on my table. Three, since I had been looking at the door, I have made eye contact with most of the new customers. They probably think I'm a creep.

The waitress approached me a second time and asked if I wanted another glass of water. I nodded without saying anything. She was back a minute later with a fresh glass. I looked up momentarily to smile at her before focusing back on the door.

Time check: 8:10 PM. The anxiety and embarrassment are not worth it. I was hungry but I didn't want to start eating alone. I sent Kirstie a quick message, telling her that her friend was a no show and that I was leaving. She is so going to make it up to me. I left a tip for the waitress before heading out. I was deciding on where to buy food when I saw the bar from across the street.

I knew it was still early but given what happened, I was going to drink the night away anyway. Might as well get a headstart.

I headed straight to the bar table after entering and sat a few feet away from the bartender. I was about to order when I noticed the blonde sitting 2 chairs away from me, alone, sipping a strawberry martini.

"One vodka tonic, please," I said to the bartender. He fixed my drink and handed it to me shortly after.

There weren't many people in the bar except for a couple of guys seated at a table in the far end of the room, a couple on the other end, and the blonde beside me. I watched him order his second martini and sip it quietly.

I was quite intrigued by him and he seemed oblivious to my presence so I took the chance to just look at him. He was slouching but he still looked tall. He was obviously much taller than me. He wore a red and black checkered long-sleeved top that was buttoned to the neck, black pants, and black Converse shoes. The sides of his head were shaved and his skin was so white, he honestly looked pale. His nose was a little pointed... no, it was just right. And his lips looked soft. What those lips could do...

He must have felt me staring because he turned in his seat and caught me looking. Ogling. I saw his questioning blue eyes look right at me. Instead of looking away, I smiled at him. Awkwardly. And then I raised my glass a little. It took a couple of seconds, but he eventually mirrored what I did - smiled and raised his glass.

I took that as my cue. I moved to the seat beside him. You know how I said I was bad at dates? Well, I didn't care. I wanted to see his eyes a second time.

"A little too early to be sipping your second martini, don't you think?" I said to him.

"This is actually my third," he replied, shifting slightly in his seat and looking at me. "And I could say the same to you," he added, looking at my glass.

"Date gone bad," I simply said. "No, make that no-show date."

"Oh." Then he chuckled. HE CHUCKLED. What, did he think that was funny? I should've gotten offended but his little chuckle sounded too sweet. Before I could think of a reply, he spoke up.

"Well, what do you know. That makes two of us. Cheers!" He raised his glass to me and smiled.

Wow, that's a gorgeous smile. I raised my glass and clinked it with his, returning his as I did.

He then turned fully in his seat so that he could face me properly. He extended his right hand and said, "Uhm, hi, I'm Scott."

"Hi, I'm Mitch," I said, taking his hand.