Carly's Ramblings Blog - Style

Imaginary Me Through Another's Eyes

30 Day Blogging Challenge

PROMPT January 26
Yesterday was Opposite Day!
Today I want you to take an opposite point of view.
Imagine a place you go to regularly - they gym, your regular coffee shop, wherever you choose. Take up the POV of the person at the counter, the bike across from you, any one person you choose.
What's your first impression of yourself?
Is it the real you or one you plan and project?

I glanced up towards the door as another group of customers flooded in. My heart sunk as I realized their was not going to be any end to the rush anytime soon. As I pulled the steamer handle to sterelize the steamer I noticed Carolyn glancing around the place from her spot just inside the door. She usually didn't drop in on Sundays. I could tell by the surprised look on her face that she might not stay. A shame really because I had wanted to talk to her about the book she had recommended to me some weeks ago. Not that there would be much chance today, but still, I could at least let her know I was reading it. My favourite short story in it was the one about the spiders. That one had been creepy, but I'd loved it.

When she moved forward and took a place in line I felt hopeful and went back to the drink orders that were in pouring in.
When I looked up again she was gone. Damn. Seeing as how the place was packed and there were no available seats she had bolted. I hoped she would return.

About an hour later, things began to slow down and some of the customers began to head out. The tension of the last few hours eased and I found I had a few moments to finally wipe up the spilled milk that had managed to flood onto the counter.

The door opened and I glanced up to see Carolyn walk back in. She looked pleased by the place. Still busy, but not packed. She glanced my way as she headed for the line and smiled. I smiled back.

When it was her order I was filling - a half sweet smokey butterscotch latte made with almond milk, I got that chance to talk.
"Hey, you know that anthology of science fiction stories you recommended a couple of weeks ago," she smiled and nodded, "I got a copy and I've been enjoying it."

"That's great. Any stories you like?"

"A couple for sure, but the best is the one with the spiders." I shuddered and grinned over at her.

She grinned with a mischievous glint to her eyes. "Glad you like it. I don't usually write science fiction, but I thought I'd give it a try."

"The spider one is yours?" I asked shocked that the story was actually written by someone I knew.

She nodded, her smile warm. There was a touch of rosy blush along her cheeks.

"Well, now I'll have to tell more people about this anthology. Would you sign my copy?'

She laughed clearly pleased with my enthusiasm, but not quite sure what to do with the attention. "Sure." she said adding, "whenever you want?"

"On my break? You're going to stay aren't you?'

Her smile deepened and she nodded. Looking around she pointed to the corner table she usually sat at and said, "I'll just be over there."
"You writing today?"

"I write everyday." she told me, then taking her to go mug and giving me a nod of thanks she slipped over to the corner to get to work.

When I did approach her later she graciously closed the lid and gestured for me to sit. "If you want." she added as if I wouldn't want to stay awhile. I sat.

She was a little nervous to talk about her own writing. "It's only my first published work." she'd said with a small smile.
"What do you usually write?"
"Woman's fiction with a romantic element." she told me then gave a self conscious chuckle. "Or I try to."

She told me about other authors she liked to read. She was clearly more comfortable talking about other people's work.

When I headed back to work she smiled at me with kind eyes, then went back to her computer.

When she left she waved goodbye and wished us all a great evening. I could hardly wait to reread that story she had written. It would be even better now that I knew the author.