Not just yet.

Jake made up his mind, and Sam backed away. Without a word, they moved to the door.

On the way to the cafe they practiced acting normally. They realized that their breathing and blinking were in sync and Sam tried with some success not to mirror him.

Walking into the coffeeshop, Sam was immediately recognized by the barista. She swore under her breath, then turned to Jake.

"That's Cindy. I know her. Maybe this was a bad id- no, you're right, we've got to do it sooner or later." She smiled. "It might even be fun. Wow, you just squashed a little panic attack without even knowing you were doing it."

As they approached the counter, Cindy smiled amicably. "Hey Sam! It's been a while, how have you been?"

"Good! I, uh, I've been good. How are you?"

If Cindy noticed her nervousness she didn't react. "Great! I've been picking up more hours at the shop, so that's been good. And who's this?"

"I'm Jake," Sam said automatically. Jake coughed and she immediately blushed. "I mean, this is Jake. He's a friend."

"Nice to meet you," Jake said. He and Sam both extended their arm to shake Cindy's hand, then Sam withdrew hers awkwardly.

Cindy laughed. "You two certainly seem close." She winked and both blushed again. After a pause, she cleared the air. "So what can I get you?"

"A cinnamon latte," Sam said immediately, then looked surprised. Her expression was matched by Cindy's.

"...I thought you hated cinnamon," Cindy said hesitantly.

"Sorry! I'm a little scatterbrained today. I'll have an iced coffee."

Cindy turned to Jake, who coughed again awkwardly. "I'll have a mocha." He took out his wallet and handed over his debit card.

As she rang them up, Cindy eyed Jake suspiciously. To try to ease the tension, Sam made small talk. "I like the new art," she said. "From a local artist?"

"Yeah, it's been selling really well. Most of the stuff in here is already spoken for." As Cindy turned to make the drinks, Sam caught herself staring at the woman's ass. She was entranced - she had never been this aroused by just looking at someone before. Cindy turned back around and she quickly made eye contact.

Cindy looked at her quizzically and Sam knew she had been busted staring. The barista reached to the fridge under the counter. "Is whole milk ok?"

"Yeah," the two said simultaneously, and Cindy started to pour.

"Hey Sam, are you ok?" she asked after a pause. "You seem... off. Is everything alright?"

Sam gulped nervously. "Yeah, I'm fine. I mean, I don't know, I might be getting sick. I guess maybe that's it."

"Well, I hope you feel better. Here are your drinks. Just let me know if I can get you anything else."

Jake and Sam grabbed their drinks and walked to a table.