Free Be Mine by Kris Calvert Page A

campus, he wasn’t turning back.
    The line was long and winding through the shop, as he’d hit peak coffee hour right on the money. Tom could see Lexi at the counter and knew she hadn’t noticed him. How could she? The place was packed.
    He watched her intently, hoping if she looked up he would catch her eye. Slowly, he inched his way closer to the front of the line, waiting and carefully observing Lexi. Her every move made him smile. She was beautiful and so kind to every person in line.
    “Good morning, how may I help you?” Lexi said as Tom watched her catch his eye and do a double take. She glanced away for only a moment and he knew he’d been busted.
    Lexi blushed and shook her head no as if she didn’t want to deal with Tom. When their eyes met once again, she gave him the same look, letting him know for sure that whatever reason he’d chosen to come there, she thought it a bad idea.
    Tom could tell by the panicked look on her face that she wanted to be as far away from him as possible – and the sooner the better.
    He watched as Lexi grabbed another barista by the arm and whispered. Tom knew he had to do something, and fast.
    As Lexi began to leave for the back of the shop, Tom walked out of the line and into the crowded table area. Finding an empty seat, he took a deep breath, stood up in the chair and went for it.
    “Ladies and gentlemen,” he shouted. “Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention for just a moment.”
    Lexi stopped in her tracks, mortified at what was unfolding.
    As the coffee shop came to a quieted halt, Tom took a deep breath and continued. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he repeated a third time. “I am crazy about the very lovely barista Lexi, who every day takes your coffee orders and gives you a smile. But last night I screwed up. See, I let another girl come between me and your favorite barista. And my favorite person in the world. I could tell you it was an accident, which it was, or that I’ve been a mess trying to reach her, which I have, but what I really need your help with is to convince Lexi…” Tom paused as he pointed her out to the crowd. “To give me a chance.”
    Tom looked around the room and was almost surprised at how he’d truly captured the attention of everyone in the place. Starbucks had come to a complete and utter halt. “I know everyone in here has, at one point or another, been in love. And all I’m asking for is for a little help. Not to convince Lexi to love me,” he said, dropping his voice. “Because that’s my job. So…” he hesitated, trying to control his shaking voice. “Lexi, will you be my valentine?”
    Applause broke out for Tom’s sincere and heartfelt plea.
    “C’mon, honey,” shouted a man in line. “Give the kid a shot.”
    Lexi walked around the counter as Tom stepped down from his perch and the crowd silenced. As they moved toward each other, the coffee patrons parted to allow them room.
    “This doesn’t mean you’re off the hook,” Lexi beamed.
    “I wouldn’t expect it to,” he said as he wrapped her up in his arms to a rousing round of applause and shouts of approval.
    Tom pulled away and lovingly brushed the hair from her teary face. Slowly he leaned in and kissed Lexi Scott, making sure she’d never forget him or this moment.
    As the crowd dispersed, he whispered in her ear. “Give me another chance. Come hear me play on Valentines Day. I want you to be mine. All mine.”
    Lexi nodded and quickly buried her face in his chest.

    Sarah rushed into rehearsal late and out of breath.
    “Nice of you to join us, Miss Brooks,” smirked the visiting conductor. Sarah knew he had a reputation for being an ass, and she’d given him every reason to show it this morning.
    “My apologies,” she lamented. “I needed to make arrangements for some tickets for Friday night’s performance.”
    “Are you ready to get to work now?” he asked.
    “Yes,” Sarah assured him as the other members of the orchestra looked