Carolina was so perfect, that ordering a cup of tea seemed almost insulting. In fact, the first time I saw her, I actually tried to be manly, and ordered straight espresso. The “manly” effect was short lived when I involuntarily spat the vile liquid on the counter.

It was in her response that I found perfection. With a genuine smile, and brushing humor, she commented, “yeah, I think the machine is letting some coffee grounds through—sometimes I end up serving a cup full of mud. You probably aren’t in the mood for coffee anymore, would you like a Coke?”

If it weren’t for the work I had to do, and the line of eager Carolina-watchers behind me, I might have proposed on the spot. Every day since, I’ve been here, building up the nerve to discuss more than the nuances of bean-based beverages. In fact, just this morning,