Juliet made a Pret-y special connection
Slipping on my coat, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door.
I was working from home, but I’d decided to get a coffee first.
As I crossed the road towards my local Pret a Manger, I locked eyes with a handsome stranger who was heading the same way.
He’s cute, I thought as he flashed me a grin.
Inside, the coffee shop was bustling with customers.
As I neared the front of the queue, the friendly guy struck up a conversation.
‘You’re very smiley for this time of the morning,’ I laughed.
‘I’m Luke,’ he said, telling me he was on his way to a wedding.
‘Nice to meet you,’ I replied, sitting down at a nearby table with my latte.
I’d planned on grabbing my hot drink and rushing back. But I couldn’t resist staying longer.
To my delight, he came over.
Almost an hour flew by as we chatted and found out we both loved sailing, music and trying new restaurants.
‘I'd better get back to work,’
I said eventually.
‘Can I give you a hug?’ Luke sweetly asked as we stood outside.
‘Yes,’ I smiled.
Before we parted ways, he took my number.
I hadn’t even reached my flat when a text appeared.
He’s not playing it cool, I chuckled to myself, thrilled.
Two weeks later, we met up for our first proper date.
Only, my excitement was tinged with worry.
We’d got on so well in the café – would there still be the same spark?
But as we laughed and chatted non-stop on our walk in the park, before going for pizza, it was clear we shared a pret-ty special connection.
Everything was going wonderfully.
But days later, Luke told me he’d planned a six-month sabbatical to Thailand in the new year – only a couple of months away.
Wrapped in our happy bubble, we avoided the topic for weeks.
I didn’t want to say goodbye when we’d only just found each other.
On the eve of his trip, Luke and I met up.
‘I’m so sorry, but I’ve always known I’ve wanted to do this trip alone,’ he said, both of us in tears.
I was heartbroken, but told myself it wasn’t meant to be.
Then, a week later, he called me.
‘I’ve made the biggest mistake of my life,’ he said. ‘Come to Thailand.’
Although I was over the moon, I did have concerns about going travelling together.
‘We’ve only known each other for a few months,’ I told my mum.
‘Go for it, I can see you’re serious about him,’ she said.
Two weeks later, I was on a plane.
‘I love you,’ Luke said on the first evening we reunited.
We spent a magical two months visiting an elephant sanctuary, going on madcap tuk-tuk rides and sharing romantic sunset walks.
Soon, it was our first-year anniversary, and I knew I wanted to surprise Luke.
And I had the perfect idea.
Opening my laptop, I emailed Pret, explaining how the coffee chain had played a special part in our relationship.
I asked if they could provide some personalised merchandise.
But when a reply popped up, I was blown away.
They’d suggested a Pret-themed anniversary dinner in the Balham shop where we’d met!
It was far more than I’d imagined.
On the day, I led Luke to our local Pret, where we were presented with a bouquet of roses and croissants, before being taken to our petal-strewn table.
‘Wow, this is amazing,’ Luke marvelled.
The shop had been transformed with flowers and fairy lights.
They’d laid on a candlelit dinner with lasagne soup, prosciutto mac and cheese and, fittingly, a love bar.
The coffee was served in cups with our names on.
‘Thank you,’ Luke said. ‘I’m usually the soppy one!’
It was a brew-tiful evening.
Now, we’re planning to move in together.
It was a latte luck and a splash of fate when we met in a coffee shop, but we’re the perfect blend.
Juliet Brown, 28, Balham, London
Pictures Ben Stevens/PinPep