use somebody, kings of leon.

i had this customer today at starbucks who came up to my walk-up window.

i asked him if there was anything i could get him, my usual smile splashed across my face.

after he order his iced quad venti four pump hazelnut soy latte, he hesitated,

"you've got a smile that could light up this whole town."

i laughed and made a joke about how lyrics are a cliche way to pick up a lady.

he smiled, "i meant it as a compliment, to give you some sunshine."

and of course, i joked once again, commenting on the peculiar oregon sunshine

and how it's surprising warmth was all i needed to brighten my day,

but that i will always be happy to receive a compliment from a cute guy.

quickly rushing to serve the customers behind him, 

i handed off his drink and moved on. 

a half hour later, thankful for the brief moment to catch my breath,
i ranted to my co-workers about how stressful life has been lately,
and then the previous gentleman presented himself again;

i bit my lip and asked if something was wrong with his drink.

he looked down and said that the drink was perfectly made, 
that it tasted like "an unexpected sunny afternoon."

i blushed and once again, he commented on my smile.

"don't ever stop smiling. that's the kind that melts hearts, the one that stops traffic."

i told him that i have never been one to stop traffic and am thankful, because that might cause accidents.

he shook his head, almost in disappointment and surprised me with what he said next.

"i know i don't really know you 
and this might come off creepy from someone you just met,
but you have a gorgeous smile. you should be proud of that.
you don't always have to be strong. you can let that guard down
and let someone come in and give you a compliment.
it's okay and a beautiful girl like you deserves it."

and then he turned around and left.

no further come-on's. no pick up lines. no number left. 
no attempts to try to get in my pants.

just that. simple. earnest. quick to the point. 

sometimes i forget that i don't always have to be strong.

that i don't always have to fight. 
that sometimes i can let my guard down

and smile and take some things to heart.

because really,

this world, is really beautiful.

(if you can learn to let it in.)