Once Upon a Daydream

Order for Kaci

*Runner Up* 2,500-word max short story for #CoffeeShopsBrewStories Contest

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This wasn't how I imagined spending my winter break.

Shuffling along the snow-dusted sidewalks of the bustling city, hustling to that beautiful forest green mermaid icon on the corner of the street two blocks from my apartment before the sun was even up. At least I had woken up and gotten ready early enough that I could enjoy a little treat before the first day of my winter internship.

I had fought tooth and nail to gain this internship - at 25, I was certainly one of the older students in my class, having changed my major in college a grand total of three times. My parents were sad that I'd be missing out on the annual Svoboda family Christmas, but they were pleased to see I had finally found something I was going to pursue one hundred percent.

I pushed through the heavy glass front door and joined the growing queue in line for their morning coffees, dusting off my jacket, hem of my sweater dress, and stockings with a mittened hand. To celebrate my prestigious accomplishment and the holiday sensation in the air, I knew I was going to treat myself to a warm, festive beverage and a cinnamon scone. Scanning the storefront, I was pleased to find several empty tables of my choosing to park at and watch the snowdrift envelope the sleepy cityscape.

Once the traffic of the line had steadily moved ahead, I smiled at the cashier who waved me over to his register. "What can I get for you this morning?"

"I'll have a grande caramel brûlée latte and a cinnamon scone, please." I smiled warmly to the cashier in thanks and dug through my tote bag to find the gift card my mom had sent for my birthday.

"Ok, your name? And would you like the scone warmed up?" he asked after punching my order into the terminal.

"Yes, please. It's Kaci, K-A-C-I." I nodded and swiped my gift card after he read the total. From that line, I drifted over to the other line forming near the pick-up counter, putting back my wallet, and zipping up my tote as I walked.

I started to pull my phone out of my pocket to absentmindedly scroll while waiting when a barista called out "Order ready for Kaci!"

I blinked and looked at the grande hot beverage sitting at the counter in front of me. Well, that was fast. Maybe it's not mine?

Looking from side to side, I scanned the rest of the customers waiting for their coffees. No one looked up from the sea of suited businessmen and women. Then it had to be my order.

I stepped forward apprehensively, turning the side of the cup to face me so I could read the order label. It read:

*KC*

Gr Americano

"Oh," I murmured, stepping back and bumping against another body. Panicked, I turned around, apologizing profusely. When I lifted my eyes to see who I was apologizing to, I reflexively held my breath.

One of the "suits" had come up to claim his order and I was in his way. Everything about him looked impeccable - blonde slicked back hair, gray pressed suit, black crisp dress shirt, and seemingly pristine glossy black shoes, even though he likely walked in from the snow.

Despite the tone of his serious ensemble and features, I could detect the slightest glimmer of amusement in his gaze. I could have melted into a puddle right along with the tracked-in snow at that moment.

"Sorry to disappoint," he brushed past me, gently squeezing my shoulder on his way to collect his coffee. "This isn't the holiday-themed drink you're looking for." He winked playfully and brought the cup to his lips.