Different// Joshler

2: The Crush

~Josh's point of view~

I woke up to a man in my mirror. The familiar face of exhaustion. I've been worked to death by my boss. I run my hand through my newly dyed blue hair. I laugh at a thought that had just gone through my head.

Tyler, the owner of my favorite local coffee shop; must be getting tons of money from my constant need for coffee. Tyler Joseph is a name everyone in the whole town knew. His coffee shop, literally named Coffee was famous in this small town right
outside of Columbus, Ohio.

Bridgeton was a small town. Where every person inside of it knew everyone. Mom and Pop shops filled inside. I worked for the only mainstream job there was inside it. A town filled with at least ten thousand people.

I went into my bathroom to get ready for the day. "Just seventeen more hours of sleep. I beg of you." I told myself in the mirror. "You look like a mess." I said through my teeth.

I was too lazy to dress in my normal set of clothes. A nice suit, usually required for my place of work at Wilkinson and Culpepper. I just put on a buttoned up t-shirt and some loose jeans. Not too loose, not too tight. Still work dress code.

I realized I'd be late if I didn't hurry up. I needed to make time for the Coffee shop. I couldn't last without that coffee. I ran downstairs to get my shoes and slid them on in the car.

I almost raced to his coffee shop. I look at my watch as I stood outside the door. Seven twenty-nine, I walked in and I saw the clock tick to seven thirty behind Tyler.

"Good morning Tyler," I said to him and glanced at the menu. "I'll have... a mocha latte," I said and then thought to spice it up. As always. "Little extra coffee. Like a shot of it." I said, payed and then walked away to a table.

He started to make my coffee. He ran around making the coffee, almost tripping twice. I giggled at his clumsiness. A girl walked in the door, catching Tyler's attention. "Sorry I'm late Tyler, my daughter wouldn't get ready for school." She said.

"It's okay, just wash your hands and get an apron." He replied. "What do we have to work on today?" She asked as two men came from the back. "You three can work on Mrs. Garcia's donut order. I'll help once I get done with Josh's order. Which I almost am." He said as he put a lid on and a coffee sleeve around the hot coffee.

"Josh," He called and slid the coffee across the counter closer to me. "Thanks Tyler," I gave him a small smile. Then I turned and left, waking back to my car. I sighed once I got inside. I found myself feeling dazed.

He's so hot. Tyler. His black hair. Just like untouched coffee. Just as he should be. Touched by nobody. Then I had a thought.

Unless that somebody is me.

----

My boss that had just started working here was all up my rear. He would not leave me alone about all the sales calls. As if I didn't already have enough to do. My assistant would not leave me alone either.

"Josh! Let's go! You have a meeting!" She said. "Ezra, I already have one hundred and one things to do." I told her. "Mr. Jackson will fire you, he said, if you miss another team meeting." She said. "That's the least of my worries." I said getting up from my desk and following Ezra. "Take me to my execution room."

She laughed softly as she took me to one of the many meeting rooms in the building. "Mr. Dun is here Mr. Culpepper and Mr. Wilkinson." Ezra said as I took my seat. "Good, son, you were almost late." Mr. Culpepper said as Mr. Wilkinson shook his head softly, as if I wouldn't notice. "We need to talk about the important stuff." Mr. Culpepper said, and that's when I realized it.

I was the only employee inside the room.

-----

They fired me.

After who knows how many years there. The main bosses fired me. Face to face. The first time I'd ever met them. Was to be fired. I cried for an hour and a half inside my car. Pulling at my hair. Unsure of what to do.

I drove to a bar before I knew it. Downing shots. Giving myself a hangover. I know it's unsafe to drive intoxicated. I know. I know.

I end up in front of Coffee. Tyler is outside, flipping the sign. It's five o' clock. I'm too late for a cup. I walk outside to him. "Josh!" He says seeing me. "What are you doing here?"

I look at his untouched hair, in the same position as it was when I left earlier for my former job. I try to hold back my tears. "I came for coffee." I said, "I can make you a cup." He smiled and went to unlock his shop. "I- no, that's okay you don't have to."

He shook his head and almost forced me in. "I insist." He said. The coffee shop is empty. It looks different. Darker. No morning light to illuminate the shop. I turned around and Tyler is turning on the light. It's suddenly filled with happiness.

He smiled at me. "What would you like Josh?" He asked as I sat at a table. "I-.." I can't see the menu from the table I sat at. And suddenly everything sunk in. I had no job. I had nobody to go home to and tell them how crappy my day was. I didn't even have a dog to fall asleep with and make everything better.

I had absolutely nothing. Absolutely no one. Then I started to cry. I started to sob. Tyler looked at me and our eyes met.