Peaches 'n Cream {h.s.}

p r o l o g u e

It was a typical Monday morning. I woke up at 7:30 AM like usual; wrapped myself up in multiple layers of sweaters and scarves; unlocked the shop; waited until Kate arrived to start setting up; and bought my coffee from across the street at Mel's. 

Everything went the way it always did, except that day it didn't actually go like that. 

It was the same until I got to Mel's. I went up to order my usual Cappuccino, already anticipating the sweet taste of the strong drink, when I saw him.

He didn't work here, or, at least he didn't before. He didn't have a name tag on yet and I felt intimidated by the tall stranger behind the counter.

I expected to see Travis or Christie or even the infamous Mel; but instead all I saw was a boy with floppy brown curls that he nervously pulled back with his hand; and dark green eyes that reminded me of a forest after it had rained. He gave me a dimpled smile that seemed so genuinely sweet and warm that I almost blushed cherry red on the spot.

I quickly diverted my eyes up to the Menu above the counter, attempting to avoid his eyes. It was pointless though; I already knew what I wanted to order; I got the same order every day; five days a week. 

"Could I have an Cappuccino for takeaway, please?" I asked almost shyly, still avoiding his eyes.

"Uh sure, just wait." he replied in a smooth, deep British accent, holding his hands up in a "wait right here" kind of gesture.

The British boy hastily turned around, causing his pushed back curls to fall into his faces, and looked at a small piece of paper that was taped to the wall. I couldn't read what it said due to the boy being in front of it, but I knew from past experiences that it said how to make each of the drinks that Mel's sold.

Yep, he was definitely new, and very handsome. However, Mel usually employed trained baristas who hardly ever needed to look at the drink recipes; and this new guy kept looking back at it every few seconds into making my drink.

"You pour the milk into that." I smiled softly, pointing to the small metal jug next to the coffee machine.

His cheeks turned a light rosy pink and shyly said "Thank you" before going back to making my coffee.

He was wearing a grey knit sweater that made the colour in his cheeks stand out; black skinny jeans and a pair of slightly scuffed brown boots. I felt warmer just looking at him, his deep, smooth voice echoing through my mind.

After five minutes of waiting for my long awaited Cappuccino, the boy steadily handed me the warm paper cup. Whilst he was reaching his hands out over the counter to grab the money for my drink, I noticed a few tattoos sprinkled on his wrist; there was a small padlock; some zigzags; an anchor; and a few other things I didn't spot clearly; they seemed to be completely random.

I nodded my head to him slightly; thanking him for the drink that I so desperately craved at the moment. He waved his hand to me as I walked out of the café and turned around to look at the recipe sheet again. 

I scurried across the street; rushing to get out of the brisk autumn air that nipped at my now pinkish cheeks. I sighed in content when I read the sign Just Peachy indicating that I had reached my humble little shop from my small journey.

The warmth from the small heater behind the counter made me slightly sleepy as Kate softly hummed a tune whilst she prepped the shop for opening. I brought the warm paper cup up to my lips and felt relieved when the slightly bitter; creamy liquid ran down my throat. The new British employee may be new, but his coffee was delicious.

I contemplated going back to Mel's later in the day, however I was uncertain whether it was to get another Cappuccino or to see the new attractive British employee behind the counter.