Under The Tables

Swinging the door open, I hear a slight jingle from the bell placed on the top of the door. It was still early morning. Though I'm not a huge fan of waking up, it was my turn to open the shop today. My manager "insisted"

I work at a Tim Hortons. However, living in a small town with only a small building to work with, it looked more like a small donut shop than it did a Tim Hortons. Though the aesthetic of the store looked cute, so I never complained. Bonus: It was also much easier to clean.

Wasting no time, I quickly connect my phone to the speakers placed around the store. I hear '0X1= Lovesong' play in the background of the store. Satisfied, I sat my phone down, heading towards the windows to open the blinds placed around the store. Sunlight continuously poured in, lighting the store up exposing the cream-coloured walls.

Feeling much more refreshed, I start the coffee machine filling the small space with an earthy, rich aroma. Grabbing the broom from the back of the store, I begin to sweep the floors. After a while, underneath the tables, I notice a black lump crawled up into a ball.

Squinting, I creep towards the strange lump, poking it multiple times with the broom. The fifth time I did, it was more like a jab, causing the "lump" to stir around and let out a groan. I jump back, holding the broom in my hand more like a sword. The so-called lump turns into a human figure, quickly bringing its head up only to hit itself with the top of the table. Another groan escapes its mouth.

"I would appreciate it if you didn't poke me, thank you!" the now visible male states, climbing out from underneath the table.

"Were you sleeping here?" I say, a worried expression painted on my face.

"What do you think, Sherlock?"

*****

Somehow, around 5 minutes later, I find myself making him an iced coffee, specifically our Cold Brew Iced Coffee. The best drink ever created. The velvety smooth vanilla cream added into it makes it even better.

Lightly placing the drink in front of the man, I take a seat opposite to him. Quietly, he eyes the cold brew while glancing up at me twice.

"go on, try it,"

He takes a sip of the drink, eyes widening slightly.

"exactly," I say, giggling. "now you're addicted to it, no going back!"

"you've done something dangerous," he states, sipping at the drink.

"that would be $2.99" I smile

"But we're friends now," he whines.

I laugh and nod, saying it's on the house.

"so... now that we're friends..." he trails off. "can I stay at your place? sleeping underneath the tables at a Tim Hortons isn't the best place to live,"

I scoff, pushing myself up, leaving him to sip on his drink.

"I might just have to call the police for that," I murmur, making my own Cold Brew.