The Bakery (Brian Quinn)

1.2

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For the rest of my shift, I've been trying hardest to avoid Brian's existence. But even so, just knowing that he's in the cafe, with me, makes my insides feel so giddy and chocked up.

We did exchange a few looks here and there, nothing really major. But during those small glimpse, I could feel my heart beat 10 times faster than normal.

Oh god. I need to stop. This isn't good at all.

I've never thought I could even let go of Zach until- "Brian" I hear Murr call out, "let's go"

The boys have finished their footage for today. Well at least in the cafe. I can't help but to feel lost. He's leaving. Things are just going to be boring now. Can't they all just stay for a little bit longer?

"See ya" Murr then waves at Angel, Aaliyah and I.

"Yeah bye, thank you for having us" Joe says taking his tiramisu to go.

"Bye guys" Angel smiles brightly.

"Hope to see you back tomorrow" Aaliyah cheekily waves.

"See you" I wave back.

Brian stays silent. He just gives us a quick smile before walking out with the three of them. I slightly frown. Is that it? Just a smile? No words?

"I'll see you around, Aph maybe very soon knowing Athena" Sal chuckles.

"Yeah, I'll see you later" I giggle back. Athena has always been about family after all. It's her number one priority. But I guess that's what she gets for being the eldest.

"It's almost closing time already" Sarah tells us looking down at her rose pink iPhone.

"And so it is" Aaliyah says, her tone of voice was different than Sarah's. It sounded more self aware.

"I'm really not ready for this cafe to close" she then says trying to stay strong.

"Don't remind me" Angel speaks.

"Change of topic but Zach invited me over to his place tonight so I don't think I'll be able to make it to the park" I look over at Angel hoping she won't be mad.

"Yeah, no worries tell me everything that happens when you get home"

-

By the end of my shift, Mr Jelani changes sign from 'yes we are open' to 'sorry we are closed'.

I was just finishing up clean the tables, Aaliyah, Sarah, Miley and the others had already ready left. So it was just the three of us, including Angel.

A man walks into the cafe feeling proud of the atmosphere we have. He looks to be about 6ft, a nearly balding scalp, a slight heavy figure with bright red overalls. He breaths into smell of coffee.

"Sorry we're closed" Mr Jelani says while sweeping the floor.

"No I know, I bought this place"

We all jolt up from what we were doing. I drop the spray bottle, "you bought it?"

"Yes... you may know me I own Cup O' Joe"

I pick up the spray bottle getting back to work. Angel continues cleaning the coffee machine. Mr Jelani notices our actions and clears his throat, "oh"

"So you're going to have two cafe's with the same name?"

The man chuckles, "oh no no, I'm going to make this into an ice cream and pizza parlour"

I look up, I could tell Mr Jelani was upset.

"I'm Bill Harper" he pulls his hand out.

"William Jelani" they shake hands.

"I've always admired this place, sad to see it go"

I take the spray bottle and wipe back to where it belongs.

"Feels like he's mocking us" Angel says coming out of nowhere. I flinch not expecting her to be behind me.

"Yeah... I feel it too" we walk back out. Mr Jelani was still avoiding him as he sweeps the floor.

"I wonder what colour we're going to paint the walls..."

"Can you come back another day?" I ask politely, "we really need to close up"

"Oh okay..." he then smirks cheekily. He had a very bad vibe to him. I look at Angel, she looks at me. We both knew that Bill was doing this on purpose. It's a way to humiliate us.

"See you around, William" he leaves making the bell ring as he opens the door.

"Don't listen to him dad, he just wanted to get a reaction out of you" Angel comes up to him and gives him a hug.

"Thank you, Angel"

He then clears his throat as they break the hug up, "alright, that's a wrap girls"

"I'll close up. I'll meet you at home" he tells his daughter, "and I'll see you tomorrow" he points at me, I nod.

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