One Cup of You

Part 9

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This is a raw, unedited version of this book. You may see some grammar, spelling and continuity mistakes. One day, I might turn this into a paperback, but for now I just need to share my story !

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The five days between Christmas and New year's Eve don't count. During that time, I do not know what day it is. I do not understand time or space, and spend most of it drunk, eating, or working. Sometimes (and with permission from my loving bosses) it is all three. The shop remained closed for those days to give the employees a break, but I always found something in the office to keep me busy. My goal was simple- finalize everything that needed to be done for our New Year's Eve Party, and survive Boxing Day with my family.

In real life, I wouldn't call myself an excellent host. The only person who really ever comes to my house is Piper, and I just make her fend for herself. At work, I am an exceptional party planner and hostess. After seeing how beautifully McMurphy's had decorated their bar for Christmas, I made it my mission to out-do them for my New Year's Eve event. After collecting the leftover budget from our other parties and squirreling it away in a "rainy day fund" I took the leap and used the unspent dollars on the finest affair for our party, and spent Christmas morning with Piper putting up my fancy decor.

I went for a black and gold theme, keeping it classic and sparkly. Piper and I got through putting up the fairy lights and wall streamers before she tapped out and had to go home to her dog. I was alone in the shop on Christmas day, and I couldn't have felt more at home.

I poured myself a mug of coffee and plopped down on the fat green couch tucked in the back of the cafe, putting my feet up on the old rickety coffee table and looking around to admire my work. Aside from the gentle folk music playing through the shop's sound system and the electric buzz of the fridges and machines, it was completely silent in the store. I seldom got to have moments like this, and when I did, I lavished them.

Any other time I was here, there was always noise. The clatter of dishes, the whirring of espresso being brewed, and the voices of patrons and my colleagues. Even when I was alone in my office, I could hear the distant noises of a busy store from beyond my door. Any time I found a task to do after closing hours, I took it just so I could sit back and soak in my love for the store in the peace.

My mind wandered while I sat, jumping from thoughts about the party, school, my future, and everything in between. Halfway through my coffee and ruminating, I had a brave moment and pulled out my cell phone to text Jamie.

(Me)Merry Christmas. How are you celebrating tonight? I fished.

(Jamie) Bahumbug! I don't like Christmas anymore. Not Celebrating. U?

(Me)At work alone, setting up for Saturday. I threw the bait.

(Jamie) Care for some company? I really wouldn't mind getting out of the house, gives me an excuse to put on pants.

(Me) I'd veto the pants myself if I wasn't at work, tbh. If you come I'll have to put you to work!

(Jamie) I don't mind! I'd offer to bring coffee, but I'm assuming you already have some?

(Me) Lots. And pants. Please tell me you're putting on pants?

(Jamie) Why are you so obsessed with my pants? ;) I'll be there in twenty.

I leapt off the couch and beelined for a mirror. Had I known I'd have a visitor, I may have put more thought into my outfit, but what I had on would have to do. The last time Jamie saw me was the night before; drunk and confused, but probably in the sexiest outfit I'd ever worn.