Selected: Cafe
There's a pretty barista working when Lumine comes to a new cafe for her daily morning coffee on the way to work.
From the back of the line, she can't help but stare at the peppy brunette taking the next order with a wide grin and a spring in her step.
"One vanilla chai latte!" She calls, handing a slip off to one of her co-workers before motioning the next person forward, "Hi, welcome! What can I get started for you?"
Lumine frowns, tightening her grip on her purse, squinting to read the name 'Amber' on her nametag.
"Amber." She mouths to herself. How can this 'Amber' person be so energetic and enthusiastic at (she checks her watch) seven-thirty in the morning? It's simply unnatural!
Amber hands another slip off before smiling right at Lumine and motioning her forward. "Next?"
The blonde takes a couple of steps forward, looking at her feet and then back at her.
"Welcome!" Amber chirps, "What can I get for you on this fine morning?"
"There's nothing fine about this morning," Lumine mutters before she can stop herself.
The barista's smile doesn't even falter. "Oh, no, hope things improve for you! Perhaps a drink will help?"
"I don't see how, but okay," Lumine sighs, looking up at the menu, "I'll take a grande vanilla latte."
"You have good taste," The brunette grins, typing it in, "Anything else?"
"That's everything. Thanks."
"A name for the order?"
"Uh, Lumine."
Amber grins and hands the slip off. There's no one in line behind Lumine, so she doesn't have to move if she doesn't want to.
The barista's eyes soften, and she leans against the counter. "Hey, I know it's totally none of my business, but in all seriousness, is everything okay?"
Lumine shrugs. "Is anything ever? Don't worry about it; I'm just tired. And when I'm tired, I'm even more grumpy than usual." She explains.
The brunette smiles sympathetically. "Cheer up. Today will be a great day; I'm sure of it. And you know what?" She reaches into her pocket and fishes out a few dollars, holding them out to Lumine, "The coffee's on me today."
The customer's eyes widen. "Oh, no, you really don't have to-"
"Nonsense! I insist. Here, take it."
"I. . ," Lumine slowly accepts the money and tucks it into her purse. "Thanks. That's very generous, especially for someone you just met."
Amber beams. "It's really no worries!" She glances over at the other baristas and frowns. "They haven't even started on your drink yet."
"You could, but you're too busy flirting with the customer." A barista with a nametag that reads 'Lisa' comments as she breezes by them.
Amber rolls her eyes and huffs. "I'll make your drink then. Wait here."
Lumine grins. "Yes. Thank you."
The brunette winks and disappears into the flurry of working baristas to work on her drink. The blonde sighs, stepping away from the counter and checking her phone for any new notifications.
None.
She sneaks a glance back at the cheerful barista, putting the finishing touches on her drink. What a fascinating girl.
But if she returns to this establishment to get a drink, it won't be because of her, mind you. It's not so she could have another conversation with her or ogle at her. It's simply a lovely cafe, and everything looks really good.
"Lumine?"
The blonde turns to see Amber back at the counter, holding a cup out to her. She reaches out and takes it.
"Thank you."
"Of course! And, um, in case you're interested, I left a little extra something on the side."
Lumine frowns and rotates the cup slightly to see a phone number scrawled on the side, complete with a tiny heart. She looks back up at the barista, who's wearing a sheepish smile.
"If you don't want that on your cup, I can get you an-"
"No, it's perfectly fine," A small grin forms on the blonde's face, "I'll see you soon."
Amber's face lights up. "Y-Yeah!"
Lumine dips her head and turns, making her way out of the cafe, a slight spring in her step.
Maybe being up this early in the morning had some benefits after all.
