Coffee and Three Wishes (On going-unedited)

Chapter 2

Giselle

"No mom, I don't think I'll be able to make it." I kept my voice in check but that heaviness in my chest didn't lighten up.

"What do you mean you won't able to come over?" Mom screeched through the phone. "Your sister and her fiancé will be here and so should you?"

As I rolled my eyes, words flew out of my mouth before I could stop them, "He hasn't even proposed yet."

"He will!" Mom fumed and her tone changed, "Why do you always have ruin things for your sister?" she carped on dissatisfied, "You don't talk to her. Spout lies about her fiancé. Try to sabotage the wedding that she has always dreamed of. I know you've been always jealous of her but your behavior is just-too-much."

My jaw clenched shut and my hand balled into a tight fist.

Swallowing the dejection her words left behind, I took a deep breath and cleared lump that formed in my throat, "I've got customers waiting, mom, got to go," I lied.

I heard the usual displeased 'tsk' before she abruptly cut off the connection without a 'good bye'.

Dropping my phone in my pocket, I took a minute to press the heels of my palms onto my eyeballs to release the tension that built behind them. A heated growl of frustration echoed in my chest. It took a mountain of will power to not let her words scratch my skin deeper than they had. One phone call from mom was enough to knock all the weirdness that happened last night right out of my mind.

Mike was on his way to take out the trash when I stepped out of the storage room. He took one look at my face and knew what went on. Mike gave me a silent encouraging smile of which returned with gratitude before he carried on with his task.

Putting on my pink, floral rubber gloves, I washed the few remaining mugs and plates used by - what seemed to be- our last customers.

"I guess that's it for today," Mike voice penetrated my thoughts when he saw me standing by the window.

I was checking if anyone was heading our way, but strangely, there wasn't a single soul out there. Usually there would be a few people here and there, but tonight the streets were completely deserted. All I could see was Mr. Wilbur's sign of today's offer, 'Free Coffee for the first 50 customers'.

Does he even make money with all the freebies and giveaways? 'Cause I wasn't giving anything away and barely able to hold it together.

Sighing my defeat, I flipped the sign on the door to 'Close'. "Yeah, I think so."

Then proceeded to put on my jacket and sling my cross-body bag over my head while Mike switched the light off.

"Want me to walk you home?" Mike asked while I locked up the store.

I waved my hand dismissively, "Nah, I'm a big girl. Thanks though. However, you, my friend, need to hurry if you want to catch the bus, unless you want to wait two hours for the next one."

Pulling his phone out to check the time, Mike's forehead wrinkled when his brow rose. Yet he asked, "Are you sure?"

Nodding, I shooed him off, "A hundred percent. Go!"

Mike hesitated, but my scowl helped his decision-making. "Okay then, I'll see you tomorrow." He retreated a couple of steps, "And text me when you get home."

"Yes mother!" I rolled my eyes and then jabbed my chin, "B-bye."

He drew back a few more steps before he turned and jogged in the opposite direction waving good-bye.

The smile I had on my face evaporated the minute I turned around and met with the sight of Mr. Wilbur saying farewell yet to another costumer. I lowered my gaze not wanting to see that smug expression on his face, but the sudden uproar snapped my head in his direction.