Reverse-Harem Cafe!

I. Lancaster Cafe

Hunched over, I slam my hands into my knees in relief and take a second to catch my breathe. I reach into my jacket pocket and pull out my phone, checking the time.

I actually made it on time!

I let out a sigh of relief and wipe the anxious sweat off my forehead.

That's the last time I trust an Oober driver with a new driver sticker on their car. Red does not mean do a donut in the intersection!

Regaining my composure, I finally get the chance to take in the building I'm standing in front of. It's a one floor, brick building that looks like it was built a decades ago but well maintained. The top is decorated with "Lancaster Cafe" in gold, fancy font with a cute logo of a cup of coffee all on a black board. Next to it is a protruding small banner with the same logo, fluctuating with the wind. Under is a black canopy shading the window panels below. I see my faint reflection in the window pane and quickly fix my hair and give my resume a squeeze for good luck.

I open the door and am welcomed by the sound of a ringing bell hanging on the door hinge. The aroma of brewing coffee comes to greet me followed by a tall boy, about my age, wearing a white, button up shirt, brown waist apron and black slacks. His shirt is not buttoned at the top, revealing his collar bone. Covering most of his dirty blonde hair is a black bandana tied in the back. I have to admit, he's pretty good looking.

"Welcome to Lancaster Café." He says with a slight smirk?? I nod at him a bit unnerved.

"U-um thank you." I reply with a forced smile, trying to make a good impression on any potential coworkers.

"How shall I serve you today, princess?" he says with seductive smile, his olive-colored eyes, gleaming under the bright lighting.

Princess? Woah what's with this guy??

"Can I speak with the manager?" I ask, trying to avoid his question. He must think I'm a customer, I better clarify. "I'm actually here for a job in-"

Suddenly he grabs my hand and holds it up to his face.

"Why do you need to see the manager when I'm all you need to see right now."

Before I impulsively kick him in the crotch with my pointy shoes, someone karate chops him on the head. "Stop harassing our potential new employee, Jacob." says a deep voice.

"Ouch, what the hell was that for, old man?" the guy...er I assume his name is Jacob, says as he rubs his head. "Damn, I was just getting to the good part too."

A man, that looks like he's in his late twenties, steps out from behind Jacob. He is wearing the same work attire as Jacob minus the bandana and has wavy blonde hair that resembles ramen. His oblong face is covered with dark beard stubble and his grey gentle eyes look into mine. "I'm Tobias Wells, the manager of Lancaster, but you can call me Toby." He says with a smile and a handshake, "This idiot is Jacob Taedon." he says gesturing at the guy next to him. "You must be Sasaki's daughter. Our boss told us you'd be here looking for employment."

I shake his hand, grateful to him for saving me from being "seduced". "Yes I'm Mae." I say, "I'm here for a job interview." I hold out my resume to Toby. He receives it and takes it out of the yellow envelope. His gaze glides across the page and he nods with a smile.

"You're hired!"

"Wait WHA-?" I gasp in astonishment. "What about the interview and stuff?" Not that I want an interview but this is kind of shady.

"Well the owner of this cafe is good friends with your father. And from what I've heard, you've worked at your family restaurant since you were five correct? I did a bit of research and many of the restaurant's top Welp (yelp) reviews mention you in them. Great customer service and a genuine attitude? Why wouldn't we hire you." I didn't even know our restaurant had a Welp.

"Thank you so much! I'll do my best!" I reply gratefully although I had spent the ENTIRE night looking up interview questions to prep for the job interview I came in for today.

"I'm glad to hear that." Toby says while waving to the back of the cafe. "Hey guys come here and meet your new coworker!"

I look over Toby's shoulder and see a guy with glasses emerge from the back room. He wears the same work attire as everyone else but his shirt is stiffly buttoned to the neck and wrinkle free. He has straight black hair that parts at the side and ends inches above his broad shoulders. His brown eyes glare coldly under his black, top rimmed glasses.

Another guy cleaning tables, folds his towel and makes his way towards us. He has curly auburn hair that accentuates his big sky-blue eyes. He gives off a very youthful aura. Along with the standard work attire, he wears a mustard yellow bandana around his shoulders.

The two employees from the back take their positions next to Jacob and Toby. Now that I look at them together, they must all be at least 6 feet tall and most of them look around my age except Toby who looks a decade older.

"Hello, my name is Ervin Baites. Don't hesitate to ask for help. We don't need a noob slowing down business." says the guy in glasses. ...Is it me or is that guy rude?! 

"U-um thanks, I will." I say with a smile despite wanting to flick his glasses off.

The other guy steps forward enthusiastically and introduces himself. "And I'm Maxwell Porter but my nickname is Max! I look forward to working with you."
I smile willingly at him, "Same to you!"

Jacob, awkwardly scratches his head, "Since the stupid old man stole my lines, I'll reiterate. The name's Jacob."

He grabs my hand once again. "I hope we get to continue where we left off." He says with a flirtatious grin. I shake off his grip. Ew.

"What did you call me? You're lucky I haven't fired you yet." Toby mutters, clenching his fists. Then he turns to me, his disgusted expression turning into a kind smile, "When can you start, Mae?"

"Oh as soon as possible!" I reply. I need food immediately and food needs money!

"Great! What about now?" He says and pulls out a short apron and white dress shirt from behind the bar. He tosses it to me and I catch it easily. "The locker room is in the back, second door to the left."

As I make my way to the back, I notice how nice the interior of the cafe is. There are at least ten round, wooden tables covered in white, laced table cloth and surrounded by dainty black metal chairs. There is a lot of sunlight streaming in from the windows behind black curtains. Hanging paintings and air plants decorate the walls along with fancy lamp fixtures. On the opposite side is the counter where there are several coffee machines, blenders and other cafe essentials. A refrigerated display case full of delicious pastries sits next the counter. Behind them is a smaller counter and shelves full of coffee mixes.

I can already feel myself settling in and the best part is FREE FOOD (AND FREE EYE CANDY)!

( weeee~ this is my second story on WP and I like where this one is going. The first story I wrote was getting really depressing so I'm making this one upbeat and cute ^^ well hopefully haha. I think I'll insert some anime references here and there. Thanks for reading! )