Inseparable H.S

chapter one

* Flashback 3/4/22 *
MOLLY'S POV

"It'll be fine, it'll be fine," I mutter to myself nervously.

I slip my white high tops on in a bit of a rush trying to adjust them on my feet. White probably isn't the best color to be wearing as a barista but I'll try my best to be careful with this pair this time around.

Today was my first day of working at my new job after moving to San Francisco and boy, was I incredibly nervous.

Coming from a smaller city, where it's just you, retail stores and the countryside. This one has already shocked me to my core with all of its surprises. Moving into a completely new city was nerve-wracking enough but starting a new job where you completely have to start over? Traumatizing. I've had to take on several jobs throughout my adult life but every time, it's always felt like being a kid and walking into a classroom as a new student. I'm a pretty extroverted person, just not incredibly comfortable at first.

Checking myself one last time in the mirror, I walk out of my apartment and lock the door behind me before walking to my ordered Lyft. I'm still upset about having to sell my car to afford my first month's security deposit and rent here but I'll have to resort to a bike soon- when I make that money for it.

As soon as I enter the Lyft, I try to make a mental note of all the street names I'll eventually have to recognize. On my way, I observe my surroundings. Several people are in bike lanes, riding freely, wind blows on trees and leaves fall briskly.It doesn't feel real. I've only been here for two weeks and I can't help but feel out of place already.

We've entered and pulled into a tiny park 10 minutes later and oh boy.

It's a lot tinier than I thought.

And by tiny, I mean this is almost like a drive-through for humans. Through the glass doors and walls, I can see it's just a bar for people to walk through and in and out of.

In thick letters I notice the front sign which reads:

BREW HAVEN

I make my way inside and up to the counter, a bit unsure of where to go. I'm sure it looks like I'm a lost tourist trying to find my way around.

Behind the counter is a woman with dirty blonde hair, cut into a short shag. She's finishing up a sentence with a brunette-curly-headed man standing beside her as she watches him carefully measure out ingredients for what I'm assuming is a drink. I can only see the back of their heads but as soon as she notices me, she makes her way behind the register, quickly attentive.

"Hi there, what can I get for you?" She smiles, patiently waiting for my response as I take a few seconds to gather what I need to say.

"Hi! I'm Molly. I actually start work here  today," I say. It comes out more like a question as she lets out a gasp and nods.

Immediately, the man behind the counter whom I'd spotted conversating with her, turns to glance at me for a quick second before turning back around.

"Yes, oh my gosh welcome! I'm Cass, we spoke briefly over the phone. I'll let you in around the side door," she says.

Cass. She's the manager who I'd been exchanging emails with.

I follow her instructions, meeting her through the side door as she opens it and allows me to come in.

"Excited to have you here! It's a pretty slow day so you came right at a good time for me to show you around," Cass says.