The Psychology of Falling in Love

XII. November 3rd

I braced myself against the frigid November air. My hair was still slightly wet from my shower, but that was the price I had to pay for academic success. A few weeks before finals, and I was finally fully caught up in all but one class! Even then, my grade in Claire's class was still a high C.

I entered Lakeside Cafe and smiled at the warmth as it enveloped me in a sweet, cozy embrace. The smell of fresh brewed coffee, pumpkin and apple spice, and bread in the oven made me feel the holiday spirit.

"Aria!" Adam and Raine said together.

"Dream team tonight, yeah?" I called back as I moved around the tables to the back room.

While the people at Westwood 91 were like family to me, Lakeside Cafe just felt like home. Plus...hardly any interactions with extremely drunk people. That was always a win...

I fell into the chaotic fold of customer orders happily. The three of us worked together with peak efficiency: Lorraine took the orders, Adam made cold beverages and food, and I did the extensive and hot beverages. The time flashed by.

"Hey Aria, can you take this over to table 12?"

"For sure, Adam," I chirped.

I smiled at the two college-aged students that were bundled with Lakelands Community College swag. "Hi, guys! Who had the caramel macchiato, and who had the flat white?"

I deposited the drinks to their happy owners and moved back to behind the bar. A few more hot beverages came down the line, but none were espresso-based or complicated, so they were cranked out quickly.

"Another delivery," Adam sang, placing two drinks in front of me. "These go to booth 2."

"Got it, boss man," I nodded. I moved over to booth 2, focused on the odd feeling of having a hot beverage in one hand and a cold in the other.

"Who had the small coffee, black with sugar? And the medium iced chai latte with oatmilk?"

"Hi, Aria," a voice I could have gone the rest of my life without hearing, but at the same time missed so desperately, echoed in my soul. "I had the iced chai."

I forced a smile. "Of course. Here you go, Dr. St. James. And that means the black coffee is yours, Dr. Moore?"

"It is, yes. Thank you, Aria," Dr. Moore smiled up at me. "Also, congrats on submitting the last of your overdue work, Miss Erickson."

"Th-thank you," I muttered. "Enjoy your drinks."

The cafe appeared to have hit a slow spot, so I tapped Adam on the shoulder. "Can I go on break?"

"Yeah, sure. Are you good?" He looked me up and down. "You're fidgety."

"Oh, too much caffeine, ha," I laughed.

"Alright...Well. You got 20 minutes, kid."

I practically barreled out of the side door, the cold air slamming into me. I forgot my fucking coat. Thankfully, the thermal undershirt under my uniform shirt would be enough for now. I took in a deep breath of freezing air, wincing.

Carefully, I picked my way to the railing of the deck against slick boards. My hands shook as I lit my cigarette. The clouds in the sky were voluptuous and different shades of gray; the water of the lake was a murky, stormy brown. A perfectly gloomy day.

My fingers were turning pale. I looked forlornly at my partially smoked cigarette, contemplating if it was worth it to stay. Suddenly, my shoulders felt warmth and the smell of baked goods and coffee hit my nostrils.

"You can't just expect me to let you stand out in the cold without a coat," Claire whispered. Her voice caused me to flinch.

"I'll head back in. I asked Raine to give me your coat, we both know you're too stubborn to go back in." I heard her sigh and begin to walk off.