Fatal Attraction

Chapter 6

"Jauregui, you're late!"

John, the manager of the Starbucks closest to the NYU campus, wasn't in a good mood today, and the fact that Lauren was late wasn't helping.

She rolled her eyes. "John, I love you, man, but dude.. It's 3:05."

"I don't really give a flying fuck what time it is. The point is that you're late," he replied angrily. "I don't have time for you smart ass college kids who think they can get away with murder. Not in my store."

Lauren scoffed. "Listen, I'm sorry that I'm five minutes late. Really, I am. My professor held me up for a few minutes after class."

Then, she surprised her manager by getting closer to him.

"But I'm not just a normal smart ass college kid. I need to pay my bills and support myself. However, my education comes first."

Then, she wrapped her apron around her, and went behind the counter like nothing had happened.

For a moment, Lauren almost felt guilty about lying to John's face about why she was late, but remembered that she would rather lie and get paid, then tell the truth and get fired.

John's jaw dropped, but he didn't say anything further. Even though Lauren wasn't the most reliable, she was most certainly the most hardworking.

Lauren had started working there the same day as her college orientation. John saw that she was in desperate need of money, and also noticed her drive and dedication, and hired her on the spot.

They may argue a lot, more often then most people, but she worked hard, and didn't take any crap from anyone. She reminded him of the way he was when he lived on this own.

Therefore, he let this one slide.

Even though Lauren always complained about work, deep down she loved it. Everything about the city intrigued her, but it was the people more than anything else that interested her.

Lauren always took some time to talk to the customers. She made friends regularly at the store, and loved getting to know people's stories.

The green-eyed girl would always go out of her way to compliment the older women who came in, and to harmlessly flirt with the old men who came in for their regular espressos. Other people referred to Lauren as a charmer, but she enjoyed knowing that she made people's days.

About halfway through her shift, she noticed an extremely attractive girl walk through the door, talking on her cell phone. Even though Lauren was taken, she was still allowed to look.. Right?

The girl had dark skin, a perfect complexion. She had beautiful brown eyes, and full lips. She was in a leotard with a sweater wrapped around her face; it was clear that she was coming straight from dance class. Even though it was clear that she was sweaty and exhausted, she still resembled a Victoria's Secret model.

Damn.

"Hi, can I have a chai tea latte with two sugars, please?" The young dancer asked, looking flustered.

"Absolutely. Can I have your name, please?"

"Mani," the girl replied. "Well, Normani. But I figure Mani is a lot easier to spell, am I right?" She giggled. "I'm sorry, just one second, please."

She rolled her eyes, clearly frustrated by whomever she was on the phone with.

"Dinah, I.. Yes, girl, I get it.. No, I haven't heard from her.. Dinah.. Yes, I understand that you're worried.. Dinah, she's an adult.. Yes.. DINAH WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM STARBUCKS?!"