"I know how to make a cup of coffee, love." Did I really just say love? Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
"Well, if you're so good at it, serve me, pretend I'm the customer and serve me."
"Game on, loser." Loser? Really? Stupider. Stupider. Stupider. "Hi welcome to The Weathervane what can I get for you?" I plastered on my most sincere smile.
"Yeah, I'd like a flat white, creamer instead of milk, one pump of caramel and one pump of hazelnut."
"This is an insult," I mutter "honestly." The trick with different kinds of coffee is that it's all in the milk, the foam - coffee ratio. So, I use creamer instead of milk, one pump of caramel and one pump of hazelnut, and my secret ingredient... a pinch of sat. At this stage my hair is already tied up in a messy bun with my bangs tucked behind my ears, occasionally, falling out and covering my face.
"Your order is ready, how about next time you give me something harder." I slide the cup to Tyler, and he slowly takes a sip. His eyes widen. "What? Is it not good?" I ask surprised.
"Are you kidding me? Quite the contrary. This is the best thing I've ever put in my mouth. I dare say it's even better than the ones I make." I smile a sense of relief washing over me.
"Told ya."
The rest of the night was spent making more orders for Tyler, and him teaching me "Cafe Etiquette" as Tyler calls it, and where to clean, when to clean and how to clean it. "Look, Tyler, as fun as this is, I should probably head back, I don't want my roommate to worry." Truth is I didn't care if Enid was worried or not, I just knew that we were drifting dangerously close to cleaning the toilet and if I have to do that I might simply perish.
"Where do you live? Wait- No- That sounded so creepy. You know what I meant." I don't if I was tired or just plain delusional, but I giggled.
"Yes, I know what you meant. I live about 20 minutes away if you walk. And if I remember correctly, it was a 6-minute drive. It's hidden in the woods somewhere, it's fine, I've got gps I'm sure I'll find it."
"Do you want me to drive you there?"
"Nah, I'm sure I'll find my way thank you though."
"Maybe I wasn't making myself clear, I am going to drive you back, I'm making sure you get there safely, not a chance in hell am I letting you walk alone around the wood at night. Do you know how dangerous that is?"
"Tyl-"
"No. I'm driving you there end of story."
"Thanks."
~ In the car
"Just type in the address." Tyler handed me his phone, lighting up the car with its bright light. I was riding shot gun in Tyler's matt black Jimney, I typed in Nevermore's address, hoping that he doesn't notice it, though I realize eventually he will.
"There you go." I say as I hand it back to him. He sets the phone up where he can see it, I look at him as he does this, my eyes move up to his face, examining him in the horrible lighting of the car that he somehow still managed to look good in.
"What?"
I smile repeating the words that he told me once before. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing."
And we're there. That quickly. Cause it's a 6-minute drive.
"You're an outcast." I internally cringe at the statement. Of course, I am aware that I am one and I'm not necessarily embarrassed about it, it's just an uncomfortable topic.
"That is correct." I answer fidgeting with my hair tie. "Thanks for dropping me off."
"Yeah, of course, anytime."
I hop out of the car and try to run inside without it looking like I'm trying to get away from Tyler, even though I am. I really hope Enid's asleep hopefully I can get a peaceful night. Turns out that's the exact opposite of what I got.
"I have questions."
"Of course you do." I mutter under my breath.
"What was that?"
"Nothing Enid, but it's 1am don't you think this can wait till tomorrow, or later, whatever?"
"Absolutely not."
"Figures. Fine just let me shower then we can talk."
