Memories

She's Not Just a Barista

Joshua

The party is in full swing by the time I get there. Music blasts from a set of speakers in the corner, rattling the windows, and the air is thick with the smell of alcohol and sweat. I weave through the crowd, nodding at a few familiar faces, and grab a beer from the kitchen. It's the usual crowd—people looking to let loose, escape the monotony of their everyday lives. Normally, I'd be all in, but tonight my mind is elsewhere.

Clara.

I can't seem to get her out of my head. Her fiery attitude, the way she doesn't back down even when I'm being an ass on purpose—it's refreshing. She's not like the other girls I've met. Most people either ignore me or try to impress me. Not Clara. She stands her ground, and I can't help but be intrigued.

I'm halfway through my beer when I spot my friend, Tyler, across the room. He's leaning against the wall, talking to a couple of guys I recognize from school. I make my way over, squeezing past a group of people dancing in the middle of the living room.

"Fargo!" Tyler calls out when he sees me, raising his drink in a mock toast. "About time you showed up, man. Thought you were gonna bail."

I shrug, taking a swig of my beer. "Had some stuff to do," I say casually. No need to tell him I was thinking about Clara. He wouldn't get it.

Tyler smirks. "Yeah, like harassing that barista you've got a thing for?"

I roll my eyes, but I can't help the grin that tugs at my lips. "She's not just some barista, man. She's... different."

Tyler raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Different, huh? Is that why you're always hanging around her shop, trying to piss her off?"

"Maybe," I admit, leaning against the wall next to him. "She's fun to mess with. Keeps things interesting."

Before Tyler can respond, one of the guys he was talking to earlier, Brent, pipes up. "Oh, you mean that chick at the coffee shop? Clara or something?" His voice drips with disdain. "I've seen her. What a stuck-up bitch. Acts like she's too good for everyone."

I feel my jaw tighten at his words, but I force myself to stay calm. "She's not stuck up. She just doesn't take crap from anyone," I say, my tone colder than I intended.

Brent snorts. "Whatever, man. She's just a coffee shop girl. I don't get why you're wasting your time on her."

"Maybe because she's worth my time," I snap, surprising even myself. I didn't mean to sound so defensive, but hearing them talk about Clara like that pisses me off. She doesn't deserve that.

Tyler glances at me, a look of curiosity in his eyes. "Wow, Fargo. Didn't realize you cared so much," he says with a smirk. "Maybe you do have a heart after all."

I shrug, trying to play it off, but my grip on the beer bottle tightens. "Just don't like hearing people talk shit about her, that's all."

Brent laughs, clearly not taking me seriously. "Whatever, dude. If you're into prissy, uptight girls, that's your business. But don't expect everyone else to feel the same way."

I feel a surge of anger, but I push it down. Getting into a fight over Clara isn't worth it, especially not with these idiots. "Yeah, whatever," I mutter, taking another swig of my beer and glaring at Brent.

Tyler gives me a nudge, sensing the tension. "Come on, man. Let's not start anything tonight. We're here to have a good time, remember?"

I nod, but my mind is already somewhere else. I don't know why I let Brent's words get to me. It's not like Clara and I are anything serious. Hell, I don't even know if she likes me. But something about the way they talked about her, like she was nothing, really got under my skin.

I push off the wall and start moving through the crowd, needing some air. I make my way out to the back patio, where a few people are smoking and chatting. I lean against the railing, looking out at the dark yard, my mind racing.

I don't know what it is about Clara, but she's different. She's strong, doesn't put up with anyone's bullshit, especially not mine. And maybe that's why I can't stop thinking about her. Maybe that's why I can't stand the thought of anyone talking bad about her.

I take a deep breath, trying to clear my head. I don't know what's going on with me, but I know one thing for sure: I'm not done with Clara.

I stay out on the back patio for a while, letting the cool night air calm me down. The party's still going strong inside, but I'm not in the mood for it anymore. My mind keeps circling back to Clara, replaying every interaction we've had, every word she's ever thrown at me with that fire in her eyes.

I can't help but smirk thinking about her. Clara is fierce, smart, and doesn't let anyone push her around—least of all me. It's refreshing, honestly. Most people around here are so predictable, so easy to figure out. But Clara... she's a puzzle I haven't quite cracked yet, and that makes me want to know more.

"Hey, man, you okay?" Tyler's voice breaks through my thoughts. He's stepped out onto the patio, a fresh drink in his hand and a curious look on his face.

"Yeah," I mutter, straightening up. "Just needed some air."

Tyler nods, leaning against the railing next to me. "Look, about what Brent said... don't let it get to you. You know how he is. Doesn't think before he opens his mouth."

I shrug, still staring out into the dark yard. "It's not just that. I mean, yeah, he's an idiot, but it's more... I don't know. It just pissed me off, you know?"

Tyler raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Dude, I've never seen you get worked up over a girl before. She must really be something, huh?"

I hesitate, not sure how to put it into words. "She's different," I finally say. "She's not like anyone else around here. I think... I think she sees through all the bullshit. And I like that."

Tyler gives a low whistle, shaking his head. "Wow, Fargo's got a crush. Never thought I'd see the day."

I roll my eyes, but I can't help but chuckle. "It's not like that," I lie. "I just... I don't know. She gets under my skin, but not in a bad way."

Tyler grins, clearly enjoying this. "Sounds like you've got it bad, man. Maybe you should do something about it."

I scoff, but the idea lingers. "Yeah, right. Like what? She barely tolerates me as it is."

"Then maybe stop acting like a jackass around her," Tyler suggests, his tone serious for once. "I mean, if you really like her, show her the real you. Not this arrogant, troublemaking act you put on for everyone else."

I stare at him, taken aback by his words. It's not often Tyler dishes out advice like this, but maybe he's right. Maybe I've been going about this all wrong.

"I don't know," I mutter, running a hand through my hair. "What if she just thinks I'm a jerk and doesn't want anything to do with me?"

Tyler claps me on the shoulder, a reassuring grin on his face. "Then at least you'll know. But if you don't take a chance, you'll never find out. And from the way you're talking, I think you'd regret it if you didn't try."

I let out a sigh, nodding slowly. "Yeah, maybe you're right."

Tyler grins, raising his drink in a mock toast. "Of course I am. Now, come on. Let's get back inside and have a good time. Forget about Clara for now. You've got all the time in the world to figure things out."

I chuckle, but my thoughts are still on Clara. Even as I follow Tyler back into the chaos of the party, I can't shake the feeling that he's right. Maybe it's time I stopped hiding behind this tough guy act and let Clara see the real me.

Maybe, just maybe, there's more between us than just banter and annoyance. And maybe it's time I found out.