The Barista

Mine

"What are you writing about now?" Abby asks as she rushes by me with her order book. "You know, I could use a little help with these coffee orders."

"They are yours," I say as I try to continue to write. "You are the one getting the tips from it. I just served five people in a row asking for stupid drinks with stupid add-ons and stupid time limits!"

She pauses what she's doing and begins to roar in laughter. "Elle! You are the last person on this planet I'd ever expect to complain about customers and their 'add-ons'. So, tell me. What is going through your mind right now? And what are you writing in that notebook to add to your 'laptop of stories'?"

I exhale an annoyed-sounding breath while fighting to write the next part of my story. "This guy and girl were in line, and she was talking about seeing other people. The guy believed she was cheating on him. But listening to her, she sounded genuinely truthful. She debated and argued about how there was no one else right now. She just couldn't do it with him anymore. And I could feel how she felt and I knew what she meant."

"Because of Jackson?" She asks which sends a fiery anger to burn through me.

"Yes!" I say, trying to remain calm but wanting to punch the counter. "It's been a year since he and I dated, and he still tries to contact me from time to time. It's like he goes off, finds someone to sleep with, leaves me alone for a month or two, and then comes back texting me and begging me to give him another chance. I'm so over him and his stupidity. Not to mention, even if I ever forgave him for cheating, I'm in no space to entertain a relationship right now."

Her eyes wave with curiosity while she tries to make the next drink on her list. "When do you meet up with Liam? His father likes you."

"Today, actually," I say and close my notebook. "After work. And why do you say it like that?"

She shrugs while her lips curl into a smile. "I don't know maybe, because he's unnaturally hot! And for some reason, he likes you. And don't argue that he doesn't. Even his parents noticed the attraction he had with you. If they didn't they wouldn't have said anything when you two were gone at the bathroom...which I want details!"

I shake my head, swallowing that excitement she's sending through me right now. "No details. I'm not even getting into that story. And what do you mean, his parents said? What did his parents say?"

She tilts her head to the side while scooping sprinkles for one of the drinks. Her eyes are deadpan, and her face is expressionless. "His dad is purposely having him meet with you today. His mom said something along the lines of... 'My son hasn't had that radiant look in his eyes since the beginning of the relationship between him and his ex, Sarah.' And then, poof! Like magic, Sarah showed up at the table."

"Hold on!" I say, raising my hand to stop her from saying another word. "His parents think that he likes me. And do they like the fact that he likes me? Even though they are millionaires..."
"Billionaires!" She corrects me.

"Whatever," I say, turning around and leaning against the counter. "Does his dad think that I'm just going to hook up with Liam or some shit like that?"

Her eyes widen with shock. "Did Elle Adams just swear? The girl that never swears...swore?"

I bite back my laugh. "Yes, Abby! I swore. So what? Now back to this...whatever it is we are doing."

She glances at the door, her eyes quickly lighting up like Christmas and she picks up her tray of drinks. "I am going to bring my customers their drinks." She points behind me. "You are leaving work early to go on your date with the man who just walked in."