Outside Work We... •[TNN One-shots]•

Besties •|| MIA + MARJORIE ||•

Prompt: Mia and Marjorie meet up for coffee.
[AU]

Mia hated mornings.

They were cold, they were early, and worst of all, they dragged her out of the comfort of her bed. But there was one thing that made them bearable: her weekly coffee dates with Marjorie.

At precisely 8:00 AM, Mia stepped into Bean & Brew, the little café tucked between a florist and a used bookstore. The smell of fresh coffee and baked goods hit her, and she immediately spotted Marjorie sitting at their usual booth by the window. Her hair was in soft waves today, framing her face, and she was typing something furiously on her phone, her glasses sliding slightly down her nose.

“Hey, Margie,” Mia greeted, sliding into the seat across from her.

Marjorie looked up, her expression instantly softening. “Mia, my love! You’re actually on time for once.”

Mia smirked. “What can I say? I like to keep you on your toes.”

Marjorie laughed and waved at the barista. “I already ordered your caramel latte. Extra caramel, as always.”

“You’re a lifesaver,” Mia said, shrugging off her jacket.

As soon as the coffee arrived, Mia took a long sip, savoring the sweetness. “Okay, so,” she began, leaning forward. “Tell me what’s going on with Reece.”

Marjorie groaned dramatically, resting her forehead against the table. “Don’t get me started on my husband. He’s on some bizarre organization kick. I swear, if he color-codes one more thing in our pantry, I’m going to scream.”

Mia snorted. “Color-coded pasta boxes? That’s a new one.”

“It’s ridiculous!” Marjorie exclaimed, sitting up and throwing her hands in the air. “But that’s not even the worst of it. Yesterday, he tried to organize my nail polish by shade and brand.”

“No way,” Mia said, choking on her coffee as she laughed.

“Yes! I walked in, and he had little Post-it notes stuck to every bottle,” Marjorie said, shaking her head. “I love him, but he needs a new hobby.”

Mia was still laughing when Marjorie’s phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen and frowned.

“Everything okay?” Mia asked.

Marjorie hesitated for a moment before sighing. “It’s just work stuff. Autumn’s dealing with a particularly difficult parent, and they’re refusing to listen to reason.”

Mia raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you be the one handling that? You’re the manager.”

“Technically, yes,” Marjorie admitted. “But you know Autumn has this guard dog energy. She’s better at scaring people into compliance.”

“Fair point,” Mia said with a grin. “But if anyone can handle a tough parent, it’s you, Marjorie. You’ve got that whole ‘firm but kind’ vibe.”

Marjorie smiled. “Thanks, Mia. You always know how to make me feel better.”

They sat in companionable silence for a while, sipping their coffee and watching the world go by outside the window.

Eventually, Mia broke the silence. “So, Char and I had a… conversation the other night.”

Marjorie’s eyes lit up. “Ooh, do tell!”

“Well,” Mia said, twirling her straw nervously, “she brought up the idea of moving in together.”

Marjorie gasped, clapping her hands together. “Mia, that’s amazing!”

“Is it?” Mia asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love her. But living together is a big step. What if we’re not ready?”

Marjorie reached across the table and placed a hand on Mia’s. “Listen to me, darling. You and Char have one of the healthiest relationships I’ve ever seen. You support each other, you communicate, and most importantly, you love each other. If you feel ready, then trust that.”

Mia looked down at their hands, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Thanks, Marjorie. You’re the best.”

“Don’t I know it,” Marjorie said with a wink.

By the time they left the café, the sun was high in the sky, and Mia felt lighter than she had in days.

As they walked to their cars, Marjorie linked her arm with Mia’s. “Promise me something,” she said.

“Anything,” Mia replied.

“Promise me that no matter what happens, you’ll always tell me everything. Good, bad, or in-between.”

Mia smiled. “I promise.”

“And I’ll do the same,” Marjorie said firmly. “Because that’s what best friends are for.”

They hugged tightly before parting ways, both knowing that no matter what life threw at them, they’d always have each other.