Beginning

Chapter one

"Another coffee please." I smile down at Cheryl a regular customer in her older age, probably around my father's age, with grey hairs covering her head.

"Sure thing Cheryl." I pick up her mug from the counter and bring it to the back where we keep the coffee machines and pots.

I think we should bring it up front, but no one else seems to agree with me. The customers don't care, so no one else bothers moving it.

I pick up the coffee pot and pour the coffee into the mug. I place the pot back and bring the mug back to Cheryl. "Here you go." I place the mug in front of her on the counter.

She smiles to me sweetly. "Thanks honey."

"No problem."

The bell dings indicating the door opened. I look up to catch a glimpse of a brown head. A smile creeps it's way back onto my face.

I follow the man to the corner booth I take out my note pad and pen.

He settles himself down before looking up at me. His brown eyes sparkling. "Evening Samantha."

"Evening Winston, will it be your usual order?"

He smiles. "My usual, as always."

I put away the notepad and pen knowing I won't be using it and slip onto the seat across from him. "How are you?" I ask cautiously.

He looks down at his hands. "I'm, well, uh..." He looks back up to me his eyes meeting mine. "Better, I'm better."

I nod. "Better's good."

He chuckles. "Yeah it is."

I smile and reach across the table and squeeze his hands. "I should go bring your order to Peet." I let go of his hands and stand up walking towards the kitchen.

"Hey Peet! Winston's here! The usual!"

Peet's head bobs up into sight, his light brown hair bouncing with the motion. "Will do!" He shouts back before returning to whatever he had been doing.

I smile and look at the door where the new customer has arrived. His black hair stands out in the coffee shop since no one else here has dark hair. His blue eyes scan the cafe till they land on me.

He walks up to the counter and takes a seat his gaze switching to the counter.

He seams very familiar, have I seen him around? His tall figure shows even as he slouches and his size visibly shows even through his oversized hoodie. And not the fat kind of size, the buff and muscular kind.

"Order up!" Peet yells dragging my attention to him.

I smile at him sweetly and take the plate and cup from his hands. Mashed potatoes and taco salad along with a chocolate milkshake. Very odd combination, but it always makes Winston happy so no one questions it.

I make my way to where he's sitting and place the food and drink in front of him. He smiles at me.

His hand lingers on his fork. I grab his hand and squeeze it. "I'll be right back." He nods before looking at his food.

I walk away from him and behind the counter. I make my way to the man at the counter. I take the note pad out along with the pen. I put on a smile and look at him eye to nose. Even though he's sitting, he's still taller than me. I have to glance upwards a little to look at him in the eyes.

"How may I help you today?" I ask him as politely as I can. His towering figure is scaring me a little but I won't show it.

He simply stares at me. As if expecting me to say something.