Brought together by 13 words.

Ice Cream and Iced Tea

Caidence's POV:

It's been only one day since my encounter with Romeo, and the twelve year-old's words still echoed through my mind, causing a smile to grace my features each time.

I begin to hum a random tune as I start to pick out my clothes for my weekly shift at the coffee shop, mentally preparing myself for the large number of people who were going to be filing in and out in need of ice cream or a cold drink.

I glance at the clock, subconsciously reminding myself that I start at 3:00 p.m and it's now 1:30 p.m.

I go for the monochrome look, wearing black skinny jeans with black sneakers and a black shirt, all of which would go nicely with my tartan work apron . It isn't too sunny so hopefully I won't burn to death.

I realize my mistake as soon as I step out the door, the heat hitting me like a ton of bricks. I shrug it off, placing my headphones on my head and starting to walk, fixing my hair into a messy bun.

I arrive at the shop, pushing the door open and smiling as the aroma of coffee and ice cream reaches my nose. I send a grin to Carly, my best friend, as I slide my apron over my head, tying it in a loose bow at the back. 

"Hey Caidence" Carly smiles, turning the closed sign to show that we are open.

I start to wipe down the tables as I reply, sending her a quick 'hey'. It wasn't that I didn't want to talk to her, it was more the fact that as soon as I step inside the doors, my mind is focused on the sole purpose of making sure all of our customers were satisfied and had quick service.

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A few hours later and I'm practically sweating, the clustered shop seemingly packed with eager people. I smile at a small family as they leave, followed by a group of teenagers, leaving the cramped store slightly less cramped and cooler.

 I wait until the shop's practically empty before I begin to count the money in the register, plastering a smile on face as I hear the bell above the door ring, indicating another costumer. I look up, ready to take an order, my finger hovering above the screen. I freeze at the familiar sight of a young boy accompanied by a younger boy and an older boy, who was currently distracted by his phone.

"We meet again" Romeo smirks mockingly, raising an eyebrow.

"Indeed we do, Mr Romeo" I play along, chuckling. "What would you like?" I ask politely

"Could we please have two peach iced teas and a..." He trails off, obviously forgetting the last thing. He nudges the older boy a few times, his dark hair falling over his eyes before he looks up, flicking it back, blushing.

"Sorry, could I please get a strawberry iced tea?" He drawls, his blush fading.

I nod, keying them in. "That'll be seven pound ninety three" I smile, grabbing the cups.

The youngest, Cruz hands me the money, grinning cheesily. 

"Thank you, this'll be about five minutes, take a seat" I mumble loud enough, feeling awkward beneath their stares.

They sit down as I gather the ingredients, making them up quickly. I place the drinks on a tray, sliding the tray onto the table in front of them.

"Oh, Caidence, this is Brooklyn by the way..." Romeo pauses to gesture towards the oldest who sends me a sheepish wave 

"... and this is Cruz" he finishes, pulling the youngest boy into his side, laughing. 

"Nice to meet you, I'm Caidence" I feel my lips tug up into an involuntary grin

"Oh, trust me. We know who you are" Brooklyn speaks up again, smirking, his brown eyes shining in the sun light mixed with the shop lights hanging from the ceiling.

Romeo blushes and ducks his head as I internally scream, he looked adorable!

I glance around, Carly and Simon, the other two on duty were nowhere to be seen. I furrow my eyebrows slightly, chewing on the inside of my cheek.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I have to go finish my shift" I rush out, feeling awkward yet again without my best friends around.

"But there's nobody in here but us..." Cruz speaks for the first time

"I need to clean the tables" I explain as I head back behind the counter, grabbing a cloth and spray.

They nod in understanding as I spray a small amount on each table, skipping theirs before walking back around and wiping them down, one by one.

I glance at the clock, 5:00 p.m. I smile as I hang my apron up.

"Right on time" I mumble to myself, turning back around and heading back to the boys 

"Well, that's my shift over. I gotta go" I let my hair out as I speak.

"See ya Caidence" Brooklyn smiles as Romeo stands up, hugging me quickly. I wonder briefly if I've seen them before, they look so familiar. I ruffle his hair a bit before walking out, the cool air rushing to greet me

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