When in New York

Chapter I

Walking down the street, wrapped in my warm, cozy red scarf, I watched as people walked past me. Some rushing and out of breath, some walking slowly and enjoying the crispy air on a Thursday morning. Personally, I was keeping a quick pace, hoping to get to the store in time and not be late yet another day. But, people were catching my attention; the little kid who's full of joy because of the holidays coming up, the elder couple who were holding each other's arms and the woman on her cellphone who seem pissed and freezing at the same time, they all had something in common, something that I was needing - something to look forward to.

I closed my eyes, breathing the fresh air in and out and pushed the door opened to the Kelsey's coffee shop. The warmth and the sweet smell of fresh-blended coffee, with hints of vanilla and caramel hit my senses as soon as I walked in. I could hear the sweet laughter of people enjoying themselves and the first, morning coffee, as I walked up to the counter and got out of the heavy coat and took my red and white apron from the shelf.

"You were almost late, Kat. Be glad Kelsey isn't here yet." Dennis barked, as soon as I got my hands in the freshly blended mixture of coffee beans.

"I know, I am aware I've been late a lot lately. I just hate morning shifts." I added, as I welcomed my first customer of the day. " A hot chocolate coming your way sweetheart."

I caught Dennis rolling his eyes at me. "What? You know I hate mornings in general. I've never been in a first period at school, I've never arrived at morning job interviews... Goddamn that burns!" I yelped in pain, as I spilled hot milk all over my hand.

"Are you okay?!" he stormed in my direction, making me go by the sink and hold my hand under cold water. "I've told you a million times you have to be careful. It's a hot drink you're making, not an iced cocktail!"

"I know Den, but I am still trying to learn, alright. I will get better at it, hopefully not by burning myself again." I noted. He giggled, making me feel kind of better after all the pain I caused my self.

"Just hold it under water, I got customers to take care of." He rolled his eyes at me again and made his way by the counter and took the orders, finishing my hot chocolate one in the process. At this point, everyone's attention was on me, so I saw it as my duty to let them know I was alright. Thinking to myself about how clumsy I can really be, I started organizing some cups, as my hand was starting to feel better.

"I'm going to grab some breakfast, are you alright by yourself?" Dennis questioned, with a true worry eyes looking-self.

"Den, I'm not 5. I learn from my mistakes" I stated, as I was still feeling some pains but was too proud to admit.

"Yeah right, don't lie to yourself." He argued, taking his coat off the hanger. "Stay in one piece, kiddo."

I couldn't help but giggle at his comment, he was always cheesy.

"Um, excuse me, can I have a flat white coffee, please?" I heard someone order. The first thing that crosses my mind is, sure, be sarcastic to the guy and suggest 'I don't know, can you?', but as I turned around, I got a glimpse of his honey brown eyes and out of nowhere, I was breathless. He was holding a laptop and had a book laid down on the counter. I stealthily caught a glance and it was 'Lolita', the first book I had ever read. The immediate thoughts hit my head 'was he a book junkie', 'did he like to read or was that just for an assignment' and most importantly, 'why was my neck feeling a radiance of fervor'?

Naturally, I kept it to myself and got his order arranged. After paying for it, he left the store and I was left to wonder...who was he and what occurred to me at that moment?