conversations at starbucks

four

The following week, Eloria stepped into the familiar coffee shop and walked straight to the counter. Chad was in today and his smiling face greeted her with a sort of joy that made Eloria feel a warmth spread in her chest.

She smiled back, which caught Chad off guard for a moment. He skillfully managed not to show it and composed himself.

He had never seen her smile ever so genuinely before. It was all half smiles and awkward grins before. But this? All sincere in his eyes.

"Welcome back to Starbucks. What will it be?" he asked, giving her a million dollar smile, with his dimples and all.

"A caramel macchiato, please. Ven-"
"Venti cup, right?" He cut her off, already reaching for the stated cup size.

She nodded slowly and he smiled. He grabbed a black marker and began writing her name, not misspelling it since he'd already memorized it by heart.

Eloria paid the exact amount and then headed towards her usual seat near the window, waiting for her name to be called out.

Just that it didn't.

"Your order." Chad placed the cup on the table in front of her. Eloria looked up at him and he gave her one of his best smiles.

Actually, all of his smiles are perfect. He is perfect, she thought.

"Thank you," she said, smiling back.

"I like it when you smile, Eloria," he winked.

Her mouth gaped slightly as she racked her brain, trying to find the right words to say.
Before she could even utter a single word though, Chad was already on his way back to his station.

Eloria shut her mouth and smiled, shaking her head lightly as she took a sip from her hot drink.