Reverse-Harem Cafe!

XLI. Fiance in Disguise

(About a week later)

"Ervin, I need two hot chocolates and a cappuccino for table 7." I read out the order from my notepad. "Oh and a cinnamon bun."

He looks up in acknowledgement and begins artfully crafting the ordered beverages. As I turn away to take another order, I hear him say quietly, "You're pretty pro at this now. Good job." I whip around in surprise. Of all the critiques and half hearted comments Ervin's given me, this was shockingly nice. Of course I don't catch him saying it to my face though; I think that would be kind of a stretch for him. Anyway, it makes me happy to know that I'm not "a noob" anymore. In fact, I've improved so much, that Toby let me deal with orders.

I rush over to table 2 to take the order of three guys from my high school. Guys?? Yeah, surprisingly. We never had much luck with attracting male customers but lately they've been coming in occasionally but not to order anything...

"What can I get for you guys today...hold on...aren't you the kissing booth guys from spring fest?!" I have a near-traumatic flashback of being chased into a classroom by a mob of classmates only to find some guys smearing on lipstick and calling themselves a kissing booth.

"Shhh!" They shush me, "Mae! You're ruining our image." They then glance over at a few girls sitting at a neighboring table who I also recognize as being from my school. Ugh this isn't a matchmaking cafe, jeez.

Guys had found out that girls from their schools had been coming to Lancaster and soon followed in pursuit. So yeah basically they're here to stalk and pick up girls which is very...what's the word....how about... DESPERATE?! ...Although some do come to see Ulrich. Oh the feel when your best guy friend attracts more guys than you.

"Excuse me, I ask again, "what would you like to order??"

"We'll just get a coffee, can you just leave us alone?" They try to shoo me away.

RUDE. I'll definitely have Ervin drop some mystery ingredients into their coffee, if you know what I mean. Besides it's not like they have a chance with those girls since Jacob is with them. As I'm writing down the order, I overhear the girls talking to Jacob.

"Do you happen to have a girlfriend, Jacob?" One of the girls asks hopefully.

Jacob's expression suddenly becomes pitiful, "No but I am waiting on someone I like. It's too bad she's so cold-hearted and likes to watch me suffer."

IS HE KIDDING ME?! He's playing the "pity me I'm a heartbroken guy" card. Oh please.

But, of course, the girls eat it up like candy.

"Awww." They all say in unison, "She doesn't deserve such a good guy like you. Is there anything we can do to help?"

"Aww ladies, you're too kind. Well it would make me happy if you ordered a lot today." He saws sweetly but then looks in my direction with a dirty smirk.

I glare back at his annoying little smile and make a slicing motion with my free hand, implying 'you're dead'. I still have no idea how the hell girls fall for his sugar-coated crappy, sweet talk. But somehow it works, seeing that they're practically ordering the entire menu now. I sigh frustratedly and head back to the counter with the order. It feels oddly empty without Ulrich and Max. This is the first time we've had two employees gone for all the shifts on a Saturday since we usually alternate throughout the day.

As I hand the order to Ervin and Toby, the front door slams open and the bell hanging on the door hinge jingles violently.

"Peasant, where are you??" William enters the cafe in a panic.