Where Hope Is Found

Let's Move

 "Why can’t the flower ride his bike?”

“I don’t know. Why Harry?”

“…because his pedals fell off!” This was followed by hysteric laughing from both ends of the phone, which in turn was followed by many strange looks from multiple customers in the coffee shop. Harry had called me during my break and I was in the corner listening to a long list of ridiculous jokes. Tears were in my eyes, but only because he thought they were actually funny and it made me laugh that much harder. I couldn’t keep myself composed.

“Okay, okay here’s another one.”

“Oh my goodness Harry, really how many have you got? Where do you get all of these, candy wrappers?”

He gasped, “Of course not! I’m just talented. I thought that was a given?”

“Okay let me have it,” I said giving in with a smile. It was official, he was a cupcake.

“Why did the baboon say to the giraffe, ‘Why the long face?’”

“Why?”

“…because he thought his neck was his face!”

It literally took all the strength I had to not bust out laughing. “Harry, that was a terrible joke.”

I could hear him smirk on the other end. “Everyone’s entitled to an opinion.” Then I heard him mumble, “…it just so happens that yours is wrong…”

Just as I was about to say something extremely sarcastic in response I heard Leo call me back from break. “Harry I’ve got to go, Leo’s calling me back to work and we’re swamped today.”

He sighed and I couldn’t help but blush. He was absolutely adorable. “Text me later then?”

“I promise I will,” I said, looking over at Leo behind the counter waving at me almost hysterically now.

“Bye love,” I heard him say and hung up the phone, sliding it into my front apron pocket. As I began to make my way back to the counter I thought about this past weekend. Harry had been true to his promise of calling and texting me more often. In fact, he had surprised me completely by texting and calling every day. Saturday, Sunday, as well as this morning I woke up to good morning text messages. He called me during my breaks like he had just done. Even if it was only to tell me dreadfully bad knock-knock jokes it was still very charming. His effort made me feel on top of the world.

“Sorry to interrupt your conversation,” Leo said as I rounded the counter. “This place seems to only be getting busier by the minute.”

“I’ve noticed. Leo, don’t you think maybe we should hire more staff? I feel like this crowd is a bit much for just two to handle.”
“That’s why I waved you back from your break a little bit early, there’s something I need to talk to you about. The shop has been getting really great reviews from everyone in town. Even tons of city folk have been traveling out just to come here.” I nodded, already knowing this. During rush hour there would even be a small line out the door. Leo surprised me though and said, “I’ve noticed things between you and Harry are getting’ pretty serious, huh?” I just blushed and smiled at the ground. “Yeah I know. I also know your dream Charlotte, and the income you get from working in this little ole shop isn’t enough to finance that.”

“Leo where are you going with this?”

“I’ve gotten a request to move the shop into town, downtown London to be more specific. There’s a venue opening there and I’ve decided to take it. They’re actually paying us to move and invest with their company.”