NEIGHBORS // Rucas

3) Topanga's

R I L E Y

The bakery had always been one of my favorite places, even before my mother owned it. When it was Mrs. Svorski's, she always welcomed my family and friends with open arms, especially my younger brother. I fondly remember the days we'd spend learning how to bake in her kitchen. After she died, my mother was determined to keep the place running as long as she was alive. It was redecorated, renovated, and turned into a modern coffee shop. My friends and I would spend countless hours there doing homework, laughing 'til we cried, or even just sitting in comfortable silence together. Topanga's grew to be a second home to me and it forever became one of my safe places that I could go to if I needed true comfort. My love for Topanga's couldn't possibly grow any stronger.   I think that's why I didn't mind working there for free, I just genuinely enjoyed being there. Though I was known to be clumsy, I wasn't too shabby of a waitress! My job allowed me to work at home, which gave me a lot of free time that I could spend at the bakery.

Katy was out for the day, so obviously I offered to take her place. It was around 4PM and business was slow, as it usually was around this time of day. I noticed that we were running low on some pastries and bread, so I got to work in the kitchen and asked Matt, one of the waiters, to keep an eye on the register. Pulling out my phone and putting on my favorite playlist, I sang and danced along to Barcelona by Ed Sheeran while kneading bread. Maybe I was dancing a little too dramatically, but it was my favorite song and how could I not?

We're going somewhere where the sun is shining bright

Just close your eyes, and let's pretend we're dancing in the street

In Barcelona

I wondered how insane I would look if someone walked in right then and caught me kneading bread and dancing like crazy to Ed Sheeran. I was even doing ridiculous interprative dancing to the sad songs on his album.

A few moments later, I heard the bell at the front desk ring, signalling that someone was asking for assistance. I figured eh, Matt can get it. After hearing it ring again, I quickly covered the bread and put it in the proving drawer to rise overnight. I scratched my face in the process, getting flour across my cheek and on the bridge of my nose. I walked out to the front counter and set up the register to be used.

"Hi, welcome to Top—oh, hi Lucas," I said. I realized that my face was covered in flour and tried to wipe it off, only making it slightly worse. Lucas clearly noticed my sad attempt and laughed, showcasing his pearly white teeth. My face turned a shade of red, but I laughed along.

"Hey Riley, can I get a blueberry muffin and a coffee?" he said. His light brown hair was left swept to the side and he was wearing a simple maroon shirt with the long sleeves rolled up. How could one person look so perfect without even trying?

"Yeah, of course." I turned on the coffee machine and grabbed a paper bag while that was working.

"So do you work here?" He questioned as he watched me collect his order. I leaned against the counter while I waited for his coffee.

"Oh, no. I just like helping out in my free time. This place is my mom's."

"Oh, really? That's so cool, I love it here." He opened his mouth and hesitated before speaking again, "Do you think I can buy you a coffee? Maybe on your break today? I feel like I still owe you after that whole situation in the hallway a few days ago." He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Sure, I'd love to." I smiled up at him. "I'll actually be free once Matt gets back, it's pretty slow anyways. Do you think you can grab a table?"

"Yeah, absolutely." I handed him his coffee and watched as he walked over to an empty booth and took a seat. The thought of an attractive and potentially sweet man waiting for me to join him had my inner teenage girl squealing, much like I did on the outside when I was younger.