Where Hope Is Found

Just Like Magic

 "Charlotte, let me talk to you for a moment after you finish up that order,” Leo said, patting my shoulder and walking towards the back of the shop. His face looked as tired as I had seen it in a long time, so I finished the order quickly and followed his footsteps to where he was standing. He was leaning against the counter with his legs crossed at the ankles, and arms crossed over his chest. He had bags under his eyes that weren’t there the day before, and his shoulders were sagging more than usual. Something was definitely wrong. I wasn’t used to seeing him like this and I didn’t know how to approach it exactly.

“Is everything alright?” I asked, worry apparent in my tone.

“Everything’s just fine. I’m just feeling a bit under the weather so I’m gonna pay a visit to the doc. I wanted to let you know you can close up shop early today in about an hour cause I doubt I’ll be back to do it.”

“What’s the matter?”

“Nothing but a bug I think. Don’t you go on worryin’ though,” he said, smiling through what I could tell he was truly feeling, not well at all. I gave him a look that said I could tell he was a lot worse than he was letting on. “Oh now stop it, I’m fine! I’ll probably go and he’ll give me a shot in the butt and everythin’ will be fine and dandy again. I can’t be perfect all the time, that wouldn’t be fair to the rest of ya.” He laughed, and I hesitantly laughed along with him just for his benefit. I didn’t want him to worry. “There’s one more thing before I go. Do you see the girl sitting at the table closest to the cash register?” I looked over and sure enough there was a girl reading something right where he was pointing. She had short bobbed black hair and wore dark eyeliner. She was actually wearing all black except for her white Keds. I liked those and thought to myself maybe I should get some. Leo cut in on my thoughts, “I’ve hired her on.”

“Wait what? But it’s always been just me and you; I thought we were getting on fine?” I was shocked at his announcement.

“I know that, but I thought it would be good to have someone extra around to help you know? The shop is steadily getting busier every day and it will be a little weight off both of our backs. And don’t even act like you don’t want a little extra time to spend with Harry, eh?” He pushed at my arm with his elbow and winked at me brazenly. He had become very fond of making references to me and Harry’s relationship and it never surprised me when he did.

I sighed, “If you say so Leo.”

“Now go and make friends with her. She’s a nice girl so I’m sure you two will get on just fine.”

“Alright,” I agreed, kind of excited to make a new girl friend now that I considered the possibility. Harry and Leo were great friends to have, but it wasn’t the same as having a female companion. Anne and Gemma were great too but they didn’t come into town much. “What about you?”

“I’m fine!” he said sarcastically. “It’s just a bug.”

“Okay,” I said not buying it, “take care of yourself old man. Go on then, I’ll handle the shop so don’t worry about a thing but getting better.” I shooed him off and waved him on his way. I silently sent up a quick prayer for his health. I knew he was getting older and things like this came with age, but it was just so strange. Leo had been as healthy as a horse since the beginning when we first met, never having to take a sick day. I tried not to worry about it much and began to make my way over to where the girl was sitting still reading the book. As I got closer I saw the cover. It read, Barista for Dummies. I stifled a giggle before I approached her and extended my hand saying, “Hello, I’m Charlotte the assistant manager here. Leo told me you’ll be joining us in the shop?”

She looked up and as I expected her to smile, she didn’t. Her lips were in a straight line and stayed that way while she said, “Kendall. Leo said all I had to do was watch you for the next hour and I’ll start next week.”